The American Fur Company was founded by John Jacob Astor in 1808 and became a dominant force in the fur trade across North America. Astor aimed to establish a trading network that would capitalize on the lucrative demand for furs, especially in Europe. The company played a significant role in the westward expansion and exploration of the United States, particularly in the Oregon Territory. By the mid-19th century, however, changes in fashion and the decline of the fur trade led to the company's eventual decline.
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