Jim Bridger

James Bridger was one of the greatest frontiersmen of Utah and American history. During his lifetime he was a hunter, trapper, trader, Indian fighter, and guide, and one of only a few trappers to remain in the Rockies after the demise of the fur trade. In 1822 young Bridger heeded William Ashley's call for one hundred "enterprising young men" and ascended the route of the Missouri River under Major Andrew Henry's command. During the 1820s and 1830s, Jim Bridger explored the West numerous times; during one venture, he became the first white man to see the Great Salt Lake.

Sources:

• http://historytogo.utah.gov/people/jamesbridger.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Bridger
• http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/hns/mtmen/jimbrid.html
• http://www.linecamp.com/museums/americanwest/western_names/bridger_...
• http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h316.html