Description

Obstinate Hope: The Western Expeditions of Nathaniel J. Wyeth
Volume 1
1832-1833

by Jim Hardee

Volume 1 – The story of the 1832 Expedition of Nathaniel J. Wyeth.

Obstinate Hope: The Western Expeditions of Nathaniel J. Wyeth, Volume 1, is part one of a two part examination of the life of Nathaniel J. Wyeth. The book begins with a look at Wyeth’s pre-fur trade life including his heritage, operation of the family’s Fresh Pond Hotel and his early career in the ice industry. The bulk of the book details his first expedition to the west (1832-1833) using his letters and journals as its base. The narrative follows Wyeth on his trip to the fur trade rendezvous in Pierre’s Hole, on to the Pacific Northwest and then back to the East coast. Each of Wyeth’s journal entries are accompanied by the author’s commentary, providing insight into Wyeth’s experiences. The story is supplemented with information from the journals and letters of other people who were with him for all or part of the trip. The commentary also compares what Wyeth encountered in the west with events and occurrences from other trapper diaries. Ten maps and more than three dozen images illustrate the text.

Table of Contents:
1. The Early Years
2. Oregon Beckons
3. Departure for the West
4. Westward to the Continental Divide
5. Rendezvous at Pierre’s Hole: 1832
6. Crossing the Snake River Plain
7. On the Columbia River
8. Fort Vancouver
9. A New Year and the Return East
10. The Road to the Buffalo
11. Rendezvous at Green River: 1833
12. Fort Union and the Missouri River
Epilogue
Endnotes
Bibliography
Index

Published by Museum of the Mountain Man – 2013

Hardback, 500 pages, Black and White illustrations, 6 x9 inches
First Edition – 2000 Copies
ISBN: 978-0-9768113-7-4