Trading post

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A trading post is a place where trading of goods takes place. The preferred travel route to a trading post, or between trading posts, is known as a trade route.

European colonialism traces its roots to the annexation of trading posts along ancient trade routes, beginning with the capture of Ceuta (a terminus of the trans-Saharan trade route) by the Portuguese in 1415, who went on to establish further enclaves as they explored the coasts of Africa, Arabia, India and South East Asia in search of the source of the lucrative spice trade. Trading posts were also very common in the early settlements of Canada and the United States for the trade of such things as fur. They are also used in many camps across America as places to buy snacks, items and souviners.

In the United States in the early 19th century trading posts used by Native Americans were licensed by the federal government and called "factories". Tribes were to concede substantial territory to the United States in order to access the "factories" as happened at Fort Clark in the Treaty of Fort Clark in which the Osage Nation conceded most of Missouri in order to access the trading post.

A 'trading post' can also be referred to as the place where securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange are traded (bought and sold).