Pre 1840 HBC Trade Forts

[Cannonball]

So where can I find information on the life and times of people that worked and lived in the few remaining HBC Trade Forts? I'm interested in setting up my persona for that erea and time period. Did they have paid Hunters? What did they wear since they were located within trade forts?

I'm not completely a Period freak but I do try to make my kits as close as possible. I have a T/C Hawken which as I learned today is most likely an 1840's sporting rifle and I like it, so building my persona to my gun and the history of where I live sounds like fun.

[Trois Castors]

If you can get a hold of Puffer, I think this subject is" right up his alley"

[Riley/MN]

Where be that nefarious rapscallion, anyway?

[greyhunter]

Must  still be hibernating, the old grizzzy bear!

[Bigsmoke]

I am thinking that if you were to call or go by some of the historical forts in your area, you might get some info from them.

[Cannonball]

I am thinking that if you were to call or go by some of the historical forts in your area, you might get some info from them.

That's what I'm planning for today and I sent Puffer a Private Message.
Thanks

[pathfinder]

You need to be careful as it sounds like your going to try and build a persona around your T/C.

If that's the case,you need to re-enact a Buckskinner from '76-'84 era! That's 1976-1984!:lol sign  :rotf  

I am NOT a librarian by any streatch of the imagination,but by the time the Plains Rifle was commonly used as a food gathering tool,it was well into the buffallo hunting timeframe. If THAT'S what your going for GREAT! But you stated pre-1840. True,they were around then,but it's like the Smart Car when it first came out. There were a couple around,but they were NOT everywhere. It wasn't untill the 1850's/'60's that the "Plain's Rifles" were prevalant. And the T/C was an amalgamation of bunch of styles.(it's a GREAT gun,awsome shooter,great performer and reliable)

This thread can go a few way's,and you need to decide what to do,if anything about your gun. Youdid say your not a stickler for authenticity,but you still need to color inside the lines. Of course,this is just the opinion of a tired squirrel hunter with nothing better to do right now. Good luck on your quest!

[ManyVoices]

Hey Cannonball,

Are you looking to reenact at Nisqually, or some other place?  I'd check with them to see what they're looking for, and what their criteria are.  I'm active at Nisqually, and have done some stuff at Steilacoom, Langley, Vancouver & the San Juan Islands.  Shoot me a pm for more info & links from me & husband, Patrick.

[Uncle Russ]

That Lady knows of what she speaks cannonball, she may well be the SME (Subject Matter Expert) when it comes to what the HBC did, or did not do,  and she can likely give you the name the ones who were  just there, not doing anything!

Oh! Did  I mention she's a pretty smart Lady, a walking / talking encyclopedia of all things happening before 1840 and likely possesses a few details on later times.

She's a wonderful speaker, if you ever have the opportunity to go to one of her lectures, take advantage of it! You won't regret it!

Plus her husband is a killer cooker with a Dutch Oven! Beaverman ain't all bad,  but that Patrick is the Crown King of Dutch Oven Cooking........wonderful people, they are.

Uncle Russ...

[ManyVoices]

Merciful heavens, Uncle Russ, how you do turn a girl's head!

But, Patrick & I have done a bit of research on the area's history (and are more than willing to learn from folks who know more!), and are happy to share what we've learned, and to gladly point people to folk who know more.  And we're more than happy to introduce new folk to the historic sites we know and love.

Love to you, Uncle Russ, and your Lovely Lady!
-Karen

[Cannonball]

Thanks all. I did go to Nisqually this weekend and I spoke with you briefly ManyVoices. I'll pm you shortly to continue this discussion.

I appreciate the input from everyone. I'm just looking to fit in to the best of my ability without spending thousands of $$$ yet. So I'll use period-esque materials and techniques and have fun while I grow into the hobby. What I don't want to do is be the guy that shows up to a C/W re-enactment dressed as a historically accurate 10th century Viking.

[Sir Michael]

So where can I find information on the life and times of people that worked and lived in the few remaining HBC Trade Forts? I'm interested in setting up my persona for that erea and time period. Did they have paid Hunters? What did they wear since they were located within trade forts?

I'm not completely a Period freak but I do try to make my kits as close as possible. I have a T/C Hawken which as I learned today is most likely an 1840's sporting rifle and I like it, so building my persona to my gun and the history of where I live sounds like fun.

In response to the part of your initial question about hunters, you first have to understand how the Company operated.  From Fort Vancouver each year two expeditions were sent out.  One went west into the Snake country the other went south.  Each expedition consisted of an array of personnel some of whom took their families with them.  Trappers and hunters in each expedition included "engages" salaried company employees and "freemen" freelancers.  

All were expected to dress according to their station in life and going native was frowned on although one on the road the dress standards of the expedition were most likely relaxed depending on who was leading the expedition.  

As for weapons, freemen had to provide their own as they did everything else they took with them.  The most common weapons on expeditions would have been NW Trade Guns since they were versatile shooting either ball or shot.  They would have been either issued to engages or held for trade.  As for guns used by freemen, the inventory of Fort Astoria of equipment turned over to the NWC may give you a few clues as to the types of weapons bought out by the Americans most of whom joined the NWC after the takeover and transferred to the HBC upon the consolidation.  A copy of this inventory is available on-line at the following address:

http://user.xmission.com/~drudy/mtman/manu/astoria/index.html

[Puffer]

I am thinking that if you were to call or go by some of the historical forts in your area, you might get some info from them.

That's what I'm planning   for today and I sent Puffer a Private Message.
Thanks[/quote


 

[Puffer]

Must  still be hibernating, the old grizzzy bear!

[Puffer]

http://www.traditionalmuzzleloadingasso ... age_id=187