The beaver was hugely important to Wisconsin during the French fur trade from 1650 to 1850, due to its popularity for use in head wear all over the northern hemisphere. There are many fascinating primary resources and historical articles...

A brief look at the French and Indian War, part of a world war France and England were fighting against each other. See why William Pitt's ideas about the value of the colonies helped turn the tide for the English troops.

French adventurers Pierre-Esprit Radisson and Medard Chouart, Sieur des Groseilliers were the first Europeans to explore the forests of the north, negotiate treaties with the Cree, explore the Mississippi and Missouri and establish...

Nicolas Perrot arrived in Wisconsin in the 1600s as a fur trader and an explorer, claiming much of the land for France. He established trading posts along the Mississippi and strengthened the French position against the Iroquois. A link...

The development of a multi-ethnic society developed in New France. Find out how this happened and what made up the social hierarchy. Primary source documents are provided on this Library of Congress site.

Including two pictures of York Boats, this Manitoba Historical Society web page provides interesting information on the genesis of the York Boat, and how the Hudson's Bay Company employees and agents, familiar with boats used in Orkney...