Category: People

John Wesley Powell

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John Wesley Powell, a remarkable American explorer, geologist, and ethnologist, was born on March 24, 1834, in Mount Morris, New York. His expeditions through the uncharted territories of the American West not only added to scientific knowledge but also provided invaluable insights into the land’s geological and cultural diversity. Powell’s legacy as a pioneer of exploration and his tireless efforts in promoting conservation measures have left an indelible mark on American history.

Powell served as the second Director of the United States Geological Survey, a post he held from 1881 to 1894. This photograph dates from early in his term of office.
Powell served as the second Director of the United States Geological Survey, a post he held from 1881 to 1894. This photograph dates from early in his term of office.

Early Life and Education

Powell grew up in rural New York, where his love for nature and the outdoors was nurtured from an early age. Although he lost his right arm in a childhood accident, Powell’s determination and thirst for adventure were undeterred. He developed a keen interest in natural sciences and geography and pursued higher education at Illinois College and later at Oberlin College, where he focused on geology.

Grand Canyon Expeditions

Powell’s most famous and daring expedition was his 1869 journey down the Colorado River, known as the Powell Geographic Expedition. With a team of nine men, Powell set out to explore the largely uncharted canyons and rapids of the Colorado River and gather valuable scientific data. The expedition faced numerous hardships, including treacherous rapids, scarce food supplies, and hostile encounters with Native American tribes. Miraculously, Powell and his crew successfully navigated the treacherous river and completed the journey, providing unprecedented knowledge of the Grand Canyon and its geological formations.

First camp of the John Wesley Powell expedition, in the willows, Green River, Wyoming, 1871. - E. 0. Beaman - War Department. Office of the Chief of Engineers. Powell Survey. (1869 - ca. 1874)
First camp of the John Wesley Powell expedition, in the willows, Green River, Wyoming, 1871. – E. 0. Beaman – War Department. Office of the Chief of Engineers. Powell Survey. (1869 – ca. 1874)

Powell’s subsequent expeditions further solidified his reputation as a fearless explorer. He embarked on multiple journeys across the American West, including explorations of the Green and Colorado Rivers, the Rocky Mountains, and the Uinta Mountains. Powell’s meticulous record-keeping and scientific observations greatly expanded the understanding of the region’s geology, hydrology, and ethnography.

Scientific Contributions

Powell’s expeditions were not merely adventurous endeavors but also scientific ventures aimed at advancing knowledge in various fields. He published numerous papers and reports detailing his findings, including “Exploration of the Colorado River of the West and its Tributaries” and “Canons of the Colorado.” These works significantly contributed to the geological understanding of the American West, shaping subsequent research and studies in the region.

Additionally, Powell’s expertise in ethnology led him to conduct extensive research on Native American tribes. He documented their cultures, languages, and customs, recognizing the importance of preserving their heritage. His ethnographic studies formed a crucial foundation for future anthropological research in the United States.

Conservation Advocacy

John Wesley Powell was not only a scientist and explorer but also an early advocate for conservation. Recognizing the fragile nature of the American West’s ecosystems, he became a vocal proponent of sustainable land use practices and preservation efforts. Powell believed that the arid region’s limited water resources necessitated careful management and planning.

In 1879, Powell presented his influential “Report on the Lands of the Arid Region of the United States” to Congress. This groundbreaking report emphasized the need for responsible irrigation and land development strategies, urging policymakers to consider the long-term consequences of uncontrolled resource exploitation. Powell’s report laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Reclamation, both crucial agencies in land and water management.

Legacy and Impact

John Wesley Powell’s contributions to exploration, science, and conservation continue to resonate today. His expeditions not only unveiled the wonders of the American West but also inspired future generations of explorers and scientists. Powell’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and his understanding of the intricate relationships between humans and their environment remain

References

Johnny Behan

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John H. Behan - Sheriff of Cochise County in the Arizona Territory
John H. Behan – Sheriff of Cochise County in the Arizona Territory

Johnny Behan was a notable figure in the American Old West, best known for his role as sheriff of Cochise County, Arizona, during the turbulent era of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Born in 1844 in Missouri, Behan moved to Arizona in the early 1870s and quickly became involved in politics and law enforcement. As sheriff, he was a controversial character, often criticized for his alleged connections with the outlaw Cowboys and his rivalry with the Earp brothers. Behan’s tenure was marked by accusations of corruption and inefficiency, culminating in his failure to control the lawlessness that plagued Tombstone. Despite his tarnished reputation, he continued to serve in various public roles until his death in 1912.

