Ages 8 to 14 years. In the mid 1600s, legendary fur traders Radisson and des Groseilliers were the first Europeans to explore the upper part of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. This exciting book explains how their trade routes helped open up the mid-west of the United States and Canada and how their discoveries led to the creation of the Hudson's Bay Company, the oldest corporation in North America. Young readers will also be fascinated to read about Radisson's early kidnapping by the Iroquois. Other topics include: previous expeditions before their partnership; the rugged life of a voyageur; the League of Friendship; what a Royal Charter for fur trading and exploration was; the fur trade in North America.