Pacific Northwest History

The fur trading industry in the Pacific Northwest began when sailors realized that vast amount of money could be made by trading with local Indians for sea otter pelts. Later, British, French, and others came to the area to search for beaver furs. These furs were used mainly for hats worn by the men of this period. These examples show the beginning of a Pacific Northwest economy.

Early pioneers, and families began to use the Oregon Trail to move west. Military, and trading posts began to be built along the trail. This opened new business opportunities for settlers, as well as opening new routes for cattle drives, and other ventures that used the Pacific Northwest assets. It also greatly reduced the amount of fur trapping due to the increased demand by travelers along the trail for meat.

Railroads played an important part in the economic history of the United States, including the Pacific Northwest. As rail lines were built in different locations, it became clear to many towns that having a connection with the railroads meant financial success. When the Northern Pacific Railroad completed their transcontinental railroad in 1883, it provided the Pacific Northwest a new, and vital source of transportation for the various raw materials the area had to offer. As demand for these raw materials increased, and decreased, it created a "boom or bust" economy for the region that still occurs to this day.

The Nootka Indians were first observed by Russian sailors in 1741. These coastal Indians built long dwellings out of wood. These buildings were about forty feet wide, by one hundred feet long. This example shows that even the earliest people in the Pacific Northwest used the abundant natural resources available to provide shelter.

As fur trappers and their families began to arrive in the Pacific northwest, the need for permanent dwellings was essential. Hudson Bay Company, and Northwest Company were two that established forts. These forts were usually large wooden complexes that consisted of an outer palisade that was about 750 ft. by 450 ft. Inside, there were about 40 buildings. These structures were made of wood, a vast natural resource of the Pacific Northwest. The trees were cut, and branches removed. The logs were then notched on both ends to fit together, then sealed with mud.

The Cataldo Mission actually began in a different location near the St. Joe river. Due to frequent flooding, the missionaries moved to the current location near Cataldo, Idaho. This building was constructed using the raw materials available to the priests, and Indians who built it. They used massive trees, which they cut and shaped by hand, for the framework. The frame was held together with wooden pegs driven into aligned holes the workers hand drilled. They used smaller trees to fill in the spaces, and then used the wattle and daub technique with grass and mud for the finishing touch. The Priests, and Indians decorated the inside with huckleberries, tin cans, wood statues that were hand carved, old newsprint, and cloth from the Hudson Bay Company. The Cataldo Mission building was used for many years, and today, stands as Idaho's oldest building.

The Lewis and Clark expedition was commissioned by President Jefferson in 1803, shortly after the united States completed the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition was designed to explore, establish commerce routes, and possibly find a waterway from east to west. The explorers left in May of 1804 and reached the Pacific Ocean in November of 1805. They headed east the following spring, and in September, arrived in St. Louis. The expedition was unable to find a waterway from east to west, however, they did make several scientific, and geographical discoveries in the Pacific Northwest.

When the Whitman's traveled along the Oregon Trail in 1836, it was believed by many that wagons were not able to make the entire journey. The Whitman's managed to use a wheeled vehicle as far west as Ft. Boise. That fact gave other emigrants hope that they too, could make the dangerous journey. At the time, most wagons were the Conestoga model.These were very heavy, and required 8-10 animals to pull them. Wagon companies such as Studebaker, began making the "prairie schooners". These wagons were much lighter, and required only 4-6 oxen to pull it. This technological innovation allowed pioneers to traverse the Oregon Trail into the Pacific Northwest.

Around 1850, steamboats began operating along the Columbia river, and it's tributaries. These boats were mainly paddle wheels. There were three basic models; stern wheel, side wheel, and propeller. This technology allowed pioneers to haul goods, and people along the river routes, expanding the economic impact of the Pacific Northwest. As time passed, new technology such as, railroads, and the automobile eventually led to the demise of the river steamboat.

As early as 1779, fur trappers employed with the Hudson Bay Company, became some of the first European's to live in the Pacific Northwest. As the area grew in population over many years, problems arose between the "company men", and the American pioneers. Employees of the Hudson Bay Company were considered under British rule, and people who broke the law were taken to the nearest permanent British colony for trial. The Americans were beyond the limits of the United States government due to the large distance that separated east from west. Due to this fact, most early pioneers took the law into their own hands. It would take several years before pioneers would be able to make a recognizable government.