The Museum of the Fur Trade opened in 1955 near Chadron, Nebraska, on the site of the original Bordeaux trading post. The trading post was founded in 1837 by James Bordeaux and operated until 1876. It was reconstructed in 1960 as part of the museum grounds.
The Museum of the Fur Trade is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the 500-year history of the North American fur trade. The museum’s displays showcase the material culture traded between North American tribes and fur traders and trappers, demonstrating how each society incorporated and benefited from these trade goods.
A particularly interesting recent acquisition is a remarkable flag of the type flown by fur trade companies and steamers plying the Missouri River. The flag features 13 stripes and a canton adorned with a hand-embroidered spread-wing eagle encircled by a wreath of 13 stars. It spans nine feet and dates from the Civil War.
This year, the Museum of the Fur Trade has a new special exhibit for the US250 celebration. The display features actual objects carried by participants in the American Revolution, including firearms supplied by the British government to Native American allies, a peace medal issued by George III to tribal chiefs that were allies of the British, the oldest known point blanket issued to a Marblehead, Massachusetts, soldier whose regiment rowed Washington’s forces across the Delaware River for the Battle of Trenton, and a war club and tomahawk carried by Iroquois warriors.
The Museum of the Fur Trade is supported by admissions, sales, and donations. It has one full-time staff member, seasonal summer staff, and several year-round volunteers.
The museum is located at 6321 Hwy 20, Chadron, NE 69337. It is open May 1–October 31, 8–5 daily; November 1–April 30, by appointment (no weekends). Contact the Museum of the Fur Trade at 308-432-3843 or visit their website at https://www.furtrade.org/.
This content is sourced from
Nebraska State Historical Society
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
