Episode 2 of 6 in a series on the Mountain Men that I wrote for Legends of the Old West. In this episode, we embark on a thrilling expedition through the untamed American frontier with Jedediah Smith, one of the most daring mountain men of the Old West. This episode plunges you into the early 19th century as Smith leads a band of fur trappers across uncharted territories. From being the first recorded white men to traverse Wyoming's South Pass—a vital gateway through the Rocky Mountains—to surviving a brutal grizzly bear attack, Smith's journey is a relentless testament to courage and resilience.
As the narrative unfolds, tension escalates when Smith splits his party, and his comrade Jim Clyman's group goes missing after a tense encounter with the Shoshone tribe. The suspense heightens with battles against the Arikara warriors and the ever-looming threats from rival fur companies like the powerful Hudson Bay Company. Smith's strategic mind shines as he navigates not only the perilous landscapes but also the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define the fur trade era.
The adventure reaches new heights as Smith ventures into the vast expanses of the West, becoming the first American to journey overland to California. Defying orders and overcoming insurmountable odds, he and his men cross the scorching Mojave Desert and the treacherous Sierra Nevada mountains. Each step is fraught with danger—from deadly ambushes by hostile tribes to the unforgiving forces of nature—all testing the limits of their endurance and determination.
This episode is not just a tale of survival but a vivid chronicle of exploration and the relentless pursuit of the unknown. It paints a captivating picture of Jedediah Smith's indomitable spirit and his significant, yet often overlooked, contributions to America's westward expansion. Immerse yourself in this riveting historical saga and experience the raw excitement of the Old West as you follow Smith's epic journeys across a continent on the brink of transformation.
🎧 Listen now to "Jedediah Smith: Making History" on your favorite podcast platform.
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If you liked this podcast, you might also enjoy my book, Texas Jack: America's First Cowboy Star, available at:
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