Pre-War Camp Traders

Horseback riding was universal, and nothing was thought of a ten or fifteen- mile trip through the woods.
Catherine P. Brown writes:

"I remember in 1809 or 1810 riding in a party to a large Indian camp on the Military road along Stillwater somewhere near Ludlow Falls. Mr. Henry Brown [afterwards her husband] carried dress goods, blankets, bridles, saddles, axes, kettles and other government annuities on a hundred pack horses for distribution among the Wabash Indians. Camps of traders were there from Detroit, Cincinnati and Pittsburg for barter with the tribes that were coming and going, several weeks disposing of bales of skins and furs. The Indians in these camps were always engaged in some sport, target shooting with rifle or bow and arrow, ball games, foot races and horse races.  [Source]