How did Captain Cooks crew discover the value of sea otter fur?

Answer 1

Captain Cook's crew discovered the value of sea otter fur when they traded with the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest, specifically the Tlingit and Haida tribes. These tribes highly valued sea otter fur for its high quality and warmth, using it to create clothing, blankets, and other goods. The crew realized that the fur was in high demand in China, where it was considered a luxury item, and they began trading the fur for other valuable goods such as tea, silk, and porcelain. This discovery ultimately led to the fur trade industry flourishing in the region.