The American Fur Company was established in 1808 by John Jacob Astor. It played a significant role in the fur trade in the United States, focusing on the collection and distribution of furs from the western territories. The company operated trading posts and engaged in partnerships with various Native American tribes, facilitating the exchange of goods. At its peak, the American Fur Company dominated the fur industry, particularly in the regions around the Great Lakes and the Rocky Mountains. The company contributed to the expansion of the American frontier and influenced the economy of the early 19th century, eventually declining due to overhunting and changing market conditions.