Nevada’s Early Explorers and Settlers

Jedediah SmithFur trapper Born in New York First to work for Rocky Mountain Fur Company Respected by his men Came to Nevada in 1827

Peter Skene OgdenFur trapper Worked for Hudson Bay Company First non Native American to see the Humboldt River

Joseph WalkerThought to have been sent to spy on Mexico in California Had hostile relationship with Native Americans Made future relations with Native Americans difficult for other settlers

James BeckwourthFree African-American Famous trapper Good relationship with Native Americans

John C. FremontHe was assigned to map and landmark new territories Made maps of Nevada and the Oregon Trail Attracted interest in the West Discovered Las Vegas (the meadows)

Kit CarsonMany areas of Nevada named after him Could not read or write Excellent guide-he new the land well Became part of John Fremont’s party

Donner PartyLeft Missouri to travel to California Got separated from party They got trapped in the snow in the mountains- 87 people died Some may have resorted to cannibalism to survive Donner Party Memorial

Summary Task Write a 5 sentence essay describing which explorer you feel made the greatest impact on Nevada. Be sure to include a topic sentence, three concrete details, and a conclusion sentence. Use your notes to support your details.