What do you think?
Jim Bridger: The Grand Old Man of the Rockies
James Felix Bridger (1804-1881) was among the foremost mountain men, trappers, scouts and guides who explored and trapped the Western United States during the decades of 1820–1850, as well as mediating between native tribes and encroaching whites. He was of English ancestry, and his family had been in North America since the early colonial period.
Jim Bridger had a strong constitution that allowed him to survive the extreme conditions he encountered walking the Rocky Mountains from what would become southern Colorado to the Canada–US border. He had conversational knowledge of French, Spanish and several native languages. He would come to know many of the major European American explorers of the early west, including Kit Carson, George Armstrong Custer, Hugh Glass, John Frémont, Joseph Meek, and John Sutter. Bridger was a young contemporary of British and American pathfinders including Peter Skene Ogden, Jedediah Smith, and William Sublette. In 1830, Smith and his associates sold their fur company to Bridger and his associates naming it the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. Bridger was part of the second generation of mountain men and pathfinders who explored the American West that followed the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804.
Jim Bridger had a strong constitution that allowed him to survive the extreme conditions he encountered walking the Rocky Mountains from what would become southern Colorado to the Canada–US border. He had conversational knowledge of French, Spanish and several native languages. He would come to know many of the major European American explorers of the early west, including Kit Carson, George Armstrong Custer, Hugh Glass, John Frémont, Joseph Meek, and John Sutter. Bridger was a young contemporary of British and American pathfinders including Peter Skene Ogden, Jedediah Smith, and William Sublette. In 1830, Smith and his associates sold their fur company to Bridger and his associates naming it the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. Bridger was part of the second generation of mountain men and pathfinders who explored the American West that followed the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2015
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Read
October 13, 2016If you have any curiosity about the American West, and Jim Bridger in particular, this is a good one. Very short, easy read. It lends some insight into the Bridger character in the movie “The Revenant,” and whether he could have done what he is portrayed as doing in it.
“Old Jim Bridger,” as he was known, was renowned as a hunter, guide, trapper, scout, tracker, and man. He was kind, gentle, and honest, not the attributes you automatically ascribe to a Mountain Man, let alone the epitome of a Mountain Man. A shrewd judge of character, he respected and liked Kit Carson, but had nothing good to say about John C. Fremont.
He “discovered” the Great Salt Lake, the South Pass, and the geysers of what is now Yellowstone Park. He could neither read nor write, but could draw a flawless map of any area he visited and could correct mistakes on other maps just by looking at them. No one knew where to find good water, forage, or suitable camp in the Rockies better than he could. In short, no one knew the Rockies better than him, before or since.
“Old Jim Bridger,” as he was known, was renowned as a hunter, guide, trapper, scout, tracker, and man. He was kind, gentle, and honest, not the attributes you automatically ascribe to a Mountain Man, let alone the epitome of a Mountain Man. A shrewd judge of character, he respected and liked Kit Carson, but had nothing good to say about John C. Fremont.
He “discovered” the Great Salt Lake, the South Pass, and the geysers of what is now Yellowstone Park. He could neither read nor write, but could draw a flawless map of any area he visited and could correct mistakes on other maps just by looking at them. No one knew where to find good water, forage, or suitable camp in the Rockies better than he could. In short, no one knew the Rockies better than him, before or since.
October 10, 2019
Interesting Book
I have been in Fort Bridger a number if times and had heard of the man, and his name comes up in the many other historical books of the West I have read. He is an icon of the West and thought I enjoyed the book my value of the man greatly decreased. He had an abnormal dislike of the Indians, who had a great respect for him, and used his knowledge and friendship with the Indians to help destroy them. Though he disliked the Indians so much he married three Indian women; the first two died young. So, the book, though worth reading, did not help the iconic image of Jim.
I have been in Fort Bridger a number if times and had heard of the man, and his name comes up in the many other historical books of the West I have read. He is an icon of the West and thought I enjoyed the book my value of the man greatly decreased. He had an abnormal dislike of the Indians, who had a great respect for him, and used his knowledge and friendship with the Indians to help destroy them. Though he disliked the Indians so much he married three Indian women; the first two died young. So, the book, though worth reading, did not help the iconic image of Jim.