John Harris “Johnny” Behan
Birth: October 24, 1844, Westport, Missouri, USA
Death: June 7, 1912, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Early Life and Career:

John Harris Behan, commonly known as Johnny Behan, was born on October 24, 1844, in Westport, Missouri. Behan moved with his family to California in the mid-1850s during the Gold Rush era. He later relocated to Prescott, Arizona, where he began his career in law enforcement and politics.

Law Enforcement and Political Career:

Behan’s entry into law enforcement began in 1866 when he became the Sheriff of Yavapai County, Arizona Territory. His reputation as a capable lawman grew, and he soon entered politics, serving as a member of the Arizona Territorial Legislature.

In 1880, Behan moved to Tombstone, Arizona, a booming silver-mining town. He was appointed Sheriff of Cochise County in 1881, a position that put him at the center of one of the most famous episodes in the American Wild West—the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

As Sheriff of Cochise County, Behan was involved in the conflict between the Earp brothers—Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan—and the Clanton-McLaury gang. The feud culminated in the legendary gunfight on October 26, 1881. Behan, who had a contentious relationship with the Earps, was accused of favoring the Clantons and McLaurys. Despite his attempts to maintain order, the shootout resulted in the deaths of three members of the Clanton-McLaury gang.

Following the gunfight, Behan’s reputation suffered due to his perceived partiality and his inability to prevent the violence. His popularity waned, and he lost the re-election for sheriff to Wyatt Earp’s ally, Johnny Ringo, in 1882.

Later Life

After his tenure as sheriff, Behan continued to work in various law enforcement roles, including as a U.S. Customs Inspector in Nogales, Arizona. He also served as a police officer and later as a night watchman in Tucson.

Behan married Victoria Zaff in 1869, and the couple had one son, Albert. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 1880. Behan later married Josephine Sadie Marcus, although this union was also short-lived.

Death

Johnny Behan passed away on June 7, 1912, in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 67. He was buried in the city’s Evergreen Cemetery.

Legacy

Johnny Behan remains a controversial figure in the history of the American West. While he was a dedicated lawman and politician, his involvement in the events leading up to and following the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral has cast a long shadow over his legacy. Behan’s life and career continue to be a subject of fascination for historians and Wild West enthusiasts, reflecting the complex and often tumultuous nature of frontier justice and law enforcement in the late 19th century.

James Stuart Cain

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James Stuart Cain (April 17, 1853 – October 28, 1938) was a business man and entrepreneur who lived and worked in the mining town of Bodie, California.

Early Life and Background

James Stuart Cain was born on April 17, 1853, in Rockburn, Lower Canada (now Québec, Canada), to David Cain and Jennet Stuart, both of Irish descent. Raised in a Church of Scotland household, James grew up in Huntingdon East, Quebec, alongside his six siblings: Isaac, Elizabeth, Catherine, Ellen, Euphemia, and Jemima. His early life was rooted in a rural Canadian community, where he was baptized in Valleyfield in 1855. By 1871, at age 18, James was still living with his family, preparing for a life of opportunity beyond the confines of his hometown.

Arrival in Bodie and Early Ventures

At the age of 25, James Stuart Cain arrived in Bodie, California, a booming gold-mining town, in 1878. Seeking fortune in the rugged American West, Cain quickly established himself as a shrewd entrepreneur. One of his first ventures was transporting timber across Mono Lake to Bodie, a critical resource for mine shoring, construction, and fuel. This lumber business laid the foundation for his growing empire, as wood was essential for Bodie’s mines, steam engines, homes, and daily life.

Cain’s ambition extended beyond timber. Partnering with a business associate, he leased a mining claim from the Standard Consolidated Mining Company, extracting $90,000 in gold in just 90 days—an extraordinary sum at the time. When the company refused to renew the lease, Cain leveraged legal action to gain control of the mill, further solidifying his wealth and influence. His mining ventures included serving as president of the Southern Consolidated Mining Company, demonstrating his ability to navigate the competitive and often cutthroat mining industry.

Business Empire and the Bodie Bank

By 1890, Cain had purchased the Bodie Bank from E.L. Benedict, a pivotal move that expanded his financial control over the town. He began acquiring properties throughout Bodie, eventually owning a majority of the town by the time California State Parks took over in the 20th century. His business acumen transformed him into one of Bodie’s richest and most powerful figures, with interests spanning mining, banking, and real estate. The J.S. Cain House, his residence, became a symbol of his prominence and is now a preserved landmark in Bodie’s historic district.

Cain’s enterprises were not without challenges. Bodie’s harsh environment, coupled with the volatile nature of mining towns, demanded resilience and adaptability. Yet, Cain’s strategic investments and relentless drive ensured his dominance in the local economy. His ability to seize opportunities, such as acquiring distressed properties and consolidating his holdings, set him apart as a quintessential capitalist of the American frontier.

Personal Life

On July 17, 1884, at age 31, James Stuart Cain married Martha D. Wells in Mono County, California. The couple settled in Bodie, where they raised four children: David Victor, Delilah J., James Isaac, and Stuart Wells. By 1900, the Cain family lived comfortably, supported by James’s wealth and status. Tragically, their son James Isaac passed away before his father’s death. Cain’s family remained closely tied to Bodie, with his son David Victor later becoming a prominent businessman and owning a home across from the Methodist Church.

Cain was a member of Winnedumah Lodge No. 287, F. & A.M., in Bishop, California, reflecting his involvement in fraternal organizations, which were common among influential men of the era. His sister, Mary Denham, remained in Rockburn, Québec, maintaining a connection to his Canadian roots.

Later Years and Legacy

James Stuart Cain continued to oversee his business interests into his later years, maintaining his grip on Bodie’s economy even as the town’s gold rush era waned. By the early 20th century, Bodie’s population dwindled, but Cain’s legacy endured through his extensive property holdings and the wealth he amassed. He moved to San Francisco in his final years, where he died on October 28, 1938, at the age of 85. He was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Colma, San Mateo County, California.

Cain’s impact on Bodie is still evident today. The J.S. Cain House and other properties he owned are preserved as part of Bodie State Historic Park, offering a glimpse into the life of a man who shaped a quintessential Wild West town. His story is one of ambition, tenacity, and entrepreneurial spirit, embodying the opportunities and challenges of America’s frontier era. The Cain family’s ownership of much of Bodie underscores his enduring influence, as does the continued recognition of his contributions to the town’s history.

Orion Clemens Home – Nevada State Historic Marker

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Orion Clemens (1825–1897), often misspelled in casual references as “Clemmons,” was a printer, journalist, lawyer, inventor, and politician best remembered as the older brother of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain) and as the first and only Secretary of the Nevada Territory. His roughly five-year stint in Nevada Territory (1861–1866) marked the high point of his public career and the period in which he exercised real political influence, briefly served as acting governor, and hosted his brother during the adventures that later became the book Roughing It.

Mark Twain stayed with his brother Orion Clemens in Carson City, Nev. Photo from Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, HABS, Reproduction number HABS NEV,13-CARCI,3-.
Mark Twain stayed with his brother Orion Clemens in Carson City, Nev. Photo from Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, HABS, Reproduction number HABS NEV,13-CARCI,3-.

Early Life and Pre-Nevada Career

Orion Clemens was born on July 17, 1825, in Gainesboro, Tennessee, the eldest of seven children of John Marshall Clemens and Jane Lampton Clemens. Only three siblings survived to adulthood: Orion, his sister Pamela (1827–1904), and his brother Samuel (1835–1910). In 1839 the family moved to Hannibal, Missouri, the Mississippi River town that would later inspire much of Mark Twain’s fiction.

As a young man Orion clerked in his father’s store, apprenticed at a local newspaper, and moved to St. Louis to study law under Edward Bates (who later became Abraham Lincoln’s Attorney General). After his father’s death in 1847, Orion returned to Hannibal, bought the local paper, and renamed it the Hannibal Journal (briefly the Western Union). Samuel worked for him there as a typesetter and printer’s devil. The paper struggled financially and folded in 1853. Orion then moved to Iowa, running printing offices in Muscatine and Keokuk. In 1854 he married Mary Eleanor “Mollie” Stotts in Keokuk; their only child, Jennie, was born there. Samuel briefly worked for him again in Keokuk in 1855–1856.

By 1860 Orion had become an outspoken Republican and opponent of slavery. When Lincoln won the presidency, Bates’ influence secured Orion the appointment as Secretary of the newly created Nevada Territory at a salary of $1,800 a year.

Time in Nevada Territory (1861–1866): The Peak of His Career

In the summer of 1861 Orion and 25-year-old Samuel set out from St. Joseph, Missouri, by stagecoach for Carson City, the raw new capital of Nevada Territory. The 19-day journey—filled with dust, alkali flats, and colorful frontier characters—would later furnish much of the material for Mark Twain’s Roughing It (1872). Orion paid Samuel’s way in exchange for secretarial help. They arrived in Carson City on August 14, 1861, when the town had only about 2,000 residents and the Comstock Lode silver boom was just beginning.

Territorial Secretary and Acting Governor

Orion’s official title was Secretary of Nevada Territory, but he frequently served as acting governor when Governor James W. Nye was absent (often in Washington or San Francisco). In that capacity he helped organize the territorial government, oversaw legislative sessions, and—most notably—averted a potential “Sagebrush War” border dispute with California by diplomatic maneuvering that earned him local popularity. He also paid for printing the House and Senate Journals and furnishing the legislative chambers out of his own pocket when territorial funds ran short.

In 1862 Orion sent for Mollie and Jennie. The family lived first in rented quarters and then, by 1864, moved into the two-story house he built at what is now 502 North Division Street in Carson City’s West Side Historic District. The modest Late Victorian home (still standing and listed on the National Register of Historic Places) became a hub for the small territorial elite. Samuel, who had drifted into mining claims, prospecting, and reporting for the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise, stayed with them periodically until he left Nevada for good in May 1864. Jennie attended the Sierra Seminary in Carson City; Mark Twain later wrote a light sketch about visiting her there.

Tragedy struck on February 1, 1864, when nine-year-old Jennie died of spotted fever (meningitis) after a brief illness. Orion, Mollie, and Samuel kept vigil at her bedside. The Nevada Legislature paused proceedings in her memory. The loss devastated Orion and Mollie; they never fully recovered, and Orion’s political energy visibly waned afterward.

Statehood and Political Twilight

When Nevada achieved statehood on October 31, 1864 (hastened by Lincoln to secure electoral votes and silver for the Union war effort), Orion sought the Republican nomination for Secretary of State. His strong teetotaler stance—he had been a confirmed abstainer since his St. Louis days—alienated voters in the hard-drinking mining towns, and grief over Jennie further hampered his campaigning. He lost the nomination. In 1865 he served a brief, low-paying term in the new state assembly but could not build a successful law practice. Financial pressures mounted. In August 1866 the family sold the Carson City house at a loss and left Nevada forever.

Orion’s Nevada years were, in many ways, his most successful. He had arrived as a modest printer and left having helped shape the territory’s transition to statehood, earned the trust of President Lincoln’s administration, and provided the launchpad for his brother’s literary career.

Later Life and Legacy

After Nevada, the Clemenses tried (and failed) to strike it rich in Meadow Lake, California, then moved back East for newspaper work before settling permanently in Keokuk, Iowa, in the mid-1870s. Orion practiced law sporadically, raised chickens, tinkered with inventions, and wrote prolifically—none of it profitably. Samuel (by then a world-famous author) provided steady financial support and visited often after their mother joined them in Keokuk.

In 1880 Samuel encouraged Orion to write his autobiography, suggesting titles like “The Autobiography of a Coward” or “Confessions of a Life that was a Failure.” Orion produced over 2,500 pages, but Samuel and editor William Dean Howells found it too raw and ultimately destroyed or lost most of it. Only fragments survive.

Orion Clemens died in Keokuk on December 11, 1897, at age 72. He is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Hannibal, Missouri. Though often portrayed by his brother and later biographers as eccentric, flighty, and unsuccessful, his record in Nevada shows competence, integrity, and genuine political skill during a chaotic frontier moment. The Orion Clemens House in Carson City remains a stop on the Kit Carson Trail and a tangible link to both Nevada’s territorial birth and the early life of Mark Twain.

His Nevada chapter—brief but pivotal—reminds us that the American West was built not only by colorful prospectors and gunfighters but also by steady, teetotaling administrators who kept the machinery of government running while their more famous relatives chased silver and stories.

