Episode 3 of 6 in a series on the Mountain Men that I wrote for Legends of the Old West. In this gripping episode of Legends of the Old West, we join Hugh Glass, a seasoned frontiersman whose life was marked by extraordinary tales of survival. The story begins in the heat of the summer of 1823, as Glass, part of the Ashley-Henry Fur Company, faces both the aftermath of the Arikara attack and the rugged wilderness of the Missouri River basin. As a man of immense endurance, Glass defies orders and heads out to scout for game with his comrades. It’s during this scouting mission that Glass encounters a massive grizzly bear, leading to one of the most infamous survival stories in American frontier history.
When the bear viciously attacks Glass, his body is left a mangled wreck, with shattered bones, torn skin, and exposed intestines. Despite his grave injuries, Glass’s sheer will to live is unmatched. His companions, believing he won’t survive, reluctantly leave him behind with only a rough shelter. But Glass refuses to give in. He fights off infection, scavenges for food, and even uses maggots to clean his wounds. His determination drives him to crawl and drag himself across the wilderness, surviving on buffalo meat and water, all while pushing toward the safety of Fort Kiowa—200 miles away.
Finally, after weeks of agonizing progress, Glass reaches Fort Kiowa, only to find his journey for revenge has just begun. Betrayed by two men who abandoned him, John Fitzgerald and Jim Bridger, Glass’s ultimate goal is to confront them. His remarkable journey of survival, fueled by both his fierce resolve and desire for justice, makes Glass a legend and inspires tales, poems, and films, such as The Revenant.
🎧 Listen now to "Hugh Glass: The Grizzly Bear" 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:
