The story of Charles Larpenteur is one of relentless adventure and perseverance on the American frontier. A prominent French fur trader, Larpenteur dedicated over four decades of his life to the tumultuous business of the fur trade, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the American West. His extensive career saw him navigating the vast territories for legendary enterprises such as the Rocky Mountain Fur Company and the American Fur Company, witnessing firsthand the dramatic transformations of the frontier.
Born in Fontainebleau, France, in 1807, Charles Larpenteur’s journey to the American West began early. At the tender age of 12, he, along with his family, embarked on the arduous transatlantic voyage, settling in Baltimore, Maryland. This early displacement perhaps foreshadowed a life defined by movement and new horizons, preparing him for the challenges he would face in the untamed wilderness of the western territories.
Early Ventures with the Rocky Mountain Fur Company
In 1833, at 21 years old, Larpenteur left the more settled East, drawn by the allure and opportunities of the West. He made his way to St. Louis, Missouri, a bustling gateway to the frontier. Here, he secured employment with the formidable Rocky Mountain Fur Company, under the leadership of renowned frontiersmen William Sublette and Robert Campbell. This marked the true beginning of Charles Larpenteur‘s immersive experience in the fur trade.
His first major expedition with Sublette and Campbell led him deep into the Rocky Mountains, culminating in their arrival at the storied Green River Rendezvous in Wyoming in July. These annual gatherings were vital social and economic hubs where trappers, traders, and Native American tribes converged to exchange goods, furs, and stories. Following this, Larpenteur played a role in the construction of Fort William, strategically located at the mouth of the Yellowstone River. This fort was specifically designed to challenge the dominance of the powerful American Fur Company, which operated its significant outpost, Fort Union, in North Dakota. This era was characterized by intense competition and rivalry among the major fur trading entities.
Years with the American Fur Company and Frontier Life
The landscape of the fur trade was ever-shifting, and by the winter of 1833-1834, William Sublette had sold his interests to the American Fur Company. Consequently, Charles Larpenteur transitioned to working for this new, dominant enterprise. His primary base of operations became Fort Union, a critical trading post on the Upper Missouri River. Larpenteur spent a considerable portion of his career here, overseeing operations and engaging in the daily intricacies of the trade. His responsibilities also included the construction of other significant outposts, such as Fort Alexander, a vital trading post situated on the Yellowstone River, further expanding the company’s reach.
Life on the frontier, particularly for a fur trader, was not just about commerce; it was also about forging relationships and adapting to new cultures. During these years, Larpenteur married an Assiniboine woman, a common practice among traders that helped foster alliances and facilitate trade with Native American tribes. Sadly, his first wife passed away in 1837. He later married another Assiniboine woman named Makes Cloud, with whom he had five children, demonstrating his deep integration into the local communities and the challenging realities of raising a family in such a remote setting.
Independent Trader and Later Partnerships
By the spring of 1848, after years of service to the major companies, Charles Larpenteur sought a new path, leaving the American Fur Company to become an independent trader. He established trade relations with the Salish tribe near Fort Benton, Montana, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and desire for greater autonomy. This period allowed him to operate on his own terms, engaging directly with various Native American groups.
Around 1850, Larpenteur attempted to settle down, establishing a farm near Little Sioux, Iowa, which he affectionately named Fontainebleau, a nod to his birthplace in France. However, the lure of the fur trade proved strong, and he continued to venture back into the business for several more years, unable to completely sever ties with the life he knew so well. Tragedy struck his personal life again in 1853 when his second wife, Makes Cloud, was killed by hostile Omaha Indians while picking berries on their Iowa farm. This heartbreaking event underscored the ever-present dangers and unpredictability of life, even on the fringes of settled areas. Later, he married an American widow named Rebecca Bingham, and they had one child.
The 1860s saw Larpenteur re-engage with structured trading ventures. In 1860, he became a partner in Larpenteur, Smith & Company, an independent fur-trading enterprise. Due to internal disagreements, the company was reorganized in 1861 as Larpenteur, Lemon & Company. The following year, he joined La Barge, Harkness & Company, continuing his active involvement in the evolving fur trade industry. During this period, his extensive knowledge of Native American languages and customs was recognized, leading him to serve the government as an interpreter. In this crucial role, he played a part in signing several treaties with various Indian tribes, acting as a bridge between cultures and contributing to the complex diplomatic efforts of the era.
Return to Fort Union and Final Years
In 1864, Larpenteur found himself back at Fort Union, this time assuming the role of manager. However, the golden age of the fur trade was drawing to a close, and the fort, a symbol of an era, was soon sold to the North West Company. Following this transition, Larpenteur resigned, marking the end of his long and distinguished association with the large fur trading corporations. He continued his travels across the American West for a few more years, maintaining a connection to the landscapes and people that had defined his adult life.
Finally, in 1871, Charles Larpenteur returned to his Iowa farm for good, ready to spend his remaining days in a more settled environment. He passed away on November 15, 1872, in Little Sioux, Iowa. Tragically, all of his children predeceased him, a profound personal sorrow in his later years. Despite these personal losses, Larpenteur left behind an invaluable historical legacy. Throughout his forty years a fur trader, he meticulously maintained numerous journals and memoirs. These writings provide a unique and authentic first-person account of the fur trade business, offering historians and enthusiasts unparalleled insights into the daily life, challenges, and interactions on the Upper Missouri frontier during a pivotal period of American expansion. His detailed observations make him one of the most important primary sources for understanding the era, underscoring the enduring impact of his extraordinary life.
