The California Sea Otter Trade 1784-1848

The California Sea Otter Trade: 1784-1848 is a meticulous study of the early maritime commerce along the California coast, particularly the pursuit of sea otter furs that played a crucial role in shaping the region's economic and political landscape. Adele Ogden's research provides a detailed account of the fur trade's origins, beginning with Yankee merchants and Russian hunters who ventured into California waters despite Spain's restrictive mercantile policies. The book traces how these ea...