Over the course of his life, pioneer and explorer Manuel Lisa founded the Missouri Fur Co. and led 13 expeditions into unexplored territory. Born in New Orleans in 1772, Lisa created a trading empire in the unexplored territory of the U.S. He received a Spanish monopoly trading patent with the Osage Indians, followed the Lewis and Clark expedition and led a 42-man trek of his own along the Missouri River and into central Montana. In 1809, he established Manuel’s Fort as a trading post and a base for further explorations. Toward the end of his life, he became an expert on the frontier and he was the key figure in converting the Sioux to U.S. allies. Lisa, who passed away in 1820, is regarded as the founding father of Old Nebraska.