Bridger, James

(1804–81) fur trader, scout, "mountain man"; born in Richmond, Va. Working with fur companies in the northeast (1822–42), he was the first white man to see the Great Salt Lake (1824). He established Fort Bridger in Wyoming (1843) and discovered Bridger's Pass (1849). After being driven out by Mormons (1853) he guided a federal force in its campaign against the Mormons (1857–58). After serving as a guide to several major expeditions in the West (1859–66), he retired to his farm near Kansas City, Mo.

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