What are the coureurs de bois known for?

Coureurs des bois were itinerant, unlicenced fur traders from New France. The independent coureurs des bois played an important role in the European exploration of the continent. They were also vital in establishing trading contacts with Indigenous peoples.

What is the difference between a voyageur and a coureur de bois?

Voyageurs were the canoe transportation workers in organized, licensed long-distance transportation of furs and trade goods in the interior of the continent. Coureurs des bois were entrepreneur woodsman engaged in all aspects of fur trading rather than being focused on just the transportation of fur trade goods.

How many miles did Voyageurs have to carry goods from Grand Portage?

Each voyageur carried two or more packs and walked at least ½ mile (. 8 km) over a trail. If the portage was longer, they would put the bundles down and go back for another load. Each man had to carry from six to eight bundles on each portage.

Who were the three key players in the fur trade?

Explorers Alexander Mackenzie, Simon Fraser and David Thompson (all employees of the NWC) began the fur trade in British Columbia. In 1821, the North West Company merged with the stronger Hudson’s Bay Company. George Simpson, the governor of the HBC’s trading territories from 1826 to 1860, made the company very rich.

Who were couriers Dubois?

The coureurs des bois (or coureurs de bois), translated as wood runners or runners in the woods, were travelling, unlicensed fur traders in New France between 1650 and 1700. They primarily sought fur from beavers, but also foxes, otters, ermines, muskrats, deer and moose.

What did the fur traders wear?

“Buckskin coat and leggings, and wearing a cap of coon fur with the tail attached.” Voyageurs and coureurs des bois wore similar clothing, for the most part. Their fashion choices separate overtime namely because the coureurs des bois were no longer around and the trading companies took over.

How did the coureur de bois travel?

They traveled extensively by canoe. Coureurs des bois lost their importance in the fur trade by the early 18th century.

When did the coureur de bois come to New France?

The coureurs des bois (or coureurs de bois), translated as wood runners or runners in the woods, were travelling, unlicensed fur traders in New France between 1650 and 1700.

How much did the voyageurs get paid?

The wintering voyageurs were paid once a year at Grand Portage, but they were paid in goods or in vouchers for merchandise from the company-run story. Because of the inflated prices at Grand Portage, the pay was worth only two-thirds of what it would have been in Montreal.

What was life like for the voyageurs?

They were strong and healthy men who could withstand harsh weather conditions and maintain a very fast paddling pace. The route from Montreal to Lake Superior and back would take 12 to 16 weeks. The men paddled from sunrise to sunset, heaving back-breaking packs of trade goods and furs over grueling portages.

How many beavers were killed in the fur trade?

Others prefer dynamite. Two hundred plus years of the fur trade killed off beaver populations—40 to 60 million beavers basked in North America in the 19th century before hunters massacred them for hats and perfume.

How much was a beaver pelt worth in the 1700s?

The Prices of Parchment and Coat Beaver From 1713 to 1726, before the carotting process had become established, coat beaver generally fetched a higher price than parchment beaver, averaging 6.6 shillings per pelt as compared to 5.5 shillings.

What is the significance of the coureur des Bois?

Coureurs des bois lost their importance in the fur trade by the early 18th century. Yet, even while their numbers were dwindling, the coureur des bois developed as a symbol of the colony, creating a lasting myth that would continue to define New France for centuries.

Why were the coureurs des Bois considered outlaws?

Unlike voyageurs, who were licensed to transport goods to trading posts, coureurs des bois were considered outlaws of sorts because they did not have permits from colonial authorities. The independent coureurs des bois played an important role in the European exploration of the continent.

How many coureurs des bois were there in 1660?

During the mid-1660s, therefore, becoming a coureur des bois became both more feasible and profitable. This sudden growth alarmed many colonial officials. In 1680, the intendant Duchesneau estimated there were eight hundred coureurs des bois, or about 40% of the adult male population.

When did the Voyageurs eclipse the coureurs des Bois?

From 1681 onwards, therefore, the voyageurs began to eclipse the coureurs des bois, although coureurs des bois continued to trade without licenses for several decades. Following the implementation of the congé system, the number of coureurs des bois dwindled, as did their influence within the colony.