A Chronology of the American Fur Trade

A Chronology of the American Fur Trade

Volume 1: Beginning to 1820

Volume 2: The Golden Age 1821–1849

By Alex Miller

Illustrated by Rex Allen Norman

Vol. 1—52 pages, Vol. 2—39 pages, softcover: $12.00 each, postpaid

Reviewed by Bill Scurlock

If you are like me, you’ve read lots of good books over the years on the American fur trade. You’ve cataloged lots of facts in your brain, but it’s difficult at times to arrange these tidbits of information in a logical chronological order. Of course, it’s also easy to forget significant events as well. The same thing has happened to Alex Miller and he decided to do something about it. Hence, he wrote A Chronology of the American Fur Trade.

Miller’s Chronology is a lot of fun to read. I found myself continually smiling as I recalled stories and events triggered by Miller’s entries. Volume 1: Beginning to 1820 literally starts at the beginning, since mankind has always used and traded animal furs and skins. He then sets the stage of the fur trade in America with short entries about European events that shaped the world in preparation for the discovery of the immense source of wealth to be found in North American furs. Once the American fur trade takes hold, the entries for each year grow longer, containing more information about the people and the events.

Not only are Miller’s entries enjoyable, but he also got Rex Allen Norman to illustrate the books with copious sketches of characters and artifacts of the fur trade. As usual, Rex’s sketches are excellent and a nice addition to the text. Miller has written several articles for MUZZLELOADER, including one that appears in this issue. He is a proud member of the American Mountain Men, having recently completed the last of his requirements to become a “bossloper” in the Barren River Party.

Both volumes of A Chronology of the American Fur Trade will compliment your library of fur trade books. At only $12.00 each postpaid, they are an affordable resource every enthusiast should have. You can order these directly from Alex Miller at 4510 Greenhorn Road, Yreka CA 96097.