Jim Bridger

Trailblazer of the American West

By: Jerry Enzler

Narrated by: Danny Campbell

Length: 13 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Even among iconic frontiersmen like John C. Fremont, Kit Carson, and Jedediah Smith, Jim Bridger stands out. A mountain man of the American West, straddling the fur trade era and the age of exploration, he lived the life legends are made of. Here, in a biography that finally gives this outsize character his due, Jerry Enzler takes this frontiersman's full measure for the first time—and tells a story that would do Jim Bridger proud.

Born in 1804 and orphaned at thirteen, Bridger made his first western foray in 1822, traveling up the Missouri River with Mike Fink and a hundred enterprising young men to trap beaver. At twenty he "discovered" the Great Salt Lake. In the following years, he led trapping brigades into Blackfeet territory; guided expeditions of Smithsonian scientists, topographical engineers, and army leaders; and, though he could neither read nor write, mapped the tribal boundaries for the Great Indian Treaty of 1851. Enzler charts Bridger's path from the fort he built on the Oregon Trail to the route he blazed for Montana gold miners to avert war with Red Cloud and his Lakota coalition.

Tapping sources uncovered in the six decades since the last documented Bridger biography, Enzler's book fully conveys the drama and details of the larger-than-life history of the "King of the Mountain Men."

©2021 Jerome Enzler (P)2023 Tantor

One man did so much

So much of our history, heroes, villains, characters, come to life. With nearly every turn of the page there’s something new to ponder. It’s one of those books you don’t want it to end.

One of the best

Best audiobook I’ve heard since 1776 by McCullough. Transports you right back in time. Vivid descriptions and first hand accounts of the times. So interesting. Narrator was top notch too. A perfect fit for a great book.

Explains the world Jim Bridger lived in!

Very through and let’s you imagine being with him and experiencing the west before it was changed forever.

Of the detail, while falling the root of Jim through his time in the west

Have to write this the best book written on the 1800s in the western mountains

Amazing book! 

This is an insightful book into the life of a man who does not get much notoriety. Jim, Bridger certainly was a Hardy character! If you enjoy the history of the old West, this book Hass to be at the top of your list! The narration was pleasant and enjoyable to listen to. Well written! 

The unbelievable tales and truth

some areas were repetitive, but not a distraction or taken away from the story.
All was well done

Great Read

Loved this biography of Jim Bridger. Learned much about his skills as a mountain man.

Amazing Story!!!!

This is what men should strive to be. This is a true role model. Mr Bridger’s history is the story of America.

Accurate history

The history was believable and at the same time entertaining. It opened up a previously unfamiliar part of North American history.

Fantastic

This is a comprehensive enjoyable book. I learned, I felt and I experienced. What an amazing man.