Chouteau, the name of a United States family prominent in the early Middle West as traders, merchants, and financiers.
(1749–1829) was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. At the age of 14 he helped Pierre Laclède, a fur trader, found St. Louis, Missouri. He was successful in developing a flourishing trade with the Osage Indians. After the United States bought the Louisiana Territory, Chouteau was appointed a justice of the territorial court and a federal commissioner to make treaties with the Indians. He became a wealthy landholder.
(1758–1849), brother of René Auguste, was also born in New Orleans. He carried on a profitable fur trade with the Indians, and with other traders founded the Saint Louis Missouri Fur Company.
(1789–1865), son of Jean Pierre, was born in St. Louis. He engaged in the fur trade and a number of other successful business enterprises in the Midwest, and amassed a fortune worth several million dollars. Pierre, South Dakota, is named for him.
