William Sublette – Explorer, Trapper, & Mountain Man
(Image: Trappers’ Campfire by Currier & Ives, depicting a group of fur trappers gathered around a campfire at night.)
William Lewis Sublette, affectionately known as "Bill" Sublette, stands as a prominent figure in the annals of the American West. His multifaceted career encompassed roles as an explorer, fur trapper, trader, and mountain man. His exploits significantly contributed to the charting of the Oregon Trail, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape and history of westward expansion.
Born in Stanford, Kentucky, on September 21, 1798 (though some sources suggest 1799), Sublette’s early life provided little indication of the adventurous path he would later forge. In 1817, the Sublette family relocated to St. Charles, Missouri, a burgeoning hub on the Missouri River. By this time, William had grown into a physically imposing young man, standing tall at six foot two inches, with striking sandy hair and piercing blue eyes. He initially followed in his father’s footsteps, demonstrating an interest in land acquisition, business ventures, and the intricacies of politics. This inclination led to his appointment as deputy constable of the township in 1820, followed by a promotion to constable, solidifying his early involvement in local governance.
St. Charles, strategically located on the banks of the Missouri River, served as a vital gateway to the untamed West. The town witnessed a constant influx of fur trappers and traders, all eager to venture into the vast Indian territories in search of fortune and adventure. William, with his innate outdoorsman spirit and keen intellect, recognized the immense potential that lay beyond the familiar landscapes. Like many other ambitious young men of his time, he felt an irresistible pull to follow the river westward, driven by the allure of the fur trade and the promise of a life less ordinary.
(Image: An advertisement for the Rocky Mountain Fur Company, calling for enterprising men to join their expedition.)
The pivotal moment that set Sublette on his path to becoming a legendary mountain man arrived on February 13, 1822. William Henry Ashley, a man of vision and ambition who co-founded the Rocky Mountain Fur Company, placed a compelling advertisement in the Missouri Gazette and Public Adviser. This advertisement sought 100 enterprising men willing to "ascend the river Missouri" and embark on a daring fur-trapping expedition. Drawn to the opportunity, Sublette eagerly applied and was soon accepted into the ranks of the now-famous trapping group known as "Ashley’s Hundred." This group comprised a remarkable collection of individuals who would later become iconic figures in the history of the American West, including the likes of Jim Beckwourth, Thomas Fitzpatrick, David Jackson, Hugh Glass, James Bridger, and Jedediah Smith. These men would share extraordinary experiences and shape the future of the fur trade.
The Rocky Mountain Fur Company distinguished itself from its competitors by prioritizing trapping over simply purchasing furs from Native Americans. Ashley’s men did not receive fixed wages. Instead, they were compensated through a share of the profits derived from the furs they procured, incentivizing them to maximize their trapping efforts and fostering a sense of shared ownership in the company’s success.
The early days of Sublette’s trapping career were marked by both opportunity and peril. On June 1, 1823, Ashley and his party of 70 men faced a formidable challenge when they were attacked by a large force of 600 Arikara Indians. This attack ignited the Arikara War, a significant conflict in the history of the fur trade. The surprise assault resulted in the deaths of twelve of Ashley’s men, forcing the survivors to retreat in disarray. Sublette managed to escape the carnage, demonstrating his resilience and resourcefulness under extreme pressure. Jedediah Smith volunteered to embark on a perilous journey to contact Andrew Henry and request reinforcements. A few months later, Colonel Henry Leavenworth led a force of 200 soldiers and 700 Sioux allies to confront the Arikara. Sublette, temporarily serving as a sergeant major, played a role in the attack and routing of the Indians at their villages on August 9th, marking a turning point in the conflict.
(Image: A scenic view of the Green River in Wyoming, a location significant to Sublette’s trapping expeditions.)
Undeterred by the challenges he faced, Sublette continued his relentless pursuit of fur trapping. He joined Jedediah Smith and others on expeditions into Crow country, further expanding his knowledge of the terrain and solidifying his reputation as a skilled and fearless mountain man. By the spring of 1824, he was actively working on the Green River and its tributaries in Wyoming, an area renowned for its abundant wildlife and rich fur resources. Later that year, he accompanied Smith on a daring journey to the Pacific Northwest, venturing into territory claimed by the Hudson’s Bay Company, a powerful and well-established fur trading organization. In 1826, along with Jedediah Smith and David Jackson, he purchased Ashley’s interest in the Rocky Mountain Fur Company, marking a significant turning point in his career.
Over the ensuing years, William Sublette continued to navigate the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains, skillfully trapping valuable furs while simultaneously undertaking arduous trips back to St. Louis. These trips were essential for selling the accumulated furs and replenishing essential supplies. In 1830, he achieved a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first to successfully bring wagons back to the Rocky Mountains, revolutionizing the transportation of goods and paving the way for increased westward migration. During this period, William Sublette played a vital role in blazing the Oregon Trail by discovering a shortcut that became known as "Sublette’s Cut" in Wyoming. This shortcut significantly reduced travel time and improved the overall efficiency of the trail. Upon his return to St. Louis that year, the partnership with Smith and Jackson was dissolved, signaling a new chapter in his entrepreneurial endeavors.
(Image: A painting depicting Blackfeet scouting Pierre’s Hole, illustrating the dangers faced by trappers in the West.)
In 1831, William Sublette briefly ventured into the Santa Fe Trade, seeking new opportunities for profit and expansion. However, this endeavor was cut short by the tragic death of Jedediah Smith, a close friend and former partner. Deeply affected by the loss, he soon returned to the familiar and challenging world of trapping in the mountains. In 1832, he was present at the Battle of Pierre’s Hole, a fierce and bloody encounter between trappers and Native Americans, where he sustained a wound. Despite the setback, he recovered quickly. By December of the same year, William Sublette formed a partnership with Robert Campbell, a seasoned mountain man who had accompanied him on numerous expeditions. Their firm operated for the next decade, posing a significant challenge to the dominance of the American Fur Company. Eventually, they sold their business to the American Fur Company, and Sublette settled in St. Louis, Missouri. He then became actively involved in business and politics, applying his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills to new arenas.
In 1844, Sublette married Frances Hereford of Tuscumbia, Alabama, marking a new chapter in his personal life. In the spring of 1845, he expressed a strong desire to become the Superintendent of Indian Affairs at St. Louis, recognizing the importance of responsible and ethical engagement with Native American tribes. He embarked on a trip to Washington, D.C., to secure the position, demonstrating his commitment to public service. During his trip, while in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 23, he fell ill and passed away. He was initially laid to rest in the private burying ground on his farm, located on the outskirts of St. Louis. However, his remains were later moved to Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri, a place of honor and remembrance for prominent figures in the region’s history.
Sublette’s will stipulated that his property would be bequeathed to his wife, Frances, on the condition that she would not change her name. Four years after William Sublette’s death, she married his brother, Solomon P. Sublette, thereby ensuring that her last name remained unchanged, honoring his wishes and preserving his legacy. His life serves as a testament to the spirit of adventure, resilience, and entrepreneurial drive that defined the era of the mountain men and the westward expansion of the United States.