The Chouteaus – Early Traders
The story of the American West is interwoven with the tales of intrepid explorers, resilient trappers, and shrewd traders. Among these figures, the Chouteaus stand out as a family whose influence rippled across the landscape from the late 18th century well into the 19th. Operating primarily west of St. Louis, Missouri, these French traders and trappers forged a legacy that extended from the establishment of vital trading posts to significant involvement in the fur trade and diplomatic relations with Native American tribes. Their name became synonymous with enterprise, diplomacy, and the very spirit of the frontier.
The saga of the Chouteaus truly begins with Auguste Chouteau, a pivotal figure in the founding of St. Louis. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 14, 1750, Auguste’s destiny was intertwined with the westward expansion from a remarkably young age. In early 1764, barely 14 years old, he was dispatched up the Missouri River from Fort Chartres, Illinois, by his stepfather, Pierre Liguest, also known as Laclede. The mission was clear: to identify a suitable location for a trading post. Legend has it that Auguste’s keen observations and insightful suggestions led to the selection of the very spot where St. Louis would later flourish. This early display of acumen foreshadowed his future success and influence.
Following Liguest’s death, Auguste took the reins of the business, demonstrating a talent for commerce and leadership that would define his career. He eventually formed a strategic partnership with John Jacob Astor, a move that marked the genesis of the formidable American Fur Company. This alliance propelled the Chouteaus into the upper echelons of the fur trade, expanding their reach and solidifying their position as key players in the economic development of the region. Further solidifying his influence, in 1794, Auguste orchestrated the construction of Fort Carondelet in the Osage territory, which now encompasses Vernon County, Missouri. This strategic location served as a crucial hub for trade and interaction with the Osage Nation, underscoring the Chouteaus’ commitment to establishing a presence in the heart of the American frontier.
Beyond his commercial endeavors, Auguste Chouteau also played a significant role in civic and diplomatic affairs. In 1808, he was commissioned as a colonel in the militia, a testament to his standing within the community and his willingness to serve in a military capacity. His involvement in public service reached a new level in 1815 when he was appointed as one of the commissioners tasked with negotiating treaties with Native American tribes who had sided with the British during the War of 1812. Alongside Ninian Edwards and William Clark, Auguste worked to establish peace and foster positive relations between the United States government and these influential tribes.
Auguste Chouteau’s contributions extended into the realm of local governance and finance. Within St. Louis, he held prominent positions such as Justice of the Peace and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the proper functioning of the local judicial system. Further illustrating his multifaceted involvement in the community, he served as the first president of the Bank of Missouri, a pivotal role that underscored his influence in the economic development of the region. Throughout his life, Auguste maintained a consistent policy of fairness and respect in his dealings with Native Americans. This approach earned him their trust and friendship, a bond that endured until his death on February 24, 1829. His legacy as a founder, trader, and diplomat remains a cornerstone of St. Louis history.
Jean Pierre Chouteau, brother of Auguste, carved his own distinct path within the family legacy. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 10, 1758, Jean Pierre embraced the fur trade with an entrepreneurial spirit. He dedicated his life to establishing multiple trading posts throughout Indian country, most notably on the upper Osage River in southwestern Missouri. This strategic location allowed him to effectively engage in trade with the Osage Nation and other indigenous groups in the region. Jean Pierre proved to be a shrewd businessman, navigating the complexities of the fur trade with skill and foresight.
Following the Louisiana Purchase, a pivotal moment in American history, Jean Pierre Chouteau made a significant career transition. He relinquished his active involvement in the fur trade and established himself as a merchant in St. Louis. This strategic shift allowed him to capitalize on the growing economic opportunities within the burgeoning city. He remained a respected figure in St. Louis until his death on July 10, 1849.
