Rendezvous

What is it like to visit a mountain man rendezvous? What is expected of attendees? What kind of equipment does a visitor need? How can you find out about when and where they’re held?

Visiting a mountain man rendezvous is like stepping back in time to the mid-19th century, a period when fur trappers and traders met to sell their wares, socialize, and enjoy various competitions. These events are now celebrated as historical reenactments where participants and visitors can immerse themselves in the life and times of the mountain men.

What to Expect

Attendees can expect a variety of activities at a mountain man rendezvous, including:

• Historical Demonstrations: Skills like blacksmithing, tomahawk throwing, and primitive fire starting are often demonstrated.
• Traders’ Row: Vendors sell period-appropriate goods such as furs, leather goods, traditional clothing, and handcrafted items.
• Competitions: Many rendezvous feature competitions such as muzzle-loading rifle shooting, knife throwing, and other tests of skill that would have been common among the mountain men.
• Music and Dancing: Traditional music and dances of the era are a common feature, often held around a large campfire in the evenings.
• Storytelling: Participants share tales of the mountain men and the history of the fur trade era.

Expected Equipment for Participants

If you plan to participate actively (rather than just visit), you may need:

• Period Clothing: Traditional garb such as buckskin pants, linen shirts, and fur hats. Modern clothing is usually discouraged to maintain historical accuracy.
• Camping Gear: Traditional canvas tents or teepees, if staying overnight. Modern camping gear is typically used discreetly if allowed.
• Eating Utensils: Period-appropriate items like tin plates, wooden spoons, and iron pots.
• Fire Making Supplies: Flint and steel for starting fires, as modern lighters and matches are out of place.

Equipment for Visitors

Casual visitors who are not participating in reenactments typically don’t need specialized equipment, but may want to consider:

• Comfortable Footwear: There can be a lot of walking on potentially uneven terrain.
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as many rendezvous are held outdoors.
• Camera: For capturing the unique experiences, though it’s polite to ask for permission before taking photos of participants.

Finding Rendezvous Events

To find out when and where mountain man rendezvous are held:

• Specialized Websites: Websites focusing on historical reenactment or the fur trade era often list upcoming rendezvous events.
• Social Media Groups: Many reenactment groups and historical societies have Facebook pages or other social media presence where they announce events.
• Local Historical Societies: These organizations can be a good resource for finding events in your area.

These events provide a rich educational experience, offering a glimpse into the rugged lifestyle of the mountain men and the culture of the fur trade era. Whether you’re participating fully or just visiting, a mountain man rendezvous offers a unique and engaging way to connect with history.