Legends of the Old West: Mountain Men Ep. 1 | “Jedediah Smith: Ashley’s Hundred”

Host: Chris Wimmer
Release Date: September 11, 2024
Series: American Frontier
Produced by: Black Barrel Media

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of the "American Frontier" series, host Chris Wimmer delves into the life and legendary exploits of Jedediah Smith, a pivotal figure among the mountain men who carved paths through the untamed American West. Titled “Jedediah Smith: Ashley’s Hundred,” this episode meticulously chronicles the formation, challenges, and aftermath of the Ashley Henry Fur Company’s ambitious expedition known as Ashley’s Hundred.

The Genesis of Ashley’s Hundred

[01:11] Chris Wimmer sets the stage by recounting the 1822 newspaper advertisement placed by William Ashley in the Missouri Gazette. Ashley sought 100 enterprising men for a fur trapping expedition up the Missouri River, promising $200 per year despite acknowledging the perilous and arduous nature of the journey.

“The man who placed the ad was William Ashley. He told the young men who answered that the trip up the Missouri river would be difficult and the work they would do as fur trappers would be dangerous, but they could expect to earn $200 for each year they were employed.”
— Chris Wimmer [01:11]

This bold venture attracted a cadre of men who would leave an indelible mark on American frontier history, including notable figures like Jedediah Smith, Jim Bridger, and Hugh Glass.

Jedediah Smith: Early Life and Motivation

Delving into Smith’s background, Wimmer paints a picture of a well-educated and devoutly religious young man from Jericho (now Bainbridge), New York. Smith’s upbringing emphasized literacy and moral integrity, traits that would later define his leadership on the frontier.

Smith’s early experiences, including his time aboard a Lake Erie freighter during the War of 1812, exposed him to the world of fur trading and ignited his ambition to explore the vast western territories. By 23, driven by a thirst for adventure and the promise of Manifest Destiny, Smith joined Ashley’s expedition in St. Louis.

“Jedediah Smith was born on January 6, 1799... His early years were typical of American rural life... but would play a foundational role in shaping the man who would become one of the greatest trailblazers of the American West.”
— Chris Wimmer [01:11]

The Ashley’s Hundred Expedition: Challenges and Triumphs

[19:48] The expedition commenced in 1822 aboard the keelboat Enterprise, navigating the treacherous Missouri River. Early setbacks included the capsizing of the boat due to submerged logs and strong currents, testing the men’s survival skills.

Smith quickly emerged as a key player, adept in hunting and leadership. As the party advanced into uncharted territories, interactions with Native American tribes, particularly the Lakota, were pivotal. Ashley’s attempt to trade for horses with the Arikara tribes in 1823 led to heightened tensions, culminating in the Arikara War.

“Jedediah Smith provided steady covering fire as the other men desperately scrambled back to the boats.”
— Chris Wimmer [21:30]

During the conflict, Smith’s valor and tactical prowess were evident. His actions not only saved lives but also solidified his reputation as a formidable leader. Following the war, Smith was promoted to commander of one of the fur company squads, marking a significant advancement in his career.

Overcoming Adversity: Smith’s Leadership and Resilience

The expedition faced numerous trials, including dangerous river passages, hostile encounters, and natural obstacles like the alkaline waters of the White River and the arid Dakota Highlands. Smith’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the men through these hardships.

A particularly harrowing incident occurred when Smith was attacked by a grizzly bear in the Black Hills. Severely injured, his determination saw him survive and continue leading his men despite life-threatening wounds.

“Smith was severely injured and lying in a pool of his own blood, but his resolve remained unbroken.”
— Chris Wimmer [33:12]

These experiences not only tested but also reinforced Smith’s resilience and commitment to the expedition’s goals.

Legacy of Ashley’s Hundred and Jedediah Smith

By the fall of 1823, despite the conflicts and losses, the Ashley Henry Fur Company gained exclusive access to prime beaver trapping grounds in the Rocky Mountains. Smith’s successful navigation through the newly discovered South Pass—a critical gateway through the Rockies—paved the way for future westward expansion.

“Jedediah Smith and his party were the first recorded white men to travel through South Pass from east to west.”
— Chris Wimmer [34:13]

Smith’s pioneering efforts not only expanded the fur trade but also contributed to the broader narrative of American Manifest Destiny, influencing maps, policies, and the influx of settlers into the West.

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

Wimmer concludes the episode by highlighting the enduring impact of Ashley’s Hundred and Jedediah Smith on American history. Looking forward, he teases the next episode, which will explore Smith’s further adventures, including his treks to California, confrontations with Native tribes, and his extensive travels across the American West.

“Next time on Legends of the Old West... Jedediah Smith blazes trails to California and then up the Pacific coast to Oregon and Washington.”
— Chris Wimmer [34:13]

Key Takeaways

• Ashley’s Hundred was a seminal fur trapping expedition that significantly influenced American westward expansion.
• Jedediah Smith’s leadership, resilience, and adventurous spirit were crucial in overcoming the myriad challenges faced by the expedition.
• The successful navigation of South Pass by Smith’s group facilitated future migrations and the settlement of the American West.
• Interactions and conflicts with Native American tribes were a recurring theme, underscoring the complexities of frontier diplomacy and warfare.

Notable Quotes

1. Chris Wimmer:
   “Those tales, often characterized by harrowing adventures, survival against all odds, and profound interactions with Native American cultures, captured the imagination of the American public and policymakers alike.”
   [01:11]

2. Chris Wimmer:
   “The Apesh Henry Fur Company marked a pivotal moment in the westward expansion of the United States.”
   [01:11]

3. Chris Wimmer:
   “Smith fired at the Arikara as his comrades fled to the safety of the boats, and he was the last man to leave the shore.”
   [21:30]

4. Chris Wimmer:
   “Smith was severely injured and lying in a pool of his own blood, but his resolve remained unbroken.”
   [33:12]

5. Chris Wimmer:
   “Jedediah Smith and his party were the first recorded white men to travel through South Pass from east to west.”
   [34:13]

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Jedediah Smith’s early ventures with Ashley’s Hundred, highlighting his indomitable spirit and the broader implications of the fur trade on American expansion. Chris Wimmer’s detailed narration, enriched with historical insights and vivid storytelling, provides listeners with a deep appreciation of the mountain men’s legacy in shaping the American West.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where the saga of Jedediah Smith continues as he blazes trails into California and beyond, facing new challenges and leaving an even more profound legacy.