For thirty years he wandered, For reasons never pondered. From Three Forks down to Taos, Through mountains so grandiose. Always one more mountain, Too many for the countin. Met Bridger and Kit Carson, Narcissa and her Parson. Took a Cheyenne wife, Tried to make a life. The Pox took herContinue reading “Mountain Lament”
Tag Archives: Fur trade
The Deadly Cargo of the St Peters
The Upper Missouri Smallpox Epidemic of 1837 By 1837 the fur trade along the Upper Missouri had settled in to a comfortable routine. The advent of the annual steamboat had done more to enhance the trade than any other factor. Crews no longer had to endure the months-long, backbreaking journey up the river. No moreContinue reading “The Deadly Cargo of the St Peters”