Traders

Have you ever traded lunches with someone else in your class? At Bent's Fort people traded different goods just like you trade with your classmates. Traders came from Independence, Missouri with large wagons packed with trade goods. They brought these goods West in the hope of trading with the plains Indians, mountain men and Mexicans.

Buffalo Robe & Steel Knife

The plains Indians traded buffalo robes in exchange for things they wanted. Traders brought metal items to the Indians. They often traded buffalo robes for steel arrowheads or knives. They also traded for colorful decorative goods such as, glass beads, abalone shells, and peacock feathers.

Beaver Pelt & Wool Blanket

Mountain men brought beaver pelts to the traders who would take them to the Eastern United States where beaver top hats were made. In exchange for the beaver pelts the mountain men would receive blankets, guns, tin pots, animal traps and anything else they needed for survival in the mountains.

Barrels of Goods

Mexican traders brought food items such as, beans, rice and chili peppers. They also brought traditional woolen blankets called Jergas. Mountain men often traded for the food and jergas.

Continue the trail..