Crazy Crow Trading Post

James Wilkinson: America’s Forgotten Traitor

Zebulon Pike’s Expeditions Under Wilkinson’s Command & their Influence on the Fur Trade, Frontier Forts & Westward Expansion
By Crazy Crow Trading Post ~ October 1, 2025

In the annals of American history, few men wielded as much covert influence—and escaped as much accountability—as General James Wilkinson. Despite his obscurity in popular memory, Wilkinson’s career stretched across the French and Indian War, the Revolution, the War of 1812, and even the early years of the Monroe Doctrine. In each arena, his actions bent the trajectory of the young republic, frequently in ways that compromised its sovereignty.

It is one of history’s bitter ironies that Wilkinson, later condemned as a traitor, shared the same retreat boat from Quebec in 1776 with Benedict Arnold. That moment links the two men not just in circumstance, but in the broader narrative of American betrayal.”Wilkinson’s legacy embodies contradiction. He ascended to the highest ranks—Senior Officer of the Army, Governor of the Louisiana Territory—yet for over three decades he secretly served as “Agent 13,” a salaried spy of the Spanish Empire. His duplicity ran so deep that Theodore Roosevelt later judged him “the most despicable character in American history.”

What makes Wilkinson’s story disturbing is not only the treason itself, but his uncanny ability to evade justice. He manipulated allies and enemies alike, cultivating trust in every quarter while serving two masters—the United States and Spain. His hand appeared in the Burr conspiracy, in plots to incite war with Mexico, and in nearly every major geopolitical intrigue of the early republic. To study Wilkinson is to see the vulnerabilities of a fragile nation laid bare: how easily personal ambition could bend the destiny of a republic still struggling for stability.

Take a few minutes and learn one of the most amazing stories in American History that seems to have disappeared from public memory!

James Wilkinson: America’s Forgotten Traitor | Impact on Fur Trade Rate This Article James Wilkinson: America’s Forgotten Traitor Pike’s Expeditions Under Wilkinson's Command & their Influence on the Fur Trade, Frontier Forts & Westward Expansion

September & October Crow Calls Savings
SAVE 10%-25% ~ Don't miss it! . . on popular powwow, rendezvous, historic reenactor, bead & leather crafter supplies; on Green River Knives, Custom Throwing Hawk (our most popular), select handmade frontier knives & a wide range of camping supplies (cookware, utensils, etc.). Other sale items include Czech Pony Beads, Nickel & Brass Plated Bells, Smudge Sticks, Southwest Style Tote & other type bags, big savings on #2 German Tan Buckskin, and much more.

Crow Calls Sale Crazy Crow Trading Post: Largest line of Native American craft supplies & kits anywhere. Beads, leather, feathers, blankets, books- over 8000 items online.

Powwow Time is Fry Bread Time! Actually, it tastes so good that anytime can be fry bread time! Do you know about the history of frybread? Did you know that fry bread, tortillas, and biscuits are all made from the same stuff? It's a matter of how you cook it!

This article is one of our most popular. It takes a deep dive into the history and origins of the basic fry bread and its use throughout the country. In contemporary times, it explains how it became one of the most popular 'Fair' foods in America. You'll also find many recipes so you can make your own fry bread today.

A peek at the article:

Indian Frybread History: Explore a Complex & Fascinating Story by Crazy Crow Trading Post

What “is” Indian Frybread?
Before we get into “complexities” of Indian frybread history (also spelled fry bread), let’s address some basics. This article is about the Indian frybread that has evolved from the 1864 Navajo ‘Long Walk’ as explained below. Indian frybread is usually made with a few simple ingredients – wheat (white) flour, salt, fat (lard), and water. Once the ingredients are mixed, it is formed into a flat dough bread that is fried or deep-fried in oil, shortening, or lard. Frybread can be eaten just as it’s taken from the oil, or with one or more of several popular toppings. By itself it is a great bread accompaniment with a bowl of stew or when paired as a side to any beef-based meal or stew. When topped with honey it is often compared with sopapillas. Other sweet treat or dessert versions are sprinkled with sugar or topped with jam. Topping with beef or brisket is a popular pairing, making it a meal itself.

The ultimate frybread-based meal, however, has evolved in its use as the base for an unlimited variety of tacos (replacing the “shells”). While the origin of frybread is linked to the Navajo “Long Walk” of 1864, it is often found at powwows and tribal events (and homes) from coast to coast. On an even broader scale, its popularity has spread well beyond native events so that today it can be found at all types and sizes of fairs or festivals throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Frybread was not originally a traditional Native food.
Ask most folks in American about frybread and you will find that they consider it a traditional Native food. While this may be true given its origins, it is not an accurate description of the ‘roots’ of Indian frybread history. Frybread was created by the Navajo in 1864 when the U.S. government created the reservation system and the distribution of food commodities to the peoples and tribes ‘moved’ there whose way of life (and feeding themselves) had been disrupted.

