Museum Of The Fur Trade - Chadron, Nebraska

The Museum Of the Fur Trade in Chadron, Nebraska, serves as an educational reminder of the important niche held by the North American fur trade as an early commercial venture that played a large part in the establishment of relations between the Continent’s early explorers and settlers, and the Native American peoples.

The trading relationships that soon became established between these peoples enabled both cultures to benefit, at least in the very beginnings. The newcomers received the pelts of animals such as the beaver that were highly prized in the European market place, and the Indians in turn, received worthless trinkets in some cases, but very often also received valued items such as blankets, axe heads, clothing, knives, fish hooks, etc.

The Museum Of the Fur Trade showcases many of the artifacts that were an integral part of living and surviving in those long ago days. Among these artifacts are various weapons – including the famed Kit Carson’s shotgun – Greer Garson’s bells, authentic Indian ceremonial garments, many examples of pelts from animals native to this region, and just outside of the long, one-story building housing these artifacts is an authentic tepee and garden.

The authenticity of the Museum is further emphasized by reconstruction of the sod hut that served as the original trading post in the 1830’s. The trading post replica was not only built to the exact specifications of the original, but sits on the very foundation that supported that structure, alongside the Bordeaux Creek, named for the trading posts original proprietor. The post actually opened in 1833 and was shut down by U.S. soldiers in 1876 when it was found that ammunition was being sold to the Indians.

The Museum’s popularity extends world-wide, and busloads of visiting Europeans are often seen arriving to eagerly shop for souvenirs at the Museum’s Gift Shop. Fur pelts are a big item for these visitors who quickly snap up the pelts of raccoons ($40), bobcat ($200) and wolverine ($500).

Additionally, the Museum publishes a scholarly journal, The Museum of the Fur Trade Quarterly, and the Museum’s grounds are the chosen site of Chadron’s Annual Fur Trade Day, featuring fur trade reenactments involving some sixty camps set up about the area. In fact, special events are held throughout the year, which included the opening of a new permanent Mountain Man exhibit in August, 2006. And special Christmas shopping days for men are held on December 14th and 15th.

The Museum of the Fur Trade is located at 6321 Highway 20, three miles east of Chadron proper. The Museum’s operating hours are 8am to 5pm, seven days a week from Memorial Day through the month of September. Admission is $5 for adults 18 and over. Children are admitted free. Telephone 308-432-3843 for additional details and to set up appointments for special tours.

MUSEUM OF THE FUR TRADE - CHADRON, NEBRASKA