Explorers, Pioneers, and Frontiersmen
James Bridger
1804-1881
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. In 1843, as the fur trade declined, Bridger became a partner in the establishment of Fort Bridger on Black’s Fork of the Green River in Wyoming, a prominent way station for travelers on the Oregon Trail. His knowledge of the territory was essential to the Central Overland Stage Company and the Pike’s Peak Express Company, both of whom hired him to aid in the establishment of their routes. Bridger later provided a similar service for the Union Pacific Railroad. Bridger was opposed to the Mormon settlements in the Utah area. Such settlements had sapped a considerabe portion of Bridger's trade, including that of the Native Americans, causing economic hard times for the post and bad blood in the future. Eventually, Bridger volunteered to act as a guide for U.S. forces in the Mormon War of 1858. In 1859-60, Bridger visited an area known as Colter’s Hell and later described its geysers and other natural features to unbelieving listeners. This region would later become Yellowstone Park.
Off-site search results for "James Bridger"... James Bridger
Gowans Utah History Encyclopedia Jim Bridger 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 trJames 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 ...
http://historytogo.utah.gov/people/jamesbridger.html
Mountain Man Jim Bridger
James Bridger 1804-1881 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 theJames Bridger 1804-1881 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 theJames 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 ...
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/HNS/Mtmen/jimbrid.html
Fort Bridger Photos
... received with great kindness and lavish hospitality by the propriator, Major James Bridger, one of the oldest mountain-men in this entire region, who has been engaged in the Indian trade, here, and upon the heads of the Missouri andJames Bridger, one of the oldest mountain-men in this entire region, who has been engaged in the Indian trade, here, and upon the heads of the Missouri and Columbia ...
http://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/bridger.html
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