Hope Maintains Her Throne
The Western Expeditions of Nathaniel J. Wyeth
Volume Two
1834 – 1836
“If I do fail…they shall never say that is was for want of perseverance.” – Nathaniel J. Wyeth, 1834
On his first expedition to the Pacific Northwest, Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth learned enough about the region to develop an optimistic plan of action for his second adventure that he hoped would earn him a fortune. But grand visions, even backed by experience, planning, and committed investors, do not always produce the desired outcome.
Volume Two examines how he put into effect this hard earned knowledge on his second journey west, including his dismay at being beaten to the 1834 rendezvous by William Sublette’s supply caravan, and ultimately establishing Fort Hall on the Snake River. This trading post was destined to play an integral role in America’s western expansion.
Hardee constructs a panoramic view of the Boston ice merchant’s world, filled with fascinating details about the people, the challenges, and the economic conditions that conspired for and against Wyeth’s dream. Hardee brings new information and insights to a story of driving ambition and creativity most historians think they know well.
“Great biography, good business history, and a much-needed addition to fur trade-era documentary libraries.”- William R. Swagerty, University of the Pacific
Published by Sublette County Historical Society & Museum of the Mountain Man
ISBN: 978-0-9973143-3-5
Hardback with full color dustjacket, 500 pages, black and white illustrations, 6×9 inches.
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Obstinate Hope: Published by Sublette County Historical Society & Museum of the Mountain Man, Hardback, 500 pages, Black and White illustrations, 6×9 inches, First Edition – 2000 Copies, $24.95
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“Obstinate Hope: The Western Expeditions of Nathaniel J.Wyeth, Volume I, is the first of a two-part examination on the life of Nathaniel J. Wyeth. The book begins with a look at Wyeth’s early life and heritage in the New England area, his eastern business ventures and the many entrepreneurial ambitions he engaged in. Throughout history, little has been chronicled or interpreted about Nathaniel J. Wyeth and his role out West, whether as mountain man during the fur trade or commercial pioneer at the heart of rendezvous. Hardee uses letters, journals and historical documents to follow Wyeth’s stubborn pursuit and persistence as he treks cross country from one seaboard to the other in 1832-1833.
The 500-page novel is richly illustrated with ten maps and more than three dozen images, providing the reader with a delightful insight and scrutiny into this lesser-known man of the fur trade.