The Montana fur trade began in the early 19th century, primarily driven by the demand for beaver pelts used in fashionable hats. Traders, including those from the American Fur Company, established trading posts throughout the region, attracting both Indigenous peoples and European settlers. The trade significantly impacted local economies and cultures. As the fur trade expanded, it led to increased exploration of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding areas. The competition among traders often resulted in conflicts, but it also fostered relationships between different groups. By the mid-1800s, the fur trade began to decline due to overhunting and changing fashion trends.