Show Notes
Radisson and Groseilliers make it to London where they will begin working with the English on their plan to reshape the fur trade. Don't worry though, there are some more people Radisson will screw over in the next few years. He can't help himself.
Sources: Bush Runner: The Adventures of Pierre-Esprit Radisson by Mark Bourrie The Company: The Rise and Fall of the Hudson's Bay Empire by Stephen R. Bown Company of Adventurers by Peter C. Newman
Martin Fournier, “RADISSON, PIERRE-ESPRIT,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 2, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed October 7, 2026, https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/radisson_pierre_esprit_2E.html
Mockerman, Mitchell (2017) “Men of the Fur Trade, ca. 1620-1770s,” McNair Scholars Journal: Vol. 21: Iss. 1, Article 10
Saunders, Richard M. “The Emergence of the Coureur de Bois as a Social Type.” The Canadian Historical Association Annual Report 18, no. 1 (1939): 22–33. Get extra content on Patreon or Substack Follow me on TikTok @MapleHistoryPod Follow me on BlueSky @MapleHistoryPod.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Maple History: A Canadian History Podcast
Pierre Esprit Radisson had many admirable traits such as bravery and charm, but his willingness to throw over any sense of loyalty to family or nation when it suited him was truly remarkable. This episode covers his early days in North America where he will craft a plan to change the path of the fur trade in Canada.
The late 17th century was a time of great transition in New France. The shift from the free-wheeling coureur de bois to the more recognizable voyageurs is part of this time of change.
She may be known for bravely fighting off a Haudenosaunee attack at her family fort at 14 but you can find out why I think she was a horrible in this episode. Some salty language in this one but it is warranted.
Let's take a quick look at what was happening in Acadia after the feud between D'Aulney and La Tour ended.
New France was slowly attracting colonists in 1660 but one of the young women who came to the colony in those early days soon became tormented by demons set upon her by a jilted suitor. There were many people who tried to help her but the successful exorcist may come as a surprise.