Coureurs de Bois: History and Significance of North American Fur Traders

The term "coureurs de bois" (meaning runners of the woods) was initially used to refer to independent French colonists who travelled long distances into the North American wilderness in the 17th and 18th centuries. These individuals were mainly engaged in the fur trade and often navigated through unexplored interior areas, establishing trade connections with indigenous communities. As time passed, the term "coureurs de bois" became synonymous with those who defied or disregarded authority figures or government regulations, particularly in the context of the fur trade.