The true Pathfinders of the West were the Mountain Men. Who were these men and how did they win that name? They were the hardy adventurers who wandered over the unknown deserts and mountains of the West in their search for beaver and to trade with the Indians. So they were called "mountain men."

From the early 1800's to 1850 they roamed far and wide over the West—adventuring into its lonely places, discovering its hidden trails; "marching with the sun to the last frontier"—each footstep beset with danger from wild beasts, hostile Indians, hunger, cold, thirst, and many kinds of accident.

It was they who first explored and established the routes of travel which are now and ever will be the avenues of commerce in that region.

The moving force in their career was an intense love for the freedom of the wilderness. The mountain man knew that he would have to walk alone, relying upon himself, working and fighting on his own hook.

One of the greatest of the mountain men—the most picturesque figure that ever rode across the stage of the Great West—was Old Bill Williams, dean of the free trappers. Only a man of iron nerve, unflinching courage and skill could win out against all the hazards of his lonely life. Cool in the midst of dangers, faithful and loyal to everyone but his enemies, generous, self-respecting; granting equal rights to others, half hero and half savage; dirty and uncouth it is true—he was, nevertheless, every inch a man.

From the Forward