The legacy of the Chouteaus extended beyond Auguste and Jean Pierre, encompassing subsequent generations who continued the family tradition of trade and westward expansion. Around 1825, Frederick, Francis G., and Cyprian Chouteau, sons of Pierre Chouteau, Sr., obtained licenses to engage in trade with various Native American tribes residing west of the Missouri River. This marked the beginning of their ambitious endeavors to establish a network of trading posts in this vast and largely unexplored territory. The challenges they faced were immense, as the absence of established roads meant that goods had to be transported through dense forests and across rugged terrain on the backs of pack horses.
Francis G. Chouteau, in particular, demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness and adaptability. He initially established a trading post on an island located three miles downstream from present-day Kansas City. However, disaster struck in 1826 when a devastating flood swept away the post, underscoring the unpredictable nature of life on the frontier. Undeterred, Francis relocated approximately ten miles up the Kansas River and established a new trading post. His entrepreneurial spirit and determination led him to become the superintendent of the American Fur Company’s trading posts for a time. In 1828, he established a permanent residence in Kansas City, where he remained for the rest of his life, eventually passing the business on to his son, P. M. Chouteau.
Frederick Chouteau, born in St. Louis in 1810, also played a key role in expanding the family’s trading operations. In 1825, he and his brother Cyprian established trading houses approximately five miles upstream from Wyandotte (Kansas City, Kansas) on the south bank of the Kansas River. This location allowed them to engage in trade with the Shawnee and Delaware Indians. Recognizing the potential for further expansion, they subsequently established another trading post further up the river.
Daniel Boone, in a letter dated August 11, 1879, to W.W. Cone of Topeka, Kansas, provided valuable insight into the Chouteaus’ presence in the region. Boone stated that "Frederick Chouteau’s brother established his trading post across the river from my father’s residence, the same fall we moved to the agency in the year 1827." This firsthand account provides further evidence of the Chouteaus’ widespread influence and their close interactions with other prominent figures on the American frontier.
Frederick Chouteau continued to expand his operations, moving further upriver to the mouth of Mission Creek, approximately ten miles above present-day Topeka, Kansas. There, he established a trading post that was supplied with goods transported by keelboats up the Kansas River. This post remained in operation until approximately 1842, when it was abandoned in favor of a new location on Mill Creek in present-day Johnson County, Kansas.
Tragedy struck again in 1844 when floods destroyed Frederick Chouteau’s post on Mill Creek, forcing him to relocate to higher ground. He subsequently became involved in the Indian trade at Council Grove, Kansas, until approximately 1853, when he returned to Johnson County, Kansas. His resilience was tested once more in 1862 when William Quantrill and his raiders burned him out. However, he rebuilt his operations and spent the remainder of his life in Johnson County. Frederick Chouteau’s personal life was as colorful as his business ventures. He married four times, with two of his wives being Native American women, and fathered 11 children.
Pierre Chouteau, Jr., a grandson of Auguste, continued the family legacy of trade and enterprise. Born in St. Louis on January 19, 1789, Pierre followed in his family’s footsteps by entering the trade with the Osage tribe at the young age of 15. His early exposure to the world of commerce and his innate business acumen quickly propelled him to success.
In 1813, Pierre Chouteau, Jr., entered into a partnership with his brother-in-law, Bartholomew Berthold, further solidifying his position within the fur trade. He later became a member of the firm of Bernard Pratte & Co., serving as the Western agent for John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company in 1827. This strategic alliance provided him with access to vast resources and networks, enabling him to expand his operations and influence. Pierre Chouteau, Jr., was a pioneer in the use of steamboats on the Missouri River, revolutionizing transportation and trade in the region. In 1834, his company acquired all of the Astor Fur Company’s Missouri River interests, marking a significant milestone in his career. The company was reorganized in 1838 as Pierre Chouteau, Jr. and Company and continued until its dissolution in 1864.
In the late 1850s, Pierre Chouteau, Jr.’s health began to decline. In 1859, he lost his sight, and three years later, he lost his wife of 50 years, Emile. Pierre Chouteau, Jr., died in St. Louis, Missouri, on September 6, 1865, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, innovation, and service. The Chouteaus were more than just traders; they were integral to the development of the American West.