Western Explorer. Born in Staunton, Augusta County, Virginia, he was a trapper when he was recruited as a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804. By 1806, he had crossed the continent twice with Lewis and Clark, gaining valuable experience in the rigors of wilderness life. He left the expedition in 1807 and joined Missouri Fur Company on an expedition to the Rocky Mountains. The party was successful in going up the Missouri River and establishing Fort Raymond. That winter Colter was sent out alone to seek trade from Indian camps. With only his rifle and a 30lb pack, he traveled an estimated 500 miles west through Wyoming and was reputed as the first white man to see Jackson's Hole and Yellowstone Lake area. Returning to Fort Raymond, he led another Missouri Fur Company party to the Yellowstone Lake area in 1810. The next year, he used his trade profits to buy a plot of land in Missouri and build a cabin. He married, had a son, became a volunteer ranger and fur traded with the Blackfeet Indians until his death from jaundice.
Western Explorer. Born in Staunton, Augusta County, Virginia, he was a trapper when he was recruited as a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804. By 1806, he had crossed the continent twice with Lewis and Clark, gaining valuable experience in the rigors of wilderness life. He left the expedition in 1807 and joined Missouri Fur Company on an expedition to the Rocky Mountains. The party was successful in going up the Missouri River and establishing Fort Raymond. That winter Colter was sent out alone to seek trade from Indian camps. With only his rifle and a 30lb pack, he traveled an estimated 500 miles west through Wyoming and was reputed as the first white man to see Jackson's Hole and Yellowstone Lake area. Returning to Fort Raymond, he led another Missouri Fur Company party to the Yellowstone Lake area in 1810. The next year, he used his trade profits to buy a plot of land in Missouri and build a cabin. He married, had a son, became a volunteer ranger and fur traded with the Blackfeet Indians until his death from jaundice.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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