JOHN COLTER, the first member of the Virginia Trappers Hall
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.
Virginia Trappers Association Awards Program
YOU CAN NOMINATE A VTA VOLUNTEER FOR AN AWARD
Nominations can be submitted through your District Director or directly to the Virginia Trappers Association President. Nominations can be emailed, mailed, or delivered in person to the President. Depending on the type of award, the President will present the nomination to the Executive Board/Board of Directors or forward it to the Awards Committee for consideration.
All nominations must be submitted on the Award Nomination Form for Board (Below) or Committee review. Awards are presented at our annual convention. To obtain Board or Committee approval and to acquire the award for presentation, the deadline for nominations is May 15.
President’s Award - awarded by the Virginia Trappers Association President for service well above and beyond any assigned duties which may devolve upon that individual by virtue of his or her position on the Board of Directors, his or her assigned duties, or his or her actions providing considerable assistance to the membership and the organization.
Director of the Year - awarded by the Awards Committee from nominations received from the membership of the Virginia Trappers Association for service as a District Director who brought distinction, leadership, and a high level of membership support and activism to his or her District and the VTA in general.
Trapper of the Year - awarded by the Awards Committee from nominations received from the membership of the VTA for activities that bring distinction upon himself or herself and upon the VTA, especially in the areas of leadership, activism, and training.
Honorary Lifetime - awarded by vote of the Executive Board for prolonged and continuous distinguished service to the Virginia Trappers Association. Nominations are received from the general membership to their District Director. The District Director will forward a recommendation for approval or disapproval to the Executive Board for action.
Hall of Fame - Awarded to any member who has devoted many years of continuous distinguished service to the Virginia Trappers Association. Selection is based on nomination by the Executive Board, approval by the full Board of Directors, and a vote of the General Membership.
Certificates of Appreciation - Awarded to any member of the Virginia Trappers Association for exemplary service to the Virginia Trappers Association when nominated by a District Director or any other member of the Board of Directors and approved by the President or Vice-President. Any person not a member of the Virginia Trappers Association who meets the above criteria may, upon approval of the Executive Board, be awarded a Certificate of Appreciation.
