Frontiersmen - Corps of Re-Discovery specializes in crafts and literature for Lewis and Clark, American Indian, Frontiersmen and Pioneer American studies for the home schooling family.

American Frontiersmen

It is where civilization advances upon the wilderness; it is that geographical line where the old and new, the tried and untried, meet and reshape each other; it is often dangerous, often exciting. It is called the frontier. Opportunity is what the frontier is all about. It represents a getting away from the old, with its limit and traditions, and moving to a place where people can prosper on their own terms.

The first frontiersmen (and women) traveled freely across the wilderness which, in the early years, was under French, Spanish and British rule. These were the fur trappers, explorers and first Europeans the American Indians would meet. The frontiersmen learned to live independently without the convenience of a general store or doctor for hundreds or thousands of miles. They made their own clothes, saddle bags and other equipment from animal hides. They learned (mostly from trial and error) what they could and could not eat along the way.

Some of the most famous frontiersmen were Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery expedition. Because the 200 year anniversary of their expedition is coming up, we have dedicated an entire page to this topic. Click here to view our Lewis and Clark page.

Useful Web Sites and Other Resources For Your Further Study
(please let us know if any of these links no longer work)
As with most Internet sites, parental supervision is suggested.

Zebulon Pike
Zebulon Pike was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1806, prior to the return of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, to further explore the west. His path took him southwest through Colorado (Pike's Peak) into New Mexico. While there is not as much information about his journey as there is about Lewis and Clark, he was extremely instrumental in the United State's desire for westward expansion. His reports lead to the beginning of the famous merchant road, the "Sante Fe Trail." This is a National Parks Service page.

Zebulon Pike and The Expedition of Discovery
Another page with more information on Zebulon Pike an his Expedition of Discovery.

Mountain Men and the Fur Trade
Sources of history of the fur trade. This page page is an on-line Research Center devoted to the history, traditions, tools, and mode of living, of the trappers, explorers, and traders known as the Mountain Men.

Jim Bridger
One of the last living mountain men. He carried many titles throughout his life, including titles of trapper, trader, guide, merchant, Indian interpreter and army officer. He discovered the Great Salt Lake in 1824, Yellowstone Park in 1830 (44 years before it was "officially" discovered), and founded Fort Bridger on the Oregon Trail in 1843.

Fort Bridger State Historic Site
Official Wyoming State Park site. Taste some authentic western history as you walk through the exhibit buildings and wander paths through the site. Trade with some "real live" 1840-1850 era folks at the reconstruction of mountain men Jim Bridger and Louis Vasquez's trading post. View historic exhibits in the museum.

Mountain Men: Pathfinders of the West
Another Site that includes information on Jim Bridger, Jedediah Smith and John Coulter as well as additional "Mountain Men" resources.

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