The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth, Mountaineer, Scout, and Pioneer, and Chief of the Crow Nation of Indians (Version 2)

T. D. Bonner (1810 - 1883)

James P. Beckworth, born in Virginia at the dawn of our Nation, moved with his family to eastern Missouri settling a few miles below what is now St. Charles. Still young, James began his education in the character of the Indian nations where he gained first hand knowledge of the Indian tactics and at times, their brutality. At the young age of 19, he became a member of the famed company known as Ashley's hundred. Working along side some our countries most revered adventurers. Hugh Glass, Jim Bridger, Kit Carson and of course, General Ashley himself. After many adventures working for the American Fur Company, James began his journey to becoming Chief of the great Crow Nation. Proving his courage on the field of battle time and again, the Crow Nation grew to respect his character.

Through the fur trade, James' knowledge and experience helped provide the Crow Nation with wealth they never experienced before. For this, they grew to appreciate his intellect. Rising through the ranks of warriors and consistently earning their admiration, the great council named him Chief.
But after fourteen years of living among the Great Plains Indians, James grew weary and longed to rejoin the society in which he was raised. Leaving his adopted family behind, James set off for even more adventure. First with the United States Army, fighting once again, an Indian Nation in Florida. His skill was called upon in California, participating in the first battles of California's independence. Yet again, his knowledge and experience were put to use in the Mexican-American war.

Finally, after years of military campaign and hardship, James settled in a valley nestled in the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Here, he established the great Beckworth's Pass. Bringing emigrants directly to central California. To this day, just west of Lake Tahoe, traveling west on Route 70, at the border of California and Nevada, a town, highway and even a mountain peak bear his name. A reminder to all Americans of a man who's magnificent life helped to forge our great Nation. Summary by cstew64

Genre(s): Biography & Autobiography

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 00 Preface Claude Stewart
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Play 01 Chapter 1 Claude Stewart
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Play 02 Chapter 2 Claude Stewart
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Play 03 Chapter 3 Claude Stewart
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Play 04 Chapter 4 Claude Stewart
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Play 05 Chapter 5 Claude Stewart
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Play 06 Chapter 6 Claude Stewart
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Play 07 Chapter 7 Claude Stewart
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Play 08 Chapter 8 Claude Stewart
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Play 09 Chapter 9 Claude Stewart
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Play 10 Chapter 10 Claude Stewart
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Play 11 Chapter 11 Claude Stewart
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Play 12 Chapter 12 Claude Stewart
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Play 13 Chapter 13 Claude Stewart
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Play 14 Chapter 14 Claude Stewart
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Play 15 Chapter 15 Claude Stewart
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Play 16 Chapter 16 Claude Stewart
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Play 17 Chapter 17 Claude Stewart
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Play 18 Chapter 18 Claude Stewart
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Play 19 Chapter 19 Claude Stewart
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Play 20 Chapter 20 Claude Stewart
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Play 21 Chapter 21 Claude Stewart
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Play 22 Chapter 22 Claude Stewart
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Play 23 Chapter 23 Claude Stewart
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Play 24 Chapter 24 Claude Stewart
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Play 25 Chapter 25 Claude Stewart
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Play 26 Chapter 26 Claude Stewart
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Play 27 Chapter 27 Claude Stewart
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Play 28 Chapter 28 Claude Stewart
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Play 29 Chapter 29 Claude Stewart
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Play 30 Chapter 30 Claude Stewart
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Play 31 Chapter 31 Claude Stewart
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Play 32 Chapter 32 Claude Stewart
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Play 33 Chapter 33 Claude Stewart
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Play 34 Chapter 34 Claude Stewart
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Play 35 Chapter 35 Claude Stewart
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Play 36 Chapter 36 Claude Stewart
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Play 37 Chapter 37 Claude Stewart
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