Andrew Henry – Fur Trader – Legends of America
Andrew Henry, a name synonymous with the rugged spirit of the American frontier, was a multifaceted figure whose life was woven into the fabric of the early 19th-century West. Born in an era of burgeoning exploration and economic opportunity, Henry’s journey took him from the settled landscapes of Pennsylvania to the untamed wilderness of the Missouri River and beyond. He was a military officer, a miner, a frontiersman, a trapper, and a businessman—a testament to the diverse skills and ambitions required to thrive in a rapidly changing nation.
Early Life and Independence
Born in 1775 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Andrew Henry was the son of George and Margaret Young Henry. His family’s prominence afforded him a good education, setting the stage for a life of leadership and enterprise. However, at the age of 18, a disagreement with his parents over a romantic interest led him to leave home, severing ties with his family permanently.
The subsequent years of Henry’s life remain shrouded in mystery, with few records detailing his activities. Yet, by 1798, he emerged in Nashville, Tennessee, embarking on a new chapter. In April 1800, he ventured further west to Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, where he partnered with William Ashley to acquire 640 acres of land in the lead mining district of Washington County. This venture, known as "Henry’s Diggings," near present-day Potosi, Missouri, marked his entry into the world of resource extraction and entrepreneurship.
The Missouri Fur Company
In 1809, Henry’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to join forces with Manuel Lisa, Jean Pierre Choteau, and William Clark to establish the Missouri Fur Company. This ambitious enterprise aimed to tap into the lucrative fur trade, which was rapidly expanding across the American West. Henry played a pivotal role in the company’s operations, leading an expedition to the Three Forks of the Missouri River in Montana in 1810. There, he oversaw the construction of a trading post intended to facilitate commerce with the local Native American tribes.
However, the trading post faced relentless attacks from the Blackfeet Indians, who fiercely resisted encroachment on their territory and resources. The constant threat of violence forced Henry and his men to abandon the post, highlighting the challenges and dangers inherent in the fur trade.
Undeterred, Henry ventured further into the wilderness the following year, exploring the vast landscapes of Montana and Idaho. His expedition led him to the discovery of Lake Henry, a pristine body of water that stands as a testament to his pioneering spirit. He also established another trading post on the Snake River near present-day Saint Anthony, Idaho, seeking to expand the company’s reach and establish new trade relationships. During this time, they met the Mandan Indians. However, persistent conflicts with Blackfeet warriors once again disrupted Henry’s plans, compelling him to return to St. Louis, Missouri, in January 1812.
War of 1812 and Return to Mining
Upon his return to St. Louis, Henry answered the call to duty, joining the ranks of the military during the War of 1812. His leadership skills and dedication led to his promotion to the rank of Major, reflecting his commitment to serving his country.
Following the conclusion of the war, Henry returned to his mining interests, resuming his entrepreneurial pursuits in Washington County, Missouri. In 1818, he married Mary Flemming, the daughter of a fellow lead mine owner, solidifying his ties to the local community. The couple went on to have four children, establishing a family amidst the backdrop of a growing nation.
The Rocky Mountain Fur Company
In 1822, Henry embarked on a new venture, partnering with William H. Ashley to form the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. This ambitious enterprise sought to revolutionize the fur trade by training its men to trap furs and pelts rather than relying on trade with Native American tribes. The company placed advertisements in St. Louis newspapers, seeking to recruit 100 men for its operations.
The response was overwhelming, attracting a diverse group of individuals who would later become legendary figures in the annals of the American West. Among those who joined the Rocky Mountain Fur Company were Jedediah Smith, William Sublette, Jim Beckwourth, Thomas Fitzpatrick, and David Edward Jackson, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to the enterprise.
Later that year, Henry led a large expedition of 150 men up the Missouri River to the mouth of the Yellowstone River. There, they constructed a fortified trading post known as Fort Henry in Montana. While exploring the surrounding area near Three Forks, Henry’s party suffered a tragic loss, with four men falling victim to Blackfeet warriors.
However, the Blackfeet were not the only Native American tribe to resist the encroachment of the fur trading company. On June 2, 1823, the Arikara launched a devastating attack on a Rocky Mountain Fur Company trapping expedition along the Missouri River, resulting in the deaths of approximately a dozen traders. This attack, which occurred after a trading company employee killed a chief’s son, ignited the Arikara War, further escalating tensions between the company and the Native American tribes.
After more than two years in the wilderness, Henry concluded that the fur trade was not profitable enough to justify the risks and challenges involved. He sold his share of the partnership to Ashley and returned to Washington County, Missouri, leaving behind a legacy that would shape the future of the industry. Over the next two years, Ashley would bring back over $100,000 in beaver pelts.
Legacy
Although Henry’s fur trading days were over, his impact on the industry was undeniable. He was instrumental in popularizing the rendezvous system, a gathering where trappers, traders, and Native Americans would meet to exchange goods and socialize. This system would grow over the next decade to become a thriving commercial entity, transforming the fur trade into a more organized and efficient enterprise.
In the meantime, Henry returned to lead mining. He died in Washington County, Missouri, on January 10, 1832, at the age of 57.
Historian Hiram Chittenden described Henry as “tall and slender, yet of commanding presence, with dark hair and light eyes inclined to blue. He was fond of reading and playing the violin well.” He was also known to have a reputation for honesty, high ideals, and principles.
“Honor and self-respect are more to be prized than anything else.” – Andrew Henry
Andrew Henry’s life was a testament to the spirit of the American frontier. His courage, leadership, and entrepreneurial drive helped shape the course of the fur trade and left an indelible mark on the history of the American West.
Also See:
- Exploration of America
- Fur Trading on the Frontier
- Trading Posts of the Mountain Men
- Trappers, Traders & Pathfinders
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