“Once the trapper tasted the wine of freedom,” wrote George Laycock in The Mountain Men, “he could never erase the memories of wilderness from his mind."
Jim Bridger (1804–1881) came west in 1822 at the age of 17, as a member of Ashley's Hundred exploring the Upper Missouri drainage. He was among the first non-natives to see the geysers and other natural wonders of the Yellowstone region. He is also considered one of the first men of European descent, along with Étienne Provost, to see the Great Salt Lake. Due to its salinity, he first believed it to be an arm of the Pacific Ocean. In 1830, Bridger purchased shares in the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. He established Fort Bridger in southwestern Wyoming. He was also well known as a teller of tall tales.
Hank Williams - Ramblin' Man
Read 'King of the Mountain Men' here for free or read 'Jim Bridger: Mountain Man' below.
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