Manuel Lisa (1772-1820) Lisa was born in New Orleans, which was then part of Spanish Louisiana. At 18, he traveled up the Mississippi to St. Louis and began working in the mercantile business, helping to outfit the Lewis & Clark expedition. After learning of the great opportunity for furs, he followed in their footsteps along the Missouri River established many fur trading companies under the name Missouri Fur Company. He had many prominent business partners including William Clark, Pierre Chouteau, August Pierre Choteau Jr. and Andrew Henry. He build a warehouse on the riverfront, known as the Old Rock House, which was eventually demolished to make way for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Lisa was also known for his ability to build relationships with Indians, even keeping them allied with the Americans instead of the British during the War of 1812. In 1814, William Clark, governor of the Missouri Territory appointed Lisa as the US Indian Agent in the area. It was his idea to establish forts for the trappers and traders to use as bases throughout the Rockies. He built three: one in Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota (all called Fort Lisa). He married Mary Hempstead Keeney in 1817 after his first wife died. He also had an Indian wife or consort - Mitain, which was common to better foster relations between whites and Indians. Upon Lisas death, Mary brought Mitain and their two children to St. Louis where they were educated in local schools.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 14:00:00 +0000
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