American Fur Company

The American Fur Company was founded by John Jacob Astor in 1808. The company grew to monopolize the fur trade in the United States by 1830, and became one of the largest businesses in the country.

The company was one the first great trusts in American business and one of the first major competitive ventures to challenge British business interests in North America. During the 18th century furs had become a major commodity in Europe and North America become a major supplier. Several British companiess, most notably the Hudson's Bay Company, capitalized on the lucrative trade in furs. When the U.S. gained its independence at the end of the 18th century, it rapidly moved to challenge British business dominance in North America, with the fur trade becoming an especially important issue. Astor's company was able to capitalize on the young nation's anti-British sentiments to take over many formerly British fur-trapping regions and trade routes. It was thus able to expand very rapidly and successfully.

Unfortunately for the company, demand for furs in Europe began to decline during the early 1800s leading to the stagnation of the fur trade by the mid 19th century. Competition among fur suppliers became fierce. The American Fur Company ultimately went out of business in 1842.