Private John Colter

Born about the time of the American Revolution, John Colter enlisted as a private in the Lewis and Clark Expedition at Maysville, Kentucky, in October, 1803. He began the expedition as an oarsman, but because of his skills as a woodsman he was relieved of that duty and became a hunter. Colter also served as a scout and messenger and was often a friend of the Indians. He remained with the expedition until August, 1806, when he was discharged and returned to the mountains to trap. Much of what is known about his role in the expedition comes from journal entries by members of the Corps of Discovery, which record his hunting, horse-finding, trading, and meetings with Indians during the journey.

New Haven, Missouri · United States