Competitive Struggle recounts the 101-year history of America’s western fur trade. From the founding of Saint Louis in 1764 through 1865, the demand for beaver pelts and buffalo robes spawned a competitive fervor that enveloped mountain men, fur trading companies, national governments, and Native Americans alike.

R. G. Robertson traces this colorful era through the history of the individual trading posts located between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean. The posts, listed alphabetically, are keyed to eight pages of detailed maps showing the location of each trading house. Posts with multiple names are keyed to a single reference.

The book includes a series of easy-to-read flowcharts showing the evolution of the various fur companies. Extensive end notes, an index, a glossary of terms, and a list of modern-day trading post replicas and their photographs make Competitive Struggle a must-have reference on America’s fur trade.
 

R. G. Robertson served as a Marine Corps officer in Vietnam and then earned an MBA from the University of Michigan. He spent nineteen years in the investment business before retiring in 1992, when he began writing. He and his wife, Karen, live in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Karen Robertson was born and raised in Oregon and earned BS degrees in history and political science from Portland State University. Her photographs have been published with R. G.’s articles and books. In addition to photography, her interests include travel and wilderness adventure.