In the late 17th century, the Arkansas region was occupied by early French colonists and settlers looking to set up a trading post. Slaves, servants, and settlers gradually moved into the area but in 1718-170, the French economic business ties from the Mississippi company began to degrade and most settlers relocated elsewhere. The trading post was set up for beaver and fur trade, but the local Native Americans showed little interest in the trade which hurt French profits. Other difficulties existed from raids by a Native tribe known as the Chickasaw, who were allied with the British which was French's major colonial rival at the time.