The British North West Company had already understood this.

The competition for the Columbia River country was already underway, and Astor knew that if he moved quickly enough, he could establish American dominance before the British could consolidate their position.

The Pacific Fur Company was Astor’s vehicle.

He dispatched two expeditions to reach the Columbia: one by sea, on the ship Tonquin, and one overland.

The overland expedition was led by Wilson Price Hunt, a 29-year-old St.

Louis merchant who had the advantage of Astor’s confidence but the disadvantage of limited wilderness experience.