The True Story Of America's Greatest Fur Trappers

In 1822, General William Henry Ashley and Major Andrew Henry, both veterans of the War of 1812, co-founded the Rocky Mountain Fur Company in St. Louis, Missouri. Seeking to capitalize on the lucrative fur trade, they placed advertisements in local newspapers calling for "enterprising young men" to join an expedition up the Missouri River. This recruitment led to the formation of "Ashley's Hundred," a group of trappers and explorers who would become legendary figures in the American West.

Among those who answered the call were notable mountain men such as Jedediah Smith, Jim Bridger, Hugh Glass, David Jackson, William Sublette, and Thomas Fitzpatrick. These individuals played pivotal roles in exploring and mapping vast regions of the western frontier, including parts of present-day Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah.

The initial expedition faced significant challenges. In 1823, while ascending the Missouri River, the party suffered a devastating attack by the Arikara tribe, resulting in the deaths of over a dozen men. This confrontation marked one of the first major conflicts between U.S. forces and Native American tribes in the West. Despite this setback, Ashley's men continued their exploration, with Jedediah Smith's party credited with the American discovery of South Pass in 1824—a crucial route through the Rocky Mountains that would later become integral to westward expansion.

One of the most harrowing tales from this era is that of Hugh Glass. During a hunting expedition, Glass was mauled by a grizzly bear and left for dead by his companions. Miraculously, he survived and trekked over 200 miles to safety, a story that has since become emblematic of the rugged determination associated with mountain men.

Recognizing the inefficiencies of traditional fur trading methods, Ashley introduced the "rendezvous system" in 1825. This innovative approach involved annual gatherings where trappers, traders, and Native Americans would meet at predetermined locations to exchange furs, goods, and supplies. The first of these rendezvous was held on the Henry’s Fork of the Green River in present-day Wyoming. This system not only streamlined the fur trade but also fostered a sense of community among the diverse participants.

By 1826, having amassed considerable wealth, Ashley sold his interests in the fur company to partners including Smith, Sublette, and Jackson. He then transitioned into politics, serving as Missouri's first lieutenant governor and later as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Ashley passed away in 1838, but his legacy endures through the trails blazed by his expeditions and the enduring tales of the mountain men he led.

The endeavors of Ashley's Hundred not only advanced the fur trade but also significantly contributed to the exploration and settlement of the American West, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's history.

To learn more about one of the legendary frontier battles this group of mountain men was involved with, check out the History At The OK Corral episode “The Sandbar Massacre”, linked below.