Nevada State Historic Marker Text

Orion Clemens, secretary to territorial Governor James W. Nye, lived in this house with his wife, “Mollie,” from 1864 to 1866.  Samuel, his brother who was a reporter for the Territorial Enterprise, stayed here periodically until leaving the territory in May 1864.  He became famous as “Mark Twain.”

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 78
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
JULIAN C. SMITH, JR.

The Orion Clemens House (also known as Mark Twain’s House) is a historic two-story Late Victorian residence at 502 North Division Street in Carson City, Nevada’s West Side Historic District. Built in 1862–1863 by Orion Clemens—the first Secretary of the Nevada Territory and occasional acting governor—it stands as one of the city’s finest early territorial-era homes and a stop (#20) on the popular Kit Carson Trail walking tour.

The L-shaped wood-frame structure originally sat on a simple foundation of timber posts driven into the ground. Its design blends multiple 19th-century influences: a gable roof with cornice returns and dentils (echoing Greek Revival style), paired with decorative brackets under the eaves and gables (Italianate touches). Some descriptions also note subtle Gothic Revival elements. The exterior once featured classic drop-siding (clapboard), later covered in stucco, while the window surrounds have been simplified from their original more ornate Italianate detailing. A prominent second-story balcony with turned balusters overlooks the street, and the house retains its modest but dignified scale amid mature trees and landscaping.

Inside, the home originally contained ten rooms, reportedly making it one of the most comfortable and well-appointed residences in the entire territory at the time of construction. It served as the family home of Orion Clemens and his wife, Mary “Mollie” Stotts Clemens, from 1864 until they left Nevada in 1866. During that period, Orion’s younger brother, Samuel Clemens—then a reporter for the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise and not yet famous as Mark Twain—stayed here periodically before departing the territory in May 1864. The house was even informally called the “Governor’s Mansion” whenever Orion filled in for Territorial Governor James W. Nye during his absences.

A Nevada State Historical Marker (No. 78) placed in front of the property reads: “Orion Clemens, Secretary of Nevada Territory by appointment of President Lincoln, lived in this house with his wife, ‘Mollie,’ from 1864 to 1866. During that time Samuel, Orion’s brother who became famous as ‘Mark Twain’ was a reporter for the Territorial Enterprise and stayed here periodically until leaving the territory in May 1864.”

The house was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 (NRHP #79003439) for its architectural significance and its close association with early Nevada territorial government and the Clemens family. The listing encompasses 0.2 acres and two contributing buildings.

Today the Orion Clemens House is privately owned and functions as a law office (Smith & Harmer, Ltd., Attorneys at Law). While the interior is not open to the public, the handsome exterior can be viewed from the sidewalk along the Kit Carson Trail. The building remains a tangible link to Nevada’s rough-and-tumble territorial days, the Comstock Lode silver boom, and the early adventures that inspired Mark Twain’s Roughing It.

Its clean lines, balanced proportions, and surviving Victorian details continue to make it a standout landmark in downtown Carson City—quiet testimony to the brief but pivotal years when the Clemens brothers called Nevada home.

Nevada State Historic Marker Summary

NameOrion Clemens Home
LocationCarson City, Nevada
Nevada State Historic Marker Number78
Latitude, Longitude39.1667, -119.7695

Nevada State Historic Marker Location

The Orion Clemens House, also known as Mark Twain’s House, is a two-story Late Victorian house located at 502 N. Division St. in Carson City.

References

Christopher Houston Carson

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Christopher Houston Carson (December 24, 1809 – May 23, 1868), also known as “Kit” Carson, was a nineteenth century American Frontiersman, Army Officer and Politician and the namesake of Carson City, Nevada. During his lifetime, he achieved notoriety for his exploits as an Indian Fighter, Fur Tapper, Mountain man

Christopher 'Kit' Carson (1809-1868), American explorer - Photograph byMathew Brady or Levin C. Handy - This image is available from the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID cwpbh.00514.
Christopher ‘Kit’ Carson (1809-1868), American explorer – Photograph by Mathew Brady or Levin C. Handy – This image is available from the United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division.

