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Jedediah Smith Joins William Ashley
After traveling to St. Louis, Missouri, Jedediah was determined to become a fur trapper. on February 13, 1822, William Henry Ashley posted an advertisement there to go on a trapping journey up the Missouri River. This was the start of Jedediah Smith's journeys west. -
Jedediah Battles The Arikara Indians
On May 30th 1823, William Ashley and his group of 70 trappers was attacked by the Arikara Indians. In the battle, 12 of the trappers were killed and Jedediah was distinguished for his bravery. After the battle, reinforcements were called by Jedediah to attack the Arikara villages. -
Jedediah Smith Is Attacked By A Bear
In Early 1824, After Jedediah left with 10-16 men to go up the Yellowstone River, Jedediah was attacked by a grizzly bear. he was attacked while waiting for directions to head west from the Crow Indians, and the attack is known to have ripped off his scalp and leave a large permanent impact. From this attack Jedediah is known to wear his hair long to conceal the scars. -
Jedediah Smith Rediscovers The South Pass
In the Spring of 1824, Jedediah Smith and his small group of explorers rediscovered the south pass from Crow indian directions. The south pass had already been discovered earlier but it was never publicized. The south pass made it possible to easily journey to the west over the Rocky Mountains and was later used in the Oregon Trail. -
Jedediah Returns To St. Louis
After a long amount of Successful trapping with William Ashley, Jedediah returned to St. Louis. In July 1825, the party of trappers brought 9,000 pounds of pelts to sell. Jedediah also joined the Rocky Mountain Fur Company here. -
Jedediah Smith Leaves For California
In August of 1826, Jedediah Smith left for California with a group of trappers. He was in search of a new route to the Pacific and for good hunting land. This was the first trip led by Jedediah Smith. -
Jedediah Leaves California For Oregon Country
In California, Jedediah was arrested Twice and told to immediately leave California by Mexican authority. Jedediah focused his interests in Oregon Country, a seemingly good hunting land. And in April 1828, Jedediah and his remaining crew left for Oregon Country. -
Jedediah Is Attacked by the Kelawatset Indians
At their camp Fort Vancouver, Jedediah and his crew were attacked by the Kelawatset Indians. The Kelawatset Indians attacked their camp near the Umpqua River, while Jedediah and two other members were scouting. The attack left 15 dead, and severely set back Jedediah and his remaining crew. -
Jedediah Smith Goes Into The Mercantile Buissness
After many trips to the west for hunting and exploration. Jedediah once again returned to St. Louis in 1830. Here he retired from exploration and went into trade and map making, Selling the Rocky Mountain Fur Company which he now owned. -
Jedediah Smith is Killed
Jedediah Smith is killed on May 2, 1831. He is Killed near the Cimarron River by Comanche Indians. He died after separating from a trading caravan on the Santa Fe trail, His body was never found.
