The first member of the Virginia Trappers Hall of Fame
John Colter
John Colter was regarded as one of the finest hunters of the 19th century. He collaborated with Lewis and Clark to map unexplored regions of Blackfoot territory in the western United States. After their expedition concluded, he dedicated six years to trapping, often in solitude, and is believed to have been the first explorer to witness Yellowstone National Park. His remarkable escape from the Blackfoot tribe solidified his legacy.
Born around 1775 in Stuart's Draft, Virginia, Colter was part of the northwest expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from 1804 to 1806. During his later solitary explorations of the West, Colter navigated the area that is now Yellowstone National Park and identified several mountain passes through the Rocky Mountains that were suitable for wagon trains. His legendary escape from the Blackfeet Indians, which involved a desperate footrace for survival, has become a part of folklore. Colter, who hailed from Virginia, passed away in Missouri in 1813.
Manuel Lisa, associated with the Missouri Fur Company, encountered Colter as he paddled alone up the Platte River. Lisa’s group was traveling up the Yellowstone River, and he enlisted Colter’s expertise to guide them down the Big Horn River, recognizing that Colter’s skills were essential for securing trade agreements.
Colter initially guided the party to the Yellowstone River, where they established Fort Raymond. Shortly thereafter, he set out alone to engage with local Indian tribes and communicate the fur company’s intentions to trade.
Equipped with only a pack and a rifle, Colter journeyed over 500 miles through Crow territory, fostering relationships with various tribes along the way. He traversed the Wind River Mountains and the Teton Range during the winter months.