April 22, 2019
Jim Bridger, man of the mountains
The only regret I have is that ol’ Jim never learn to read or write. If he had, we would probably be able to read more of his exploits and adventures. He gets a rare mention in the stories of Thomas Fox, and of Hugh Monroe “Rising Wolf” (by the prolific writer James Willard Schultz. Those two lived with the Piegan Blackfeet (Pikuni), and Jim with the Crows, who were mortal enemies. Probably the reason Jim is mentioned so seldom in Shultz’ stories. Going to try to find more stories about ol’ Jim, an amazing true character of the frontier days.
The only regret I have is that ol’ Jim never learn to read or write. If he had, we would probably be able to read more of his exploits and adventures. He gets a rare mention in the stories of Thomas Fox, and of Hugh Monroe “Rising Wolf” (by the prolific writer James Willard Schultz. Those two lived with the Piegan Blackfeet (Pikuni), and Jim with the Crows, who were mortal enemies. Probably the reason Jim is mentioned so seldom in Shultz’ stories. Going to try to find more stories about ol’ Jim, an amazing true character of the frontier days.
November 3, 2021
Brininstool writes a good compilation of first hand accounts of Jim Bridger. It took me a minute to figure out that was what was going on because of the way it was written, like a series of newspaper accounts almost. The book was written in 1922 so the author used first hand sources that he personally interviewed who knew the man. Jim Bridger did not speak much of his adventures so most of what he actually did is lost to history but it is enough for me that he was respected by his peers and all the indian tribes knew of him and respected him because he traded with many of them. Good book and a very different insight into the old mountain man days.
September 12, 2019
King of the mountain men
A good,quick read on the most important mountain man in the American West. Most of the book is anecdotes from the people who knew “Old Jim Bridget” as he was called. A lot of interesting details about the early 1830’s to 1860’s —-before the discovery of gold and before the Civil War,when much of the American West was territory owned by the American Natives and unmapped or charted by white men. Fascinating story, though be prepared to take some of the anecdotes with a grain of salt!
A good,quick read on the most important mountain man in the American West. Most of the book is anecdotes from the people who knew “Old Jim Bridget” as he was called. A lot of interesting details about the early 1830’s to 1860’s —-before the discovery of gold and before the Civil War,when much of the American West was territory owned by the American Natives and unmapped or charted by white men. Fascinating story, though be prepared to take some of the anecdotes with a grain of salt!
September 10, 2018
Lack of intetest
I just couldn't get interested in this book! I know Jim Bridger was one of the most renowned of the mountain but the disjointed manner in which it written caused me to lose interest quickly. I usually will have patience with a book and give it a chance before putting it aside but just couldn't get into it! Perhaps a scholar doing research would find it worthy!
I just couldn't get interested in this book! I know Jim Bridger was one of the most renowned of the mountain but the disjointed manner in which it written caused me to lose interest quickly. I usually will have patience with a book and give it a chance before putting it aside but just couldn't get into it! Perhaps a scholar doing research would find it worthy!
July 3, 2023
Wanted to love this book but dislike it on every level. First of all, there is no way to tell if it’s factual at all because there are no footnotes or bibliography. It appears as if someone is just writing down what they’ve heard about Jim Bridger. Second, the writing itself is atrocious. The first sentence of the book is over one hundred words long. That single sentence contains the word “and” ten times. If you are a fan of poor writing, I’d highly recommend this book.
July 18, 2017
A true idol of all who favors true honesty and brave hearts.
Well written and very informative. One could easily picture himself living in the era of Jim Bridger. Up to the very end of the book, there exist a rich history of our true west before the diluted accounts of Hollywood movies.
Well written and very informative. One could easily picture himself living in the era of Jim Bridger. Up to the very end of the book, there exist a rich history of our true west before the diluted accounts of Hollywood movies.
