What purpose did the rendezvous serve for trappers?
The rendezvous served two purposes: celebration and business. For the trappers, the former was very important. For the traders, the latter was definitely most important. For their furs, the hired or company trappers received supplies for the following trapping season, perhaps some luxuries such as tobacco and alcohol.
When was the last mountain man Rendezvous?
1840
Rendezvous reincarnated. The last Rendezvous of the old mountain men occurred in 1840. However, the tradition lives on in a number of annual 21st century Rendezvous held in different places. Pinedale has its annual Rendezvous in early July.
How long did Rendezvous last?
about two weeks
The rendezvous in general were pretty wild. Most were held in the valley of the Green River, in what’s now southwestern Wyoming, and lasted about two weeks. Besides the trading, there was a lot of socializing to do.
How long did rendezvous last?
What was the great rendezvous?
The annual Great Rendezvous at Fort William epitomized the success of the North West Company. In their pursuit of fur, the Nor’Westers established an ambitious transportation network spanning the entire country.
When was the last major rendezvous held?
The last rendezvous was held in 1840. Of the 15 annual meetings held, eight of the Rendezvous took place at a Green River site and five convened near the junction of Horse Creek and the Green River. Today, the main Rendezvous site, located near Pinedale, Wyoming is a National Historic Landmark.
What did the fur traders eat?
Hearty proteins such as bison, beef and mutton were also popular staples, complemented with butter, cheese and bread. In addition to stiffer drinks, coffee became a favorite fur trade era beverage because its caffeine brought renewed energy to travel-weary traders.
When was the last major Rendezvous held?
Who organized the first rendezvous?
It all started in 1948. At the time, Charlie Vergos co-owned a meat and three restaurant called Wimpy’s with his brother-in-law. But they didn’t see eye to eye on everything and Charlie decided he’d move into the basement and sell ham sandwiches and beer. He called the place the Rendezvous.
What did fur traders drink?
In addition to stiffer drinks, coffee became a favorite fur trade era beverage because its caffeine brought renewed energy to travel-weary traders. Similar to trading post meals, it was also customary for Indian tribes to provide feasts for arriving traders and their crews.
What did trappers eat?
When food was scarce, as the trappers said, “meat was meat.” By this they meant that in hard times they would eat just about anything. This included beaver, rabbits, and other small animals. In really hard times, the trappers ate their own pack animals, and in some cases even their own moccasins.
What food did fur traders eat?
Did mountain men drink alcohol?
Large profits were assured through use of alcohol prior and during trading with the fur gathers, whether they were free trappers, company men or Indians. Alcohol packed to rendezvous was extremely high proof.
Do fur trappers eat the meat?
Some fur bearers are edible, with lynx, muskrat and beaver commonly eaten. Muskrat and beaver meat are used as trapping bait, too. Furbearer teeth are used for jewelry.
Where was the last fur trade rendezvous in the Rocky Mountains?
The last of the Rocky Mountain fur trade rendezvous was held in the Green River Valley of Wyoming. Andrew Drips, Jim Bridger, and Henry Fraeb led the caravan for the 1840 Rendezvous. Leaving Westport on April 30th, 1840, it was the last fur trade caravan to the Rocky Mountains.
When did the rendezvous with trappers begin?
This system of rendezvous with trappers continued when other firms, particularly the American Fur Company owned by John Jacob Astor, entered the field. These annual gatherings were held at various locations beginning in 1825.
What was the Rocky Mountain Rendezvous?
The Rocky Mountain Rendezvous was an annual rendezvous, held between 1825 to 1840 at various locations, organized by a fur trading company at which trappers and mountain men sold their furs and hides and replenished their supplies.
What is a fur trading rendezvous?
The fur trading rendezvous are celebrated by traditional black-powder rifle clubs in the U.S. and Canada. These events range from small gatherings sponsored by local clubs to large gatherings like the Pacific Primitive Rendezvous, the Rocky Mountain National Rendezvous, and others.