Burnett’s Trading Post, Michigan: A Slice of Frontier History
Okay, history buffs and casual readers alike, let’s take a trip back in time to Michigan, specifically to the area that’s now St. Joseph. Our destination? Burnett’s Trading Post, a spot that was buzzing with activity way back in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
Who Was Burnett?
The whole operation was the brainchild of William Burnett. He wasn’t just any guy; he was a French fur trader with a dash of American patriot thrown in, hailing all the way from New Jersey. After the American Revolution, Burnett saw an opportunity and set up shop on the west bank of the St. Joseph River. We’re talking about a location about a mile and a half upstream from where the river meets the big lake. This was sometime between 1775 and 1782.
But Burnett wasn’t content with just one spot. He was an entrepreneur, plain and simple. He went on to establish trading posts at other strategic locations, including what is now Chicago, Illinois, and along the Kankakee River. Talk about expansion!
A Family Man and a Bridge Between Cultures
Burnett wasn’t just a businessman; he was also a family man. In 1782, he married Kaukema, who had some serious connections. She was the daughter of Chief Nanaquiba, a respected leader of the Potawatomi tribe, and the sister of Topenebee, the main chief of the entire Potawatomi Nation. Talk about marrying into a good family! William and Kaukema eventually had seven children together.
Burnett became the first permanent white settler in the area, forging a unique connection with the Potawatomi people.
"The Trader" with a Reputation
Burnett was known by a few names. To the locals, he was often called "The Trader." The Native Americans knew him as Waub-Zee, which translates to "White Swan." By all accounts, Burnett was a sharp cookie – intelligent, well-spoken, and a successful businessman with a personality that people liked. He left his mark on the region and documented much of his experiences through letters.
Trouble with the Authorities
Now, success always has its downsides. Burnett’s thriving business caught the attention of the commandant at Fort Michilimackinac, and not in a good way. He was ordered to report to the fort, which he initially refused to do. After some pressure, he agreed to give it a try for a year, but he wasn’t a fan and didn’t stick around any longer than he had to.
Accusations and Escape
Things got even more complicated in 1785 when the British accused Burnett of "exciting sedition" among the Native Americans. Basically, they thought he was stirring up trouble. He was arrested and sent to Montreal and Quebec, but here’s the kicker: he wasn’t under guard. Burnett saw his chance and made a daring escape, returning to St. Joseph as quickly as he could. Unfortunately, he found that his property had been mostly taken over by his clerks. Ouch!
Disappearance and Legacy
Burnett’s story takes another turn during the War of 1812 when he disappeared. What happened to him remains a mystery. However, his son, James, stepped up and managed the trading post until 1833, keeping the family business alive.
Remembering Burnett’s Trading Post
Today, you can find a historical marker at the intersection of Langley Avenue and Miller Drive in St. Joseph, Michigan. It’s a simple reminder of a time when fur traders, Native Americans, and ambitious entrepreneurs like William Burnett shaped the landscape of the Midwest.
In a Nutshell
Burnett’s Trading Post wasn’t just a place to swap furs for goods. It was a meeting point of cultures, a testament to the ambition of one man, and a reminder of the ever-changing face of the American frontier. So, next time you’re in St. Joseph, take a moment to check out the marker and imagine what life was like back in the days of "The Trader."
See Also:
- Forts Across the United States
- Forts & Presidios Photo Gallery
- Soldiers & Officers in American History
- Trading Posts of the Fur Trade
Sources:
- Chief Abram Burnett Family
- Historic Marker Database
- North American Forts
- Pottowatimi Cultural Heritage Center