Benjamin Bonneville – Exploring & Defending the American West
Benjamin Louis Eulalie de Bonneville, a figure etched in the annals of American Western history, was a man of diverse talents and experiences. Born in France, he transitioned from a European upbringing to become a U.S. Army officer, a seasoned frontiersman, and a daring explorer. His life, spanning from the late 18th century to the late 19th century, witnessed pivotal moments in the shaping of the American West, and his contributions, though sometimes overshadowed, played a role in the region’s exploration and eventual settlement.
Born on April 14, 1796, in Paris, France, Benjamin Bonneville’s early life was steeped in the culture of his homeland. However, his family’s decision to immigrate to the United States in 1803 set him on a path that would lead him far from the familiar streets of Paris and into the vast, untamed landscapes of the American frontier.
Benjamin Bonneville received a comprehensive education, culminating in his graduation from the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point in 1815. His academic success paved the way for a commission as a Brevet Second Lieutenant of Light Artillery, marking the beginning of his military career. In his early years of service, Bonneville was stationed at various posts across the eastern United States, including assignments in New England, Mississippi, and Fort Smith, Arkansas. These early postings provided him with valuable experience in military life and exposed him to the diverse geographic and social landscapes of the young nation. In 1824, his career advanced with a transfer to Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, and a promotion to the rank of Captain. After a brief return to France, Bonneville found himself reassigned to Jefferson Barracks in Missouri in 1828, a location that would prove pivotal in shaping his future endeavors.
It was during his time in Missouri that the allure of the American West began to take hold of Benjamin Bonneville. Inspired by the writings of Hall J. Kelley, a vocal advocate for westward expansion, and the influential editorials published in the St. Louis Enquirer, edited by Thomas Hart Benton, Bonneville became increasingly captivated by the prospect of exploring the uncharted territories beyond the Mississippi River.
Driven by his growing desire to explore the West, Benjamin Bonneville met with Hall Kelley, who recognized his potential and appointed him to lead one of the expeditions planned to venture into the Oregon Country in early 1832. However, the expedition faced significant hurdles, primarily a lack of volunteers, which ultimately led to its delay and eventual cancellation. Despite this setback, Bonneville remained determined to realize his dream of exploring the West.
Undeterred, Benjamin Bonneville petitioned for a leave of absence from his military duties, arguing that he could provide valuable reconnaissance among the Native American tribes, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. At the time, this region was under a precarious joint occupation by the United States and Great Britain, with the Hudson’s Bay Company exerting significant influence. His request was granted with the stipulation that he gather as much information as possible for the federal government. This marked a crucial turning point in Bonneville’s career, allowing him to embark on the expedition that would define his legacy.
In 1832, Benjamin Bonneville embarked on his ambitious expedition, leading a group of 110 men, including the explorer and trader Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth, into the vast expanse of Wyoming Territory. The expedition was financed by John Jacob Astor, the prominent owner of the American Fur Company, highlighting the economic interests intertwined with the exploration of the West. The expedition followed the Missouri River and then the Platte River, eventually reaching the Green River in Wyoming in August. There, they constructed a winter fort, aptly named Fort Bonneville, which served as their base of operations.
The following spring, the expedition continued its explorations, venturing into the Snake River region in present-day Idaho. A separate party, under the leadership of Joseph Walker, was dispatched to explore the Great Salt Lake and to seek an overland route to California. Walker’s mission proved successful, as he blazed a trail along the Humboldt River across Nevada and discovered a pass through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which would later be named Walker Pass in his honor. Walker Pass and the trail he forged became known as the California Trail, playing a vital role during the California Gold Rush, serving as a crucial pathway for westward-bound settlers and prospectors.
Bonneville and his men spent the summer and fall of 1833 in Wyoming, engaging in trade with the Shoshone Indians. In January 1834, they departed Fort Bonneville with the goal of reaching Oregon. However, their journey to Oregon was fraught with challenges. In March 1834, they arrived at Fort Nez Perce, a remote outpost of the Hudson’s Bay Company, only to be denied trade. Facing this setback, they retraced their steps to Idaho. At this time, the Hudson’s Bay Company held a firm grip on the fur trade in the Pacific Northwest, and many Native American tribes were reluctant to trade with Bonneville’s expedition, even when they were in dire need of supplies. Finally, in April 1835, the expedition began its long trek back east, reaching Missouri in August.
Upon his return, Bonneville faced scrutiny for overstaying his leave of absence. However, he was eventually reinstated to active duty and continued his military service. He participated in both the Mexican-American War and the Civil War, demonstrating his commitment to the United States through decades of service. He retired from the military in 1866 and relocated to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he passed away at the age of 82 on June 12, 1878. He was laid to rest in Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri, a final resting place for a man who had traversed both the battlefields of war and the untamed landscapes of the West.
Despite his significant contributions to the exploration of the American West, Benjamin Bonneville might have remained a relatively obscure figure had it not been for the renowned author Washington Irving. Irving, captivated by Bonneville’s adventures, immortalized him in his book The Adventures of Captain Bonneville, published in 1837. This literary work brought Bonneville’s exploits to a wider audience, solidifying his place in the pantheon of Western explorers and ensuring that his name would be remembered for generations to come.
Benjamin Bonneville’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a soldier, an explorer, a trader, and a figure whose life was intertwined with the expansion of the United States into the American West. His explorations contributed to the mapping and understanding of the region, and his interactions with Native American tribes, while sometimes fraught with tension, provide insights into the complex relationships between explorers and indigenous populations during this period of American history. While his military career was marked by dedication and service, it is his adventures in the West that truly define his place in history.