The Economic Life of Mountain Men: Fur Trapping & Trade in the American West

Mountain men, also known as Rocky Mountain Men, were fur trappers and traders in the American West in the early 19th century. Their primary source of income was derived from the fur trade. They would trap and hunt various fur-bearing animals, including beaver, otter, muskrat, fox, and bear, and sell their pelts to fur companies. The fur companies would then export these pelts to markets in the United States, Europe, and China, where they were used to make hats, coats, and other clothing items. Mountain men would also trade furs with Native American tribes for food, supplies, and other goods. In addition to the fur trade, some mountain men also engaged in other activities, such as mining, guiding, and farming.