John Charles Fremont: Topographical Engineers In The Far West

John Charles Fremont was born in Savannah, Georgia, in the year of 1813. He is the son of Charles Fremont, and Ann Beverley Whiting of Virginia. Fremont grew up in Charleston, and was educated in the science department of the College of Charleston. He was later expelled in 1831, three months from graduation. Fremont is most well-known for his exploration of the American West. He was also a huge figure in California’s 19th century gold rush. In his early life, he became a fast national hero for his exploration in the Far West. John was also a leader in getting California from Mexico. He served as one of his state’s first senators, and ended up getting very rich in the gold rush.
John Fremont obtained a commission as the second lieutenant in the Corps of Topographical Engineers of the U.S. Army in 1838. He was assigned to the expedition of J.N. Nicollet as a military escort. This expedition explored into Minnesota and all of the Dakotas. Over the long trip he began to learn about natural science and topographical engineering, also, gaining experience on the frontier. Later on this same expedition, he met the very powerful senator from Missouri, Thomas Hart Benton, he then fell in love with Benton’s daughter Jessie. (Britannica, 2014) …show more content…
That fall he married Jessie Benton, gaining her father as protector. Frémont was sent to explore the Wind River chain of the Rockies in 1842 and to record scientific exploration of the Oregon Trail. He hired Kit Carson as guide, he followed the trail through South Pass. John’s recordings were filled with great adventures and also contained a very detailed map of the area. Frémont was starting to become famous. Everybody who knew what he had done referred to him as “The Great Pathfinder," the people who say him as an amazing explorer did not know that he was following the paths of mountain men. (John Charles Fremont,