January 7, 2020
Interesting, but lacking
I only decided to read this book because one of our local elementary schools is named after him. This book just covered the basics of his life. It did not tell about the man, who he really was, just what he accomplished. I'm sure there could be much more to tell
I only decided to read this book because one of our local elementary schools is named after him. This book just covered the basics of his life. It did not tell about the man, who he really was, just what he accomplished. I'm sure there could be much more to tell
August 12, 2018
Jim bridger
The jim bridger book was not what I thought it would be. Perhaps the date of the publication (1922) had something to do with my feelings. I do not recommend this book if the reader is looking for the low by blow
The jim bridger book was not what I thought it would be. Perhaps the date of the publication (1922) had something to do with my feelings. I do not recommend this book if the reader is looking for the low by blow
October 2, 2020
Good first hand accounts. Quite brief. Mostly a collection of recollections.
This volume has some interesting first hand accounts by people who knew Jim Bridger, but is not a very comprehensive look at his life. It is quite brief. I think the value is in the first hand accounts.
This volume has some interesting first hand accounts by people who knew Jim Bridger, but is not a very comprehensive look at his life. It is quite brief. I think the value is in the first hand accounts.
May 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The author shares what friends of Jim Bridger said about him. I find this very interesting, as there is nothing like a personal account. When you read this book, you come away with respect for this mountain man. My favorite book of the year.
October 16, 2017
Fine read
A great book about a truly fascinating person who managed to survive to a ripe old age under some very severe circumstances.
A great book about a truly fascinating person who managed to survive to a ripe old age under some very severe circumstances.
December 4, 2017
Great history
I love history told and recorded by the people who lived it. Wish more spoken history had been captured in this time
I love history told and recorded by the people who lived it. Wish more spoken history had been captured in this time
October 19, 2018
Nice simple book
I enjoyed this easy read. I recommend this to anyone wanting a good easy read. Try it and enjoy it.
I enjoyed this easy read. I recommend this to anyone wanting a good easy read. Try it and enjoy it.
December 1, 2018
A frontier icon
A darn shame they didn't have a few pictures. What an adventure for the man. Really sparks the imagination. A good read for the western historian around that time.
A darn shame they didn't have a few pictures. What an adventure for the man. Really sparks the imagination. A good read for the western historian around that time.
June 22, 2019
Good read
Well worth the read hard to put down once you pick it up good afternoon read on that says it
Well worth the read hard to put down once you pick it up good afternoon read on that says it
August 11, 2019
A History Lesson for Mountain Men
A good review of the life of a legend. My privilege to read of his exploits, wisdom and humor. Enjoy a short read.
A good review of the life of a legend. My privilege to read of his exploits, wisdom and humor. Enjoy a short read.
August 18, 2020
Good condensed story about Jim Bridger, don’t expect a long read 41 pages on kindle
Read
September 16, 2022Audiobook.
January 21, 2023
Fun read! Not a lot of frills and fluff, just a quick telling of the life and times of a real mountain man!
December 19, 2024
I love the adventures of the first settlers. It was an easy read, I wish it was longer.
May 31, 2025
2025. Good biography, wild stories, good take on the American fur trappers
April 22, 2019
History
This book was generalities and not very detailed in Jim Bridger exploits. I expected more facts and it was not present in this book
This book was generalities and not very detailed in Jim Bridger exploits. I expected more facts and it was not present in this book
May 1, 2021
Ebook wasn't available but found it on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jim-...
February 22, 2016
Jim Bridger chief scout
This was a great old man that is as a big a part of American history as any one. He paid his dues in time it took a tough man just to survive in the wild west. He is a true legion and an America hero.
This was a great old man that is as a big a part of American history as any one. He paid his dues in time it took a tough man just to survive in the wild west. He is a true legion and an America hero.
January 13, 2016
The true mountain man.
If you want to learn about the best mountain man of the American west then you want to read this book.
If you want to learn about the best mountain man of the American west then you want to read this book.
May 12, 2016
Good little read
Pretty good little book. Very interesting but a little lacking in detail. Would recommend to any history buff. You will not be disappointed.
Pretty good little book. Very interesting but a little lacking in detail. Would recommend to any history buff. You will not be disappointed.
March 29, 2021
More of a short story, but good for what it was.
November 15, 2022
Great book, the e-book version can be found at:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/jim-...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/jim-...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews