Fur Trade

Canoeing to Grand Portage

Starting in the 1680s, the fur trade became a major part of Wisconsin’s history.  By the beginning of the 18th century, the fur trade was well established in Wisconsin and fur posts (and military forts) were scattered across the entire state. After the fall of Canada to the British in the Seven Years War, Wisconsin becomes British (Brits were already heading into the western Great Lakes by 1760).  Inspite of British rule, the “French” in Wisconsin remain virtually unchanged. They continued their lives as fur traders, voyageurs, interpreters, guides, and etc.  Although the fur companies now had British owners, the majority of the workers were still French-Canadians.