At the time this was happening to the Navajo, relocating them from northern Arizona to Bosque Redondo, New Mexico (which would not support their traditional staples of vegetables and beans), this same process resulted in many tribes being removed from their ancestral homelands to reservations in other parts of the West. Thus, the history of frybread is directly linked to this trauma of relocation and the Native fight for survival.

Read the entire article:

Indian Frybread History: A Fascinating Story +12 Tribal Frybread Recipes Rate This Article Indian Frybread History: Explore a Complex & Fascinating Story Navajo Innovation, Reservation Rations & the Mexican Tortilla By Crazy Crow Trading Post ~ September 24, 2021

John Bush, Fountainhead of the Lake George
School of Horn Engravers
Colonial American Powder Horn Craftsman & Engraver

John Bush, a Black American provincial soldier, and one of the first of the Lake George school of horn engravers, became renowned for his intricate and artistic powder horn engravings. His contributions to the craft were significant, though his life was short and tragically ended after being captured in 1757 at the Battle of Fort William Henry during the French and Indian War. Bush’s work remains a testament to the artistry and functionality of powder horns in colonial America. He is the only known Black American to have decorated powder horns of that era . . .

The True Story of the Siege of Fort William Henry: History Documentary (video)
Discover the incredible true story behind the Siege of Fort William Henry, the historic battle that inspired “Last of the Mohicans.” This documentary brings to life the events of the French and Indian War, where the French, aided by their Indian allies, besieged the British fort at the southern end of Lake George.

The siege, which lasted six days, ended in a brutal massacre. Learn about the strategic importance of Fort William Henry, the soldiers’ harrowing experiences, and the impact of this battle on American history.
Spoiler Alert! Unlike the movie, “Last of the Mohicans,” Colonel Munro did not die in the battle. His daughters not at the fort, he didn’t have any daughters! Yet the story portrayed by this video is even more compelling than the award-winning movie. 62 minutes.

John Mahard Horn Gallery
The ten mages in this gallery are of a rare horn from the French and Indian War, embellished by John Bush, one of the first major engravers of the Lake George School and the only Black American known to have decorated horns. This horn is important for its ornamentation, which is both original and graceful in ex*****on, and for its historical significance as well. The ornamental motifs and the lettering are characteristic of the horns decorated by John Bush.

Click image or link to read the entire article.

Fountainhead of the Lake George School of Horn Engravers Rate This Article John Bush, Fountainhead of the Lake George School of Horn Engravers Colonial American Powder Horn Craftsman & Engraver Photo

Crazy Crow LAST CHANCE Jan-Feb Crow Calls – Ends Feb 28, 2025
8 days left to SAVE!
SAVE 10%-25% on on popular powwow, rendezvous, historic reenactor, bead & leather crafter supplies. Crazy Crow Trading Post is starting out the New Year with savings on many popular craft supply items like Plains Hard Sole Moccasin Kits Pre-Cut 14 & 18 inch Chainette Fringe, Chainette Spool Fringe, Flat Spool Fringe, as well as big savings on very popular items like most types of our brass beads, artificial sinew, Brass & Nickel Pe**te Kettles, select hand made Frontier Knives, and our hand carved hardwood war clubs. Of course you can order everything online, any time of day (or night!).

Crazy Crow LAST CHANCE Jan-Feb Crow Calls - Ends Feb 28, 2025 Crazy Crow LAST CHANCE Jan-Feb Crow Calls - Ends Feb 28, 2025 SAVE 10%-25% on on popular powwow, rendezvous, historic reenactor, bead & leather crafter supplies. Crazy Crow Trading Post is starting out the New Year with savings on many popular craft supply items like Plains Hard Sole Moccasin Kits P...

NEW Missouri River Serape Blankets, 60"x82"
Crazy Crow Trading Post is proud to introduce our new Missouri River Brand Serape Blankets in a beautiful, multi-color stripe design. Patterned after the universally recognized Mexican Serape, a traditional, light weight blanket woven of fine yarns in brightly colored stripes, this classic blanket is the type most often carried by Native American dancers to mark their seats on the bench, as well as being very popular for give-aways. These fine quality, "summer weight" blankets are woven in a blend of 80% wool and 20% cotton, with an un-napped finish and a felt binding and are perfect for traditional use in your tipi, cabin or home. Packed in an attractive gift box.

* $195.00
* Size: 60" x 82"
* Unnapped, felt bound
* blend of 80% wool and 20% cotton
* Dry clean