Legends of the Old West: Episode Summary
Episode: MOUNTAIN MEN Ep. 2 | “Jedediah Smith: Making History”
Host/Author: Black Barrel Media
Release Date: September 18, 2024

Introduction to Jedediah Smith’s Pioneering Journey

The episode opens by transporting listeners back to the early 19th century, specifically spring 1824, when Jedediah Smith, a 25-year-old mountain man, embarked on a historic expedition through South Pass in southwestern Wyoming. Smith and his group of approximately a dozen fur trappers were pioneers, marking the first recorded white men to traverse this crucial passage—a pathway that would facilitate countless westward migrations in the ensuing decades.

Smith's journey began on the Missouri River in central Montana, navigating through regions that are now Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and extending into areas near the present-day Yellowstone National Park. During this arduous trek, Smith endured formidable challenges, including a grizzly bear attack—an encounter that left him with severe head injuries from which he remarkably recovered within ten days, showcasing his resilience and determination.

Challenges and Conflicts with Native Tribes

As Smith's group progressed, they faced fierce opposition from the Shoshone warriors, who were intent on protecting their territory and resources. A significant setback occurred when Shoshone members stole the trapper's horses and pack animals, forcing Smith's men to continue trapping on foot. In a tense confrontation, Smith's group managed to recover their stolen gear and horses by subduing a smaller Shoshone hunting party, though not without risk. Smith reflects on the precariousness of frontier life:
“It was a close call and Jim Kleiman's luck would not hold out for long.” [00:50]

Rendezvous and the Hudson's Bay Company Rivalry

Upon reaching the Sweetwater River, Smith discovered that Jim Kleiman's group was missing, intensifying concerns about their fate. This mystery would linger for a year until Kreiman's eventual survival story emerged. During this period, Smith and his men encountered the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), the dominant fur trading entity at the time. Their arrival in HBC territory marked the beginning of a strategic rivalry:
“Smith understood that the fur trade was not just a business but a means to explore and map the uncharted territories of the West.” [16:39]

Smith's interactions with HBC representative Alexander Ross were marked by both admiration and competition. Smith was impressed by the efficiency of HBC operations, particularly noting the critical role of indigenous women in preparing furs and managing logistics:
“He was in awe of the nearly 5,000 pelts that Ross crew brought in, and Smith noted how indigenous women played a crucial role in preparing the furs.” [16:39]

The First Rendezvous and Smith’s Leadership

In July 1825, Smith attended the first annual trappers' Rendezvous at Sweetwater Creek, a burgeoning tradition that became a cornerstone of the fur trade community. This event was not only a trade fair but also a social hub where trappers could exchange goods, stories, and strategies. A pivotal moment occurred when William Ashley, the founder of the Ashley Henry Fur Company, proposed Smith as his new partner. Smith accepted, propelling him from an adventurer to a business leader: “Smith had gone from a volunteer who answered a newspaper ad to a captain who led expeditions to co-owner of the company.” [16:39]

Expedition to the Great Salt Lake and Beyond

Following the rendezvous, Smith led a formidable expedition toward the Great Salt Lake, traversing diverse and challenging terrains, including the Mojave Desert and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This journey was fraught with natural obstacles and hostile encounters: “They faced severe weather, challenging terrain, hostile tribes, dangerous wildlife, and dwindling resources.” [30:23]

Despite multiple attempts, Smith's passage through the Sierra Nevada was thwarted by heavy snowfall, forcing a retreat and subsequent resumption of the journey through less traveled paths. His leadership was tested when Robert Evans collapsed due to exhaustion, but Smith's determination saw them through: “He made the journey, secured some water, brought it back to Evans and revived his fallen travel companion.” [28:58]

Smith’s Final Expedition and Tragic Disappearance

By 1831, Smith had become a seasoned explorer, leading an ambitious expedition to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The caravan faced extreme hardships, including a devastating sandstorm at the Cimarron Cutoff, part of the notorious Santa Fe Trail. In a harrowing final chapter, Smith ventured ahead to locate water sources during the storm, leading to his untimely demise: “Smith was surrounded and shot in the shoulder. Despite his injury, he managed to kill two attackers before being fatally stabbed with a spear.” [30:23]

Legacy and Impact on American Expansion

Jedediah Smith's contributions were monumental in mapping and understanding the vast expanses of the American West. Although his life was cut short at 32, his expeditions paved the way for future explorers and significantly influenced the United States' military, economic, and political strategies for westward expansion. Smith’s final letter to Secretary of War John Eaton, discovered in 2000, underscores his visionary approach: “Smith proved he was a man of vision and something of a prophet about American expansion westward.” [30:23]

Conclusion: The End of an Era

Smith’s legacy, marked by relentless exploration and survival against overwhelming odds, set the stage for the westward movement that would define American history. His meticulous records and fearless spirit immortalized him as a key figure in the annals of the Old West, even as his contemporaries like Jim Bridger and Kit Carson continued their exploits.

As the episode concludes, listeners are left with a profound appreciation for Jedediah Smith’s indelible mark on American frontier history and a glimpse into the perilous yet adventurous life of mountain men who shaped the nation's destiny.

This comprehensive journey through Jedediah Smith's life and exploits not only highlights his personal bravery and leadership but also encapsulates the broader narrative of American expansion and the complex interactions with indigenous populations and rival trading enterprises.