Jedediah Smith Society

Jedediah Strong Smith (1799-1831) was first American to enter California by an overland route. His travels (1822-1831) demonstrated feasible routes across West to California. Smith trapped first along Missouri River under William Ashley and Andrew Henry. He rediscovered South Pass, Wyo. (1824) a passageway from high plains into Pacific Northwest. Formed partnership with David Jackson and William Sublette to trap in Pacific Coast region (1826). Trapped and explored in central California and Oregon (1827-1828). Sold out to Rocky Mountain Fur Company (1830) and turned to Santa Fe trade. Killed by Indians (1831). Society formed to promote reputation of Jedediah Smith as an important historical figure (1943- ). It holds regular meetings, publishes a newsletter and promotes publications devoted to education of public on this theme. This collection constitutes the archives of the Society and, as such, continues to receive new materials each year.

From the description of Jedediah Smith Society collection, 1943- (University of the Pacific). WorldCat record id: 35304774

Biography

Jedediah Strong Smith (1799-1831) was the first American citizen to enter California by an overland route. His travels (1821-1831) demonstrated feasible routes across the West to California. Smith trapped first along the Missouri River under William Ashley and Andrew Henry. He rediscovered South Pass, Wyo. (1824), a passageway from the High Plains into the Pacific Northwest. After forming a partnership to trap in the Pacific Coast region with David Jackson and William Sublette, Smith trapped and explored in Central California and Oregon (1827-1828). The partners sold out to the Rocky Mountain Fur Company in 1830 and turned to the Santa Fe trade. Smith was killed by Indians on the Southern Plains the following year.

The Jedediah Smith Society was formed (1943) to promote the reputation of Smith as an important historical figure. It holds regular meetings, publishes a newsletter and promotes publications devoted to the education of the public on this theme.

From the guide to the Jedediah Smith Society Collection, 1943-, (University of the Pacific. Library. Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections)