William Ashley and the Rocky Mountain Fur Company
William Henry Ashley, a name synonymous with the early American West, stands as a pivotal figure in the development of the fur trade and the subsequent exploration and settlement of vast territories. His ambition, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative approaches reshaped the industry and left an indelible mark on the landscape and history of the United States. Central to his legacy is the Rocky Mountain Fur Company, an organization he co-founded and which revolutionized the way furs were acquired and traded in the American West.
Born in Virginia, Ashley’s early life provided little indication of the frontiersman and business magnate he would become. He ventured westward in 1803, settling in St. Genevieve, a town nestled within the then-French territory of Louisiana, which would later become the state of Missouri. This move west was a catalyst, setting the stage for his future endeavors. In 1808, he relocated to St. Louis, a burgeoning hub of commerce and westward expansion. Here, Ashley displayed his aptitude for business, establishing a successful gunpowder manufacturing operation. He ingeniously sourced saltpeter, a key ingredient in gunpowder, from a cave located near the headwaters of Missouri’s Current River. This venture proved lucrative, providing him with the financial foundation and business acumen necessary for his later, more ambitious undertakings. His service in the Missouri Militia during the War of 1812 further elevated his status, earning him the rank of Brigadier General.
The year 1822 marked a turning point in Ashley’s career. Partnering with Andrew Henry, a bullet maker he had met through his gunpowder business, Ashley embarked on a venture that would forever cement his place in history: the formation of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. Henry’s expertise in firearms and Ashley’s business savvy created a formidable partnership. Recognizing the vast potential of the fur trade in the uncharted territories of the West, they envisioned a company that could efficiently and effectively tap into this lucrative resource.
To launch their ambitious enterprise, Ashley and Henry placed advertisements in St. Louis newspapers, seeking "enterprising young men" willing to brave the challenges of the Missouri River and spend one to three years trapping furs in the remote wilderness. The advertisement painted a picture of adventure and opportunity, attracting a diverse group of individuals eager to make their mark on the frontier. This call to action resulted in the recruitment of a substantial number of men, a group that would become famously known as "Ashley’s Hundred." These men were a diverse collection of frontiersmen, adventurers, and fortune seekers, all united by the promise of wealth and the allure of the unknown.
"Ashley’s Hundred" embarked on several large-scale fur-trapping expeditions into the heart of the American West, venturing into territories previously only sparsely explored by Europeans. These expeditions were fraught with danger, facing the perils of unpredictable weather, treacherous terrain, and potential conflicts with Native American tribes. However, the lure of valuable furs and the promise of financial reward drove them onward. The Rocky Mountain Fur Company distinguished itself through its innovative approach to the fur trade. Rather than relying solely on established trading posts, Ashley pioneered the concept of the "rendezvous," a pre-arranged annual gathering where trappers, Native Americans, and traders could converge to exchange furs, goods, and money.
The rendezvous system revolutionized the fur trade. It eliminated the need for trappers to transport their furs long distances to established trading posts, saving them time and effort. It also fostered a sense of community among the trappers and provided a vibrant marketplace for the exchange of goods and information. The first of these mountain man rendezvous occurred in 1825 on Henry’s Fork of the Green River in Wyoming, marking a significant milestone in the history of the fur trade and the opening of the West. This gathering became a legendary event, characterized by lively trading, storytelling, and camaraderie. The Rocky Mountain Fur Company effectively created a mobile trading network that could penetrate deep into the wilderness, accessing previously untapped sources of valuable furs.
Ashley’s innovations in the fur trade not only earned him significant wealth but also played a crucial role in opening up the western part of the North American continent to American expansion. By facilitating the exploration and exploitation of the West’s natural resources, the Rocky Mountain Fur Company paved the way for future settlers and entrepreneurs. His ventures contributed significantly to the mapping and understanding of the western territories, providing valuable information about the geography, resources, and indigenous populations of the region.
In 1826, having achieved considerable success and recognizing the changing dynamics of the fur trade, Ashley made a strategic decision to sell the Rocky Mountain Fur Company to a group of ambitious young entrepreneurs: Jedediah Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson. These men, who had all gained valuable experience working for Ashley, were eager to take the reins of the company and continue its legacy. This transition marked the end of Ashley’s direct involvement in the fur trade, but his influence on the industry and the development of the West continued to be felt for years to come.
Following his departure from the fur trade, Ashley transitioned into the realm of politics. Leveraging his popularity and business acumen, he successfully ran for office and became a U.S. Representative, representing the state of Missouri. His experience in the West and his understanding of the challenges facing the frontier communities made him a valuable voice in Congress. He was also elected as the first Lieutenant Governor of Missouri when the state was admitted to the Union, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape.
William Henry Ashley died of pneumonia in 1838, bringing an end to a life filled with adventure, innovation, and political service. He was interred atop an Indian burial mound in Cooper County, Missouri, a fitting resting place for a man who had spent so much of his life exploring and shaping the American West. His legacy extends beyond his financial success and political achievements. Ashley’s contributions to the fur trade, his innovative rendezvous system, and his role in opening the West to American expansion solidified his place as a legendary figure in American history. His story serves as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit, the allure of the frontier, and the enduring impact of individuals who dare to venture into the unknown.