Mountain Men in the American West

What was the primary source of income for mountain men in the American West?

a. buffalo b. gold c. wild turkeys d. none of the above

Answer:

The primary source of income for mountain men in the American West was buffalo.

Mountain men were fur trappers and explorers who played a key role in the early exploration and settlement of the American West. They ventured into the wilderness to trap and hunt animals for their fur, which they would then trade for goods and supplies. Among all the animals they trapped, buffalo was considered the most important source of income for mountain men.

Buffalo pelts were in high demand, especially in the eastern United States and Europe, where they were used to make warm clothing and blankets. Mountain men would hunt buffalo in large numbers, sometimes posing a significant threat to the buffalo population. This trade in buffalo fur helped sustain the mountain men's way of life in the harsh and unforgiving wilderness of the American West.

While buffalo was the primary source of income for mountain men, they also engaged in other activities such as trapping beavers for their fur, hunting wild turkeys for food, and even searching for gold in the mountains. However, buffalo hunting remained a fundamental part of their livelihood and survival in the rugged frontier.