Carson was born on December 24, 1809 in Madison County, Kentucky to Lindsey Carson and Rebecca Robinson Carson. He is a cousin to Danial Boone on his mothers’ side. The family moved to Missouri two years later. Survival being the priority, Carson never learned to read or write. At the age of 16, he signed up with a large caravan of merchants headed west towards Santa Fe.

Exploration

In 1854, a change encounter with the explorer John C. Frémont, made Carson an active participant in the clash of empires that eventually extended the boundaries of the continental United States to its present. The two men met aboard a steamboat on the Missouri River. He served as a guide to for Fremont on three expeditions for a sum of $100 per month. These expeditions found the Oregon Trail and opened to west for the settlers who followed.

First expedition, 1842

In 1842, during the first expedition, Carson guided Frémont across the Oregon Trail to South Pass, Wyoming. The purpose of this expedition was to map and describe the Oregon Trail as far as South Pass. It is during this trip, that the two men produced a guidebook, maps, and other paraphernalia would be printed for westward-bound migrants and settlers. After the completion of the five-month expedition, Frémont wrote his government reports, which made Carson’s name known across the United States, and spurred a migration of settlers westward to Oregon via the Oregon Trail.

Second expedition, 1843

In 1843, Carson agreed to join Frémont’s again during his second expedition into the west. Carson guided Frémont across part of the Oregon Trail to the Columbia River in Oregon. The purpose of the expedition was to map and describe the Oregon Trail from South Pass, Wyoming, to the Columbia River. They also ventrured towards the Great Salt Lake in Utah, using a rubber raft to navigate the waters.

On the way to California, the party is held up during bad weather in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Fortunately, Carson’s good judgement and his skills as a guide and they found some American settlers who fed them. The expedition turned towards California. This ventures is illegal, at the time, and dangerous because California was Mexican territory.

During the expedition, the expedition arrive in the Mojave Desert. His party met a Mexican man and boy, who informed Carson that Native Americans had ambushed their party. The Native Americans killed the men, and the women are staked to the ground, sexually mutilated, and killed. The murderers then stole the Mexicans’ 30 horses. Carson and a mountain man friend, Alexis Godey, went after the murderers. It took the two men, two days to find the culprits. The pair rushed into their camp and killed and scalped two of the murderers. The horses were recovered and returned to the Mexican man and boy. This act brought Carson even greater reputation and confirmed his status as a western hero in the eyes of the American people.

The Mexican government ordered Frémont to leave. Frémont returned to Washington, DC and filed his reports. He but did not mention the California trip. The government liked his reports but ignored his illegal trip into Mexico. Frémont was made a captain. The newspapers nicknamed Fremont, “The Pathfinder.”

Third expedition, 1845

In 1845, Carson lead Frémont on a third expedition. Leaving Westport Landing, Missouri, they crossed the Rockies, passed the Great Salt Lake, and down the Humboldt River to the Sierra Nevada of California and Oregon. The third expedition is more political in nature. Frémont may have been working under secret government orders. US President Polk wanted Alta California, which includes parts of California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and parts of Wyoming.

Once in California, Frémont set out to rouse American settlers into a patriotic fervor. The Mexican General Jose Castro at Monterey ordered him to leave. On Gavilan Mountain, Frémont erected a makeshift fort and raised the American Flag in defiance to these orders. While in Oregon, while camped near Klamath Lake, a messenger from Washington, DC, caught up with Fremont and made it clear that Polk wanted California.

On 30 March 1846, while traveling north along the Sacramento Valley, Fremont’s expedition met a group of Americans Settlers. The settlers claimed that a band of Native Americans was planning to attack them. Frémont’s party set about searching for Native Americans. On April 5 1846, Frémont’s party spotted a Wintu village and launched a vicious attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 120 to 300 men, women, and children and the displacement of many more. This act of savagery became known as the Sacramento River massacre. Carson, later stated that “It was a perfect butchery.

Army

Kit Carson accepted a commission as a colonel in the U.S. Army in 1861, Carson fought against Native American and Confederate forces in several actions.

His fame was then at its height,… and I was very anxious to see a man who had achieved such feats of daring among the wild animals of the Rocky Mountains, and still wilder Indians of the plains…. I cannot express my surprise at beholding such a small, stoop-shouldered man, with reddish hair, freckled face, soft blue eyes, and nothing to indicate extraordinary courage or daring. He spoke but little and answered questions in monosyllables.

Northern Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman

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