Frontier Fighters 35-xx-xx ep05 Kit Carson

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Frontier Fighters 35-xx-xx ep05 Kit Carson"

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Frontier Fighters 35-xx-xx ep05 Kit Carson
Release Date: August 14, 2025

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Introduction

In the "Frontier Fighters" series of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the exhilarating days of America's Golden Age of Radio. Episode five delves into the life and adventures of one of the most renowned frontiersmen, Kit Carson. This episode masterfully combines narrative storytelling with dramatized dialogues to portray Carson's journey from a young apprentice to a legendary figure shaping the American frontier.

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Early Life and Aspirations

The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of Kit Carson's humble beginnings in September 1826, Franklin, Missouri. A young Carson is depicted as a dreamer yearning for adventure beyond his apprenticeship.

• Narrator [00:00]: "Frontier fighters dramatically treading the wilderness paths of that deathless band of inspired pioneers who gave America an empire."

• Young Kit Carson [02:14]: "But someday I'll join one of those caravans and go to Santa Fe too."
  (Timestamp: 02:14)

Despite his mentor Mr. Workman's insistence that he remain a harness maker, Carson's determination to explore the vast wilderness is evident early on.

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Joining the Wagon Caravan

Driven by his dreams, Kit Carson takes a bold step to join a westward caravan bound for Santa Fe. His encounter with the wagon master highlights his resourcefulness and eagerness to contribute.

• Kit Carson [02:59]: "I want to go to Santa Fe."
  (Timestamp: 02:59)

• Wagon Master [02:59]: "You can ride, sir, and shoot too. And I'm not afraid of engines either."
  (Timestamp: 02:59)

Carson secures his place by agreeing to assist with the caravan's livestock, showcasing his practical skills and commitment.

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Challenges on the Trail

The journey to Santa Fe is fraught with dangers, from marauding Indians to nightly wolf attacks. These challenges test Carson's courage and resilience.

• Narrator [03:50]: "Kit's long journey to Santa Fe was full of excitement. Marauding Indians and great herds of buffalo cross the caravan's path daily."

A pivotal moment occurs when Carson's rifle malfunctions during a wolf attack, leading to a life-threatening injury.

• Kit Carson [04:05]: "Oh, those wolves drive a tired man crazy."
  (Timestamp: 04:05)

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Kit Carson's Heroic Act

Facing the possibility of infection from his broken arm, Carson demonstrates remarkable bravery by amputating his own limb.

• Kit Carson [04:05]: "But it'll be weeks before we get to Santa Fe. Poison will set in for tomorrow."
  (Timestamp: 04:05)

• Narrator [05:03]: "Kit Carson's operation was a complete success and the boy became the hero of the covered wagons."

This act not only cements Carson's reputation as a fearless leader but also highlights his resourcefulness and survival instincts.

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Life as a Trapper and Explorer

After reaching Santa Fe, Kit Carson partners with Mountaineer Kincaid, embarking on numerous expeditions across the West. His journey introduces Singing Grass, who becomes his loyal companion and later, his wife.

• Narrator [05:51]: "From Taos, Kip roamed all over the West. Trapping, hunting, blazing new wilderness trails."

Their union symbolizes the blending of different cultures and the personal sacrifices made on the frontier.

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Conflict with the Blackfeet

Carson's leadership is further tested during a harrowing ambush by Blackfeet warriors while escorting his daughter, Adeline, back to Missouri.

• Kit Carson [09:05]: "What happened to them Injuns? I think we licked them."
  (Timestamp: 09:05)

The ensuing battle showcases Carson's strategic prowess and his commitment to protecting his family, ultimately leading to a brief truce with the Blackfeet leader, Thunder Horse.

• Blackfeet Chief Thunder Horse [09:36]: "Will you raise your right hand in peace, Thunder Horse? Always."
  (Timestamp: 09:36)

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Reunion and a New Alliance

Upon returning to Missouri, Carson reunites with Lieutenant John Charles Fremont, a pivotal figure who recognizes Carson's invaluable knowledge of the western territories. Fremont's proposition leads Carson to undertake a mission to map the western United States and aid in the government's immigration efforts.

• Lieutenant Fremont [11:12]: "I need a man like you. Brave, resourceful, reliable."
  (Timestamp: 11:12)

• Kit Carson [12:53]: "A vigorous, truthful chronicle of Kit Carson's courageous but cautious pursuit of the ever widening American frontier."
  (Timestamp: 12:53)

Their collaboration not only advances Carson's legacy but also contributes significantly to the expansion and documentation of the American frontier.

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Conclusion and Legacy

The episode concludes by emphasizing Kit Carson's enduring impact on American history. Through Fremont's heartfelt chronicle, Carson's understanding and mastery of the western landscapes are immortalized, ensuring his legacy endures.

• Narrator [12:53]: "So we bid farewell to another of the great frontier fighters, Kit Carson, whose name will forever echo down the eternal corridors of time."

