Two hundred years ago, the mountain men were the first non-natives to live year-round in the Rocky Mountains. They were rugged, independent, entrepreneurial and determined individuals, becoming excellent hunters, trappers, navigators and survivalists. They entered a world dominated by Plains Indians. Adopting some of the lifestyle and culture of their native partners, this was a relative peaceful time between the newcomers and the natives. The mountain men, along with the Plains Indians they introduce to the world, became the first iconic characters of the American West, captivating the nation and the world ever since.
The Museum of the Mountain Man honors these brave frontiersmen, preserves for people of all ages the skills of survival and self-reliance that otherwise would be lost, and shares their stories. Located in Pinedale, Wyoming, at the heart of Rocky Mountains fur trade country, the Museum has embraced the responsibility as the Nation’s caretakers of this critical era of United States history through preservation and sharing of artifacts, stories and historic sites.
The spotlight of the upcoming bicentennial of rendezvous (1825-1840) will provide a natural opportunity to expand interest in the fur trade, the opening of the West, and ultimately, the expansion of a young United States of America across a continent.
We must grow capacity (facilities, staff, visitation, and financial security) to more effectively preserve and interpret this era. A more mature and stable organization can take advantage of the current opportunities, and be better prepared for opportunities and challenges that will come over the next century.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can be a part of planning for the future of this community please contact us today. 307-367-4101 email: director@mmmuseum.com