Has anyone here been to Fort William Historic Park near Thunderbay CA?

[bobbieinok]

We discovered the fort while we were in Thunderbay. It was a major site of the No Am fur trade.

It is a fabulous place. Highlights were visits to the Scotch doctor with his 18th cent medical implements and jar of live leeches. The boat builder was also impressive.

In late summer there is a celebration of the fur trade, and visitors can greet the voyageurs arriving at the fort. I'm sorry we were never able to go back for that. It sounded spectacular.

A truly worthwhile place to visit and experience part of history.

[maxsolomon]

1. the entire enterprise makes me angry

the fur trade systematically stripped this continent of crucial species and destroyed countless native cultures. beaver, fisher, marten, otter - almost driven to extinction.

I recognize it was the impetus for exploration and settlement, and that those committing the slaughter didn't understand what they were doing (to a degree), but "celebrating" the fur trade is a bridge too far for me.

sorry to piss on your post.

[bobbieinok]

2. No problem

I like to read Regency novels (set in England in Napoleonic era). Was a shock to realize the source of the 'beaver' hat men wore then.