James P. Beckwourth

James P. Beckwourth, an African American, worked for five years as a blacksmith in St. Louis before he gave up his hammer and tongs and became an expert with gun, bowie knife, and tomahawk. He joined General William Ashley's Rocky Mountain Company and explored the upper Missouri River including Wyoming and Utah. It was with the Rocky Mountain Company that he earned a reputation as a master storyteller who enjoyed spinning exaggerated tales with himself as the hero. In 1828, he was captured and adopted by the Crow Indians. He soon became war chief and fought in many battles against the Blackfeet who were the Crow's enemy.

Beckwourth was always restless for new explorations, and in 1850 made the discovery that was to earn his place in history. While prospecting in the mountains, he discovered an important pass through the Sierra...