The Brothers Robidoux and the Opening of the American West

by Willoughby, Robert J.

• ISBN13: 9780826219916
• ISBN10: 0826219918
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-10-29
• Publisher: Univ of Missouri Pr

Summary

Written in a unique biographical format, Robert Willoughby interweaves the stories of six brothers who shaped the American trans-Mississippi West during the first five decades of the nineteenth century. After migrating from French Canada to St. Louis, the Brothers Robidoux- Joseph, Francois, Antoine, Louis, Michel, and Isadore-and their father, Joseph, became significant members in the business, fur trading, and land speculation communities, frequently interacting with upper class members of the French society. Upon coming of age, the brothers followed their father into the fur business and American Indian trade. The oldest of the six, Joseph, lead the group on an expedition up the Missouri River as Lewis and Clark had once done, designating a path of trade sites along their journey until they reached their destination at present day Omaha, Nebraska. Eventually the younger brothers set out on their own westward expedition in the mid 1820's, reaching both Colorado and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Joseph eventually became a town founder in northwest Missouri near Blacksnake Creek. Antoine and Louis traveled as far as California, finally settling in Santa Fe where they became prominent citizens. As a trapper and trader, Michel endured many hardships and close calls during his journey across the West. Francois and Isadore made their home in New Mexico, maintaining a close relationship with Joseph in Missouri. Though frequently under contract by others, the brothers did their best work when allowed to freelance and make their own rules. The brothers would ultimately pass on their prosperous legacy of ranging, exploring, trading, and town-building to a new generation of settlers. As the nature of the fur trade changed, so did the brothers' business model. They began focusing on outfitting western migrants, town folk, and farmers. Their practices made each of them wealthy; however, they all died poor. To understand the opening of the American West, one must first know about men like the Brothers Robidoux. Their lives are the framework for stories about the American frontier. By using primary sources located at the Missouri Historical Society, the Mexican Archives of New Mexico, and the Huntington Library, as well as contemporary accounts written by those who knew them, Robert Willoughby has now told the Robidouxs' story.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments	p. ix
The Business of the Father	p. 1
Emerging Sons	p. 20
Working the Missouri	p. 46
Into the Mountains	p. 63
Trouble at Council Bluffs	p. 88
The Blacksnake Hills Post	p. 100
Brothers in New Mexico	p. 120
Joseph Builds His Own Town	p. 133
Dwindling Prospects in the Mountains	p. 145
War and Finding Home	p. 168
Queen City of the West	p. 178
The End of Their Era	p. 202
Epilogue	p. 211
Notes	p. 213
Bibliography	p. 235
Index	p. 245
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