Trading posts were early commercial centers where goods were exchanged, often located in remote areas. They served as vital links between different cultures, allowing for the trade of items like furs, food, and tools. These posts were commonly established by explorers and traders, such as those from European countries during the age of exploration. Typically, trading posts featured simple structures where merchants and local populations could meet. They played a crucial role in the development of colonial economies and facilitated interactions between indigenous peoples and settlers. Over time, many trading posts evolved into towns or cities as trade routes expanded.