Beaver Pelts

From the 1600's to the mid-1800's, trade in beaver pelts was a driving force to the colonization of Canada and North America. European settlers trapped beaver for the their fur, and it wasn't long before they realized, that in addition to other things, they could make felt hats using the underfur. The long guard hairs of the fur were removed, leaving a thick underfur that was felted and pressed into the form of a hat.

These expensive hats became the height of fashion and were in high demand as they were a sign of prosperity and status to the wearer in Europe.

Eventually, fashion changed and the felt hats were no longer in style. Demand for beaver pelts declined, and the settlers in the New World turned their hands to other economic pursuits.