Pierre Chouteau Jr. (1789-1865) was a prominent American fur trader and businessman in the 19th century. He played a significant role in the expansion of the fur trade in the western United States, particularly in the Missouri River region. Chouteau was a partner in the American Fur Company, which was one of the largest fur trading companies of its time. Chouteau was also involved in various business ventures, including land development and transportation. He helped establish the city of St. Louis, Missouri as a key trading hub. His contributions to commerce and trade significantly impacted the economic growth of the region during the westward expansion.