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Notable Quotes

• Young Kit Carson [02:14]: "But someday I'll join one of those caravans and go to Santa Fe too."
  (Timestamp: 02:14)

• Kit Carson [04:05]: "But it won't be weeks before we get to Santa Fe. Poison will set in for tomorrow."
  (Timestamp: 04:05)

• Blackfeet Chief Thunder Horse [09:36]: "Will you raise your right hand in peace, Thunder Horse? Always."
  (Timestamp: 09:36)

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Final Thoughts

This episode of "Frontier Fighters" offers a compelling and immersive look into Kit Carson's life, blending historical facts with engaging dramatizations. For enthusiasts of American history and frontier tales, this episode serves as both an educational resource and an entertaining narrative of one man's role in shaping the vast wilderness of America.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Frontier fighters. Frontier fighters dramatically treading the wilderness paths of that deathless band of inspired pioneers who gave America an empire. One of the most noted of all frontiersmen was Christopher Carson. Kit Carson. Wise of council, strong of arm, brave of heart and gentle of nature. September, 1826. Franklin, Missouri, on the western frontier. Beyond it lay the great plains of the savage redskin and the shaggy buffalo. A mysterious and uninhabited wilderness of prairie, desert and forest into which brave men journeyed in search of adventure and fortune.

[Kit Carson]

Kit Carson, you dreamy scamp. Now you quit watching them wagon trains and get to work. Yes, sir. But, Mr. Workman, I wasn't meant to be a harness maker. You're only 16 years old, Kit, and you're my apprentice. Now, you'll either stop dreaming about Santa Fe and be a hornet maker, or I'll take this strap and Larry. Good. You don't have to do that, Mr. Workman. I'll work hard today because those wagon trains out there badly need what we're making. But someday I'll join one of those caravans and go to Santa Fe too.

[Narrator]

Just before dawn one autumn morning, Kit steals out of the little to the open prairie where a caravan of covered wagons is waiting for the sunrise.

[Kit Carson]

Here, lad, what are you up to? I. I'm looking for the wagon master, sir. Well, that's me. What do you want? I want to go to Santa Fe. Santa Fe? Why, lad, the engines will eat you alive. Boots, pants and buckskin shirt. I can ride, sir, and shoot too. And I'm not afraid of engines either. I could use a hand to keep the extra stock from slaying. No horses, mules and oxen. You think you could do it? Shuck, sir, That'll be easy. And, sir, there'll be a bit of money for me when we get to Santa Fe. Sure, lads, but you pay for every critter you lose. Now, there's the son, and here's the horse. You'll ride. Head westward. Catch up. Catch up. Forward ho.

[Narrator]

Kit's long journey to Santa Fe was full of excitement. Marauding Indians and great herds of buffalo cross the caravan's path daily. At night, wolves, desperately hungry, circled the wagons.

[Kit Carson]

Oh, those wolves drive a tired man crazy. Broaders brought us. Yes, sir, Brought us. Take your rifle and kill a couple of those varmints. They'll give the rest of them something to eat. Sure. Got my rifle right here under my blanket. What's happened, brothers? Oh, this danged rifle exploded. I think my arms cracked a bit, Bill. Here, let me see it. Oh, cracked a bit. There A bless. You'll have to cut off that arm. No. No, you won't. You ain't no doctor. But it'll be weeks before we get to Santa Fe. Poison will set in for tomorrow. You ain't going to take off my arm? Not you. Hell, I got an idea. You know Kit Carson, that riding pool lad that's taking care of the extra stock? Sure. Nice boy. Smart, too. Oh, well, this Kit Carson used to be a harness maker's apprentice. He's right handy with a sharp knife and a needle. Now, what say we ask him to amputate that busted arm?

[Narrator]

Kit Carson?

[Kit Carson]

Sure, he's strong, but he's gentle, like. He can cut off my busted arm.

[Narrator]

If he's willing, but.

[Kit Carson]

But not you.

[Narrator]

Rude as it was, Kit Carson's operation was a complete success and the boy became the hero of the covered wagons. Eventually, the caravan reached Santa Fe where Carson joined Mountaineer Kincaid and proceeded with him to Taos. From Taos, Kip roamed all over the West. Trapping, hunting, blazing new wilderness trails. Kit was never quarrelsome. He never hunted trouble. But he met trouble bravely when it came. 1835, a trapper's rendezvous near Bonneville Fort in Green Valley.

