- St. Louis, Missouri: Founded in 1764, St. Louis became a significant fur trading hub due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. It served as a major center for fur traders and merchants involved in the fur trade with Native American tribes.
- Detroit, Michigan: Established by French fur traders in the late 17th century, Detroit played a crucial role in the fur trade network of the Great Lakes region. It was a hub for French and British traders, who exchanged furs with Native American tribes for European goods.
- Chicago, Illinois: Initially a small trading post, Chicago grew into a prominent fur trading center in the early 19th century. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Chicago River allowed easy access to the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River system, facilitating the transportation of furs.
- Green Bay, Wisconsin: Founded by French explorers in the 17th century, Green Bay became an important fur trading center in the Wisconsin region. It was a hub for fur traders and Native American tribes, with the Fox River and the bay providing convenient routes for transporting furs.
- Mackinac Island, Michigan: Located in the Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, Mackinac Island was a crucial meeting point for fur traders and Native American tribes. It served as a major center for fur trading activities and was also a center of cultural exchange between different groups.
These settlements played a vital role in the Midwest fur trade, serving as hubs for traders, Native American tribes, and fur trading companies. They facilitated the exchange of furs for European goods and were instrumental in shaping the development and history of the Midwest region.