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Painting: "A Doubtful Handshake" Charles M. Russell - 1910 The Origin of the Mountain Man Rendezvous In July 1825, William Ashley planned to meet his men at Henry's Fork on the Green River. He aimed to maintain contact with dispersed fur trappers and prevent them from selling to rival traders. Ashley promised to bring a caravan loaded with supplies from St. Louis. During this meeting, he would pay them for their past months of work, collect their furs, and provide the necessary equipment for the next trapping season. The rendezvous was strategically timed, as no trapping took place in midsummer. This allowed the trappers to relax by the river for a few weeks. They could gamble, drink whiskey, and socialize, including interacting with nearby Native American women. Ashley invited Native Americans, independent traders, and employees of fur companies to come and sell their furs at Henry's Fork. This inclusive approach fostered the development of the Rendezvous, which soon became a prominent social and business event for American mountain men. @CherokeeOwl 🦉 @BrettColdwell