feb 1, 1600 - Demand for Beaver Furs
Description:
The demand for beaver furs (felt hats) was so big that by the mid 1600s the beaver population went extinct in Europe. When the beaver went extinct King Henry IV ordered a fur trade monopoly along the St.Lawrence River area. The demand was not for the beavers smooth, long haired pelt but it was for the fine undercoat. The beavers under coat was composed of downy fibres with tiny barbs. The hat makers used their undercoat to make a lustrous and durable felt which they shape and process into a waterproof hat.Added to timeline:
Date:
feb 1, 1600
Now
~ 425 years ago