The Explorers Podcast Jim Bridger - Part 2 - King of the Mountain Men
Aug 5, 2025
Dive into the rugged life of Jim Bridger, a legendary trapper in the Rocky Mountains. Discover his daring adventures and the important relationships he formed with Native American tribes and fellow mountain men. Learn how the fur trade evolved and influenced the American West during his time. Unpack Bridger's legacy as a painter and the impact of westward expansion on the region. This thrilling journey highlights the trials, tribulations, and camaraderie that defined Bridger's life in the wilderness.
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Rocky Mountain Rendezvous Innovation
- The Rocky Mountain Rendezvous revolutionized trapping by creating a yearly trade marketplace in the wilderness.
- Trappers could focus on trapping year-round without long trips to market, increasing efficiency.
Bridger's Dangerous River Scout
- Bridger volunteered to scout a dangerous stretch of the Bighorn River by raft, becoming the first recorded person to traverse Bad Pass rapids.
- He advised against floating pelts down the river after this perilous journey, prompting an overland route.
Arrow Wounds from Blackfeet Encounter
- Bridger was wounded twice by Blackfeet arrows during a tense standoff but survived with one arrowhead left permanently lodged in his back.
- The arrowhead was removed three years later by a doctor, underlining the dangers trappers faced.