The story of the American frontier is one of many cultures, creeds and colors all coming together — interacting with one another and sometimes clashing with one another. The early efforts at exploring and mapping the new boundaries of America were typical of the true western story. European, Latin, African and Native Americans were all a part of this history.

There are many references to black and Latino explorers and fur traders found in the journals and other early writings of the American West. Since early fur trade in this state was centered in the Three Forks region, we can assume that from the time explorers and fur traders first pushed into this area, people of all colors were a part this era.

In 1719, French commander Bernard de la Harpe entered the Three Forks area with an exploration party of about 10 men. De la Harpe notes in his journal of the expedition that two of his party were black and were always well received in the Indian villages they visited.

Major Jacob Fowler led an expedition through the Three Forks area in 1821, employing a local fur trader named Hugh Glenn to act as his guide. Fowler’s records of the journey indicate that he had a personal slave named Paul (Fowler spelled his named Pall) who accompanied him. Paul had his own gun, money and horse, and his opinion was sought and respected by other members of the exploring party. In the rugged western wilderness, where everyone’s survival depended upon the cooperation and respect of the entire group, color and class distinctions seemed less important than intelligence and skill.

Trade trails crossed Oklahoma between the United States and Mexican-held territories in the southwest. Many Mexican “mule skinners” carried freight between trade centers such as St. Louis and Santa Fe, crossing through Oklahoma. Many gold and silver Mexican coins have been found in trade areas such as Three Forks, and rumors of Mexican gold mines existing in the territory have long circulated.

Fur trading posts lined the banks of the Three Rivers for many years and they were a gathering place for all manner of people. The keelboats that plied the rivers carrying furs bound for New Orleans were often manned by Creoles (of African, Spanish or French descent), who poled the long heavy boats to the rhythm of traditional African songs.

When Washington Irving visited Fort Gibson in 1832, he also stopped at the trading post of A.P. Chouteau on the banks of the Verdigris River near present-day Okay. Irving described the scene there in his book, “A Tour on the Prairies.” He contrasted the Osages, clad in blankets and leggings, with the newly arrived Creeks who dressed in colorful calico shirts and turbans.

Irving also mentioned a large number of Creoles and "negroes of every hue," particularly noting the hard-working African blacksmith who happened to be shoeing a horse at the time. Since Chouteau operated a boat-building yard on the river, many of these men were possibly employed at building and operating the boats for his fur trade.

On the frontier of early America, there was opportunity for people of many ethnic backgrounds.