These were the tough men who blazed the trails across America. Bearded and dressed in skins they were mainly beaver trappers. Because of their knowledge of the country, many became guides for the wagon trains.
In the early 19th century, St. Louis was an important base for them for trading groups and trading-company caravans. Mingling extensively with the Indians, the mountain men adopted many of their manners of life and their beliefs as well as their love of adornment. Summer rendezvous, especially at Green River (in present-day Wyoming), became an institution of the mountain men, combining trade with recreation. As permanent settlers arrived, many mountain men served as scouts and guides, but their way of life was gradually eliminated by advancing civilization.
Picture Credit : Google