[Kit Carson]

Where's that arrival, gal? Right behind you. Bully Schumar awaiting for you to propose marriage to her. Hiding away from Bully, eh? Here, here, take a drink of this liquor. Singing Grass does not like white man's fire water. Been listening to Kit Carson again, huh? He don't like fire water either. The brave, pale face of whom you speak is good man, you are bad, I see. In love with him, I suppose. I will be his squaw. When I get through them, he'll be so full of holes, you won't be able to speak. Get my horse, Peter. On my rifle. Use your horse, Bully. I'll use your gun. Now then, come on. Any one of you. Frenchman, Spaniard, Dutchman or American. I can lick any man who'll fight me. Throw down that rifle, Bully, and get off that horse. You're drunk. Let him stay on his horse, Bully. You mean me? I'm the worst American in this camp. If I hear any more of that talk, I'll rip you apart. Go to it, kid. Go to it. So, you for the pretty Indian gal? Maybe. Singing Grass. That won't do you no good. He's mine. Somebody hold my horse while I load my pistol. All right, Kid. So now, Bully, I'll fight you on your own terms, on horseback. Your rifle against my pistol. Start praying, Bully. But here I come. Oh, my arm. It's broken. Keep away from me, Kit Carson. Keep away. You can have the Indian girl kick, but keep away from me. You heard? No. My arm. Well, I'm off that horse. One of you made it. Fix up that arm, you bleed to death. Take the gun. Easy. Easy now. Oh, this arm. You more. You're a bully no longer. Just a bragging fool who don't know a better man when he sees one. You will speak now to Singing Grass. Master Carson. My heart's already spoken to you. Singing Grass. We married a knight in the lodge. The Arapahoe medicine man in yonder valley. Come.

[Narrator]

Singing Grass became Kit Carson's loyal companion and willing helper. During Kit's long and arduous wanderings, Singing Grass was always at her husband's side, devoted and unselfish. But Singing Grass passed away, leaving a pretty baby daughter, Adeline, for Kit Carson to raise. With an escort of rollicking, laughing mountain men, Kit started a long journey to Missouri to place his child in a white woman's home. One night, he and his cavalcade were ambushed by a band of hostile Blackfeet. After two hours of desperate fighting.

[Kit Carson]

What happened, Kit? What happened to them Injuns? I think we licked them. See, they're riding off of that hill yonder.

[Narrator]

Maybe it's some sort of a trick.

[Kit Carson]

I don't think so. Disappear altogether if it was a trick. Hold your fireman. Now let's see my baby. Yeah. Sure you liked it. You were born in the west, little lady. Shooting's in your blood. I can't take no more risks like this. And you're going back to Missouri and be raised up like civilized folks. Hey, Kit. Huh? Look.

[Narrator]

There's one of them engines riding towards us.

[Kit Carson]

Don't shoot at that rider. Let's see what he's going to do. Fool white man. Chief, I. You hit Carson. That's right. I name Thunder Horse. Many of my braves gone to happy hunting grounds. Oh, white braves are scouts. You brave man. We leave you now. Will you raise your right hand in peace, Thunder Horse? Always. This happens when Kit Carson leads his braves. Pale face warriors always win. Now we go north. There's another one under our belts. Let's get a riding. We got a long ways to go before we reach Missouri.

[Narrator]

When Kip returned to the white man's country, he was amazed to discover that during his 16 years absence, the frontier had been pushed westward many miles. Adeline, his daughter, was placed in a private St. Louis home. A few days in the sprawling Mississippi river metropolis, and Kit grew Restless, his heart lay back in the snow covered western mountains where rested the remains of singing grass. It is May. On a small river steamboat en route back to Santa Fe, Kip Carson meets the brave man and gallant soldier who was destined to chart the course of Kit's entire future life.

[Kit Carson]

You Mr. Christopher Carson, sir? That's me, soldier boy. Kit Carson. Lieutenant John Charles Fremont's compliment, sir. The lieutenant request some conversation with you. Send him over. I'm always glad to talk to a gallant officer like Fremont. Very good, sir. Kit Carson? That's me. You're Fremont? Heard about you in St. Louis. Shake. Mr. Carson. Your fame as an explorer and trailblazer reached my ears while I was at the source of this very river fame. It sounds like it's got something to do with harnesses, Fremont. I hate harnesses. Kit, the Secretary of War has ordered me to make a map of the western country and to advise the government how to aid and protect the immigrants going to Oregon. I want you to go with me. What can I do? I'm only a mountain man. Plain trapper. Beavers mostly. You know this country, Carson? This western country. Now, this is my first command. I need a man like you. Brave, resourceful, reliable. Give the matter some thought. Now, before you say no. I don't need to give the matter any thought. I'll go with you, but on one condition only. What's the condition? And you don't write a book about me. Seems like I can't ride a trail without somebody with learning wants to write something about me. Well, kid, I won't promise not to write that book. But I will promise to send one to your little girl. All right, then go ahead and write it. I don't know who in blazes will ever read it.

[Narrator]

Fremont did write a book. A vigorous, truthful chronicle of Kit Carson's courageous but cautious pursuit of the ever widening American frontier. A book which told the world of Christopher Carson's understanding of the deep mysteries of the mountains he so loved. Those mountains which, to the everlasting glory of the nation they both served, they conquered together. So we bid farewell to another of the great frontier fighters, Kit Carson, whose name will forever echo down the eternal corridors of time.