|
 |
|
Bridger, James
American fur trader, one of the most celebrated of the mountain men, b. Virginia. He was working as a blacksmith in St. Louis when he joined the Missouri River expedition of William H. Ashley in 1822. From that time until the fur trade declined in the 1840s he was a trader and trapper in the mountains, becoming familiar with most of the country N of Spanish New Mexico and E of California. [eng]
|
 |
|
James Bridger
Jim Bridger was born in Richmond, Virginia, the son of an innkeeper. In 1822, he headed west and quickly became an accomplished fur trapper. He would later become a partner in the Rocky Mountain Fur Company.
During the 1820s and 1830s, he explored the West numerous times; during one venture, he became the first white man to see the Great Salt Lake.
[eng]
|
 |
|
Ft Bridger on the Oregon-Trail
Before arriving, many emigrants hoped that Ft. Bridger would be a civilized outpost; perhaps something similar to Ft. Laramie. Instead, Ft. Bridger was a crude collection of rough-hewn log buildings that greatly disappointed the travelers.
[eng]
|
 |
|
Mountain Man Jim Bridger
James Bridger (Old Gabe) was in good company when he signed on with Hugh Glass, Jedediah Smith, and Thomas Fitzpatrick to be a member of General Ashley's Upper Missouri expedition. At the age of 17, he was the youngest member of the expedition. This was beginning of a long and colorful career in the mountains for Jim Bridger. [eng]
|
 |
|
Utah History Encyclopedia
James Bridger was one of the greatest frontiersmen of Utah and American history. During his lifetime he was a hunter, trapper, trader, Indian fighter, and guide, and one of only a few trappers to remain in the Rockies after the demise of the fur trade. In 1822 young Bridger heeded William Ashley's call for one hundred "enterprising young men" and ascended the route of the Missouri River under Major Andrew Henry's command.
[eng]
|
 |
|
Jim Bridger - Biography - Kansas City Missouri History
Jim Bridger was a storybook frontiersman. He was born in Virginia on St. Pat's Day, 1804. From 1824 until the late 1860s he was the premier Indian fighter, beaver trapper, fur trader and guide to the Wild West. He was also a storekeeper, scout, explorer and discoverer. He was, in fact, about the most picturesque character in our western history.
[eng]
|
 |
|
|