Port Penn once figured prominently in world markets as European demand for quality fur remained high after the supply of beaver fur in the American West declined. Toward the end of the 19th century, muskrat pelts became an important material for fur coats, hats, and winter clothing, and even after their fur went out of fashion in the 20th century, muskrat trapping in Port Penn continued providing food for local families. Sturgeon roe from the Delaware River was sold in Russia as high-quality caviar, and much of the caviar imported to the United States came from the Delaware River, repackaged in Russia and then re-sold to Americans at much higher prices. The roe from a single sturgeon could pay a Port Penn fisherman's household bills for most of the year. Along the Delaware River, floating cabins and muskrat skinning shacks were once common buildings whose practical designs reflected their specific uses on the river and marsh. Fishermen relied on floating cabins because they could be towed or poled from place to place and usually contained a small living area and storage container for fish, while muskrat shacks could also be used as dwellings during the season, allowing trappers to make the most of their time on the marsh.