In the early 19^th century, various fur trapping companies set up posts along the front range of the Rocky Mountains in what is now Colorado: Bent and St. Vrain (Fort Lookout), Sublette and Vasquez, Fort Jackson, and Fort Lupton. These “forts” were built in the 1830s within 10 miles of the South Platte River” forming a chain connecting the fur traders.

Trappers based at these forts and working for larger companies went out into the wilderness to trap beaver and buffalo or to trade with the various native tribes living in the area including the Arapahoe, Cheyenne, and occasionally the Crows, Pawnees, Shoshones and Blackfeet. Many of the pelts collected by the trappers, either through trapping or trade, would be collected or sent back east for sale.

It is difficult to track the movements of the trappers as there is little written evidence of their travels, but a few were known to have traveled along the South Platte River and likely through the Fort Morgan area.

Early Explorers through Fort Morgan

The early history of Fort Morgan is unclear, but there is some evidence that French and Spanish explorers and traders were in the vicinity of Fort Morgan. In the 17^th and 18^th centuries, the Spanish and French fought for control over most of the western United States. On this map made in 1663, Fort Morgan lies in the highlighted area just over the word “Apaches” along what is labeled as the Padouca River.

Bijeau of Bijou Creek

In the early 19th century, various fur trapping companies set up posts along the front range of the Rocky Mountains in what is now Colorado. Trappers working for these companies went out into the wilderness, including the lands along the South Platte River, to trap beaver and buffalo sending the prized pelts back east. The trappers left little written evidence of their travels, but a few were known to have traveled along the South Platte River and likely through the Fort Morgan area including: William H. Ashley, Jim Beckwourth , John Gantt, Andrew Sublette and Kit Carson . But one trapper is of particular interest as a major landmark in the Fort Morgan area still bears his name.

Bijou Creek...