Curated OER
Fur Trade Economics
Young scholars demonstrate understanding of what the fur trade was and how it was operated, including the bartering process, by participating in a mock trade activity and assessing the value of items based on their needs and wants.
Curated OER
Reading Comprehension: Oregon
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students read a 2-page article regarding Oregon and respond to 10 true or false questions regarding the selection.
Curated OER
Rollin' Down the River
Students examine the contributions of Lewis and Clark. In this Louisiana Purchase lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding the Lewis and Clark expedition.
PBS
African-Americans in the American West
Secondary learners explore the westward movement of African Americans. Segmented into four time periods, the lesson plan provides an overview of how African Americans experienced westward expansion. Learners view PBS specials on the...
Curated OER
South Dakota
For this South Dakota worksheet, students read 9 short paragraphs about the early settlement and statehood of South Dakota. Worksheet has no other associated activities.
Curated OER
Mountain Man Measurement Activity
Fourth graders discover the history of the Utah Mountain Men and utilize their math skills simultaneously. In this cross-curricular history and measurement lesson, 4th graders read about the Utah Mountain Men and the challenges they...
Curated OER
Time Travel
Fourth graders become familiar with the early explorers of our state. In addition, they conceptualize life during the 1800's in relation to their own personal histories and knowledge of 19th century events.
Other
Utah History to Go: Traders, Trappers, and Mountain Men
Utah History to Go is an online course divided into eight chapters. This is one section of the third chapter that looks at the different groups of traders in Utah in the 1800s, and the types of goods they traded. It also describes the...
Other
Museum of the Fur Trade: Traders, Trappers, and Indians
The French were the premier fur traders in the 18th century, but many groups besides the French were involved also. Find extensive information and artifacts about the fur trade, what was traded, who the traders were, and how the trade...
Digital History
Digital History: Mountain Men
The life of the fur trappers and traders was harsh, and fur, as a valuable commodity, was short-lived. Read about the effect the traders had on life in the West.
Other
The Bridger Trail: Biography of Jim Bridger
Read about Jim Bridger's exploits as fur trader, mountain man, entrepreneur, and military guide. His knowledge of the Rocky Mountains was invaluable. (From Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office)
Other
Mountain Men, Trappers, and Fur Traders: John Jacob Astor
This is a very brief site on the man who came to monopolize the fur trade, John Jacob Astor. Hyperlinks for additional information.
Other
American Mountain Men: Mountain Men and the Fur Trade
On-line research center features numerous resources dedicated to the history of the Mountain Men in the American West. This project includes primary sources, images, maps, artwork, newspaper articles, artifacts, and links to related...
Utah Education Network
Uen: Utah History Encyclopedia: Jedediah S. Smith
This resource provides a biography about Jedediah Smith, centering primarily around his explorations of the West in the 19th century.