The fur trading industry played a major role in the economic and political development of the United States and Canada for more than 300 years beginning in the 1500's. It was one of the earliest and most important industries in North America. It stimulated exploration of the continent and provided a source of income that was important to many early colonial businesses. Because of the fur trade, the native peoples of the continent became involved in a global market for the first time. Native peoples were key to the development and continuation of the fur trade. When they were no longer available or interested in participating, it became harder to keep the fur trade going. As the industry grew, trappers found themselves in a predicament. In order to sell their furs they had to deal with the Hudson's Bay Company at their prices or take the long trek all the way back to St Louis to trade. So in the Summer of 1825, on the junction of the Green River (then known as the Sketskedee) and a small creek known as Henry's Fork, William H. Ashley held the first Rendezvous for trappers. This meant that trappers did not have to travel the arduous journey to St Louis or deal with the Hudson's Bay Company. They traded their furs for cash and goods so as they could get through the coming winter. They would get such things as galetta lead, black powder, traps, whiskey, coffee, sugar, pemmican jerkey, clothing, blankets, horses and mules. Rendezvous was a time to see friends long missed throughout the year and a time of fellowship with a renewal of the spirit for trappers would be out for about 11 months of the year with no or very little contact with other Europeans. Many trappers built up a rapport with some Native American tribes, learning from them and on occasion living amongst them.

Voyageur is the French word for traveler. But in the Fur Trade Era, it referred to a group of men employed by the various companies who acted as canoe paddlers, bundle carriers, and general laborers. The majority of voyageurs were French or French/Canadian, there were those who were British, German, African, Russian and persons of all the Native American Tribes with which the company did business. Many in the beginning of the fur trade were Iroquois and Ottawa.

The 1800's were a pivotal time in North American history. As a result of this people have an interest in this period. Historical re-enactments are often held these days which portray this area in history. People come together and recreate the era and lifestyle of that period. It brings together friends and people from all over interested in the era. It is not uncommon to find traders, games, dances, workshops, story telling and both live and static displays. The camaraderie that develops between participants rekindles the soul. It's almost like stepping into a time machine … from today's electrical and technological orientated society, back to the days of candle light and story telling.