USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Europeans would make hats out of the beaver pelts. A lot of the beavers were decimated in Europe, so that’s why they were coming over here to get it. A brand new beaver pelt has long hair, so the Europeans would pluck the long hair to get down to the pelt.

Detailed explanation-2: -"Beaver fur was at one time extensively used in the manufacture of hats but has become so rare and valuable that it is now chiefly used for muffs, collars, and trimming.

Detailed explanation-3: -From the late 16th to mid-19th century, beaver top hats were an essential aspect of men’s fashion across much of Europe. Not only were they extremely valuable, often treated as a family heirloom passed on from father to son, a hat’s design also denoted an individual’s social status and occupation.

Detailed explanation-4: -Beavers played an important role in this fur trade due to the high value of their pelts. Beaver pelts were the first great trade commodity in America. Many fur companies established themselves in the Northeast as the revenue from beaver pelts fueled the economy.

Detailed explanation-5: -Top quality beaver pelts may bring in $25 or more, but you can also sell your lower-quality beaver pelts for the hat market. “Beaver pelts can be an exception because they can be ground up to be used as felt to make Stetson cowboy hats, so thick fur isn’t required, ” Wood says.