The North American Fur Trade

The North American Fur Trade was fueled by the Top Hat, originally made from Beaver Fur.  Beavers were already near extinction in western Europe by this time.  And in North America the Beaver was driven almost to extinction.  Saved only by the silk trade, replacing fur with silk in Top Hat manufacture.  You can find a list of Colorado Trading Forts here.

Exterior (above) and interior of the Turret.

This was our First visit to Fort Lupton, and upon reflection, it seemed like B&W would be more appropriate.  So on our Second visit we shot T-Max 400.  I need to scan those.  So we'll take a look at those next week.

Fort Lupton: Part II

We were attending an open house at the Fort, so there were demonstrations, a Trapper's camp and re-enactors  We actually were so impressed that we joined the Historical Society and talked to the re-enactors about the various costumes and options for participating.

In the Background you can see the Trading Entrance described yesterday.

Lancaster Lupton's 2-story home inside the Fort.

Welcome to Fort Lupton

Starting off the month with a Visit to Fort Lupton, one of many 'Trading Forts' along the Missouri River and it's tributaries. Lovingly and authentically restored by the South Platte Valley Historical Society.  Welcome to Lancaster Lupton's trading post founded in 1836.

 One of these days I'll remember to use my lens hood to avoid sun flares.......

This is actually not the Trading Entrance pictured above, but a side entrance.  

Below is the Trading entrance seen from the inside.

This was a double gated portico of sorts, where Native Americans were permitted to trade, without having access to the secured part of the Fort.