1778-1838

United States Congressman and fur trader whose "rendezvous" system of trading is credited with revolutionizing the fur trade and encouraging explorations of the American West. In 1820 Ashley became the first lieutenant governor in the state of Missouri. Ashley cofounded the Rocky Mountain Fur Company in 1822, and established an annual rendezvous—an open-air wilderness market where trappers could bring their furs to the company at the end of the season and purchase from the company the supplies needed for the coming year. Ashley served as a congressman from 1831 until his death.