Description
Grandson of St Louis founder Auguste Chouteau, Pierre “Cadet” Chouteau, Jr. is thought to have had a cabin, the remains of which lie above the Missouri River on the present Charbonier Bluff. In 1809 Cadet, from this pivotal bluff vantage point could see flat boats descending the river and if loaded with furs, would mount his horse and ride the seventeen miles to St. Louis overland to arrive before the traders. Calculating an advantageous price as he rode, he made great profit based on the estimated volume of goods about to be unloaded on the riverfront.
