A namesake city in Oregon was built by a businessman who became the richest man in America by selling this good, John Jacob Astor.
While trading this commodity, Jonathan Thorn provoked local Native Americans into a battle that ended with his ship, the Tonquin, being blown up in a powder explosion. Sylvia Van Kirk's book Many Tender Ties documents the custom of "marriage after the custom of the country" practiced by men who worked with this good, who also met in yearly fairs called rendezvous. The coureurs des bois ("koo-RURR day bwah") and the (*) voyageurs were French Canadians who transported this good. Jim Bridger and Jedediah Smith were among the "mountain men" whose work involved obtaining this good. A namesake city in Oregon was built by a businessman who became the richest man in America by selling this good, John Jacob Astor. For 10 points, name this good obtained by trappers who caught and skinned beavers.
While trading this commodity, Jonathan Thorn provoked local Native Americans into a battle that ended with his ship, the Tonquin, being blown up in a powder explosion.
fur [or pelts; accept beaver fur or beaver pelts until "beavers" is read]