ON THE TRAIL OF ANTOINE ROBIDOUX, 1824 - 1844.

During the first half of the nineteenth century, western Colorado and eastern Utah played an important role in the history of the American fur trade. However, few records and very little physical evidence can be found of this period of history. Antoine Robidoux, fur trapper and trader, built three trading posts (forts) in this area, but none of them remain standing. Fort Uintah was burned to the ground and all that remains is a charcoal ash stain on the ground; Fort Robidoux was abandoned and the adobe walls melted to the ground; and all evidence of Fort Uncompahgre has been obliterated by floods and farming activity. After a thorough search of the literature and landscape, the only remaining physical evidence of Antoine Robidoux and the fur trade are inscriptions carved on the canyon walls by himself, his employees, and his companions along his travel route between Fort Uncompahgre in Colorado and Fort Uintah in Utah. Fur trade inscriptions, as well as Native American rock art which predates the fur trade, have been used to locate the "footprints on the ground" and accurately define Robidoux's Trail through the Bookcliff's and across the East Tavaputs Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]