The New Student's Reference Work/Carson, Christopher

KIT CARSON

Carson, Christopher, popularly known as Kit Carson, a famous American trapper and guide, was born in Kentucky in 1809. While yet a youth his family moved to Missouri, and he early engaged in trapping. He spent eight years as hunter to Bent's fort, and then acted as guide in the explorations of General Frémont. One of his most difficult feats was the driving of 6,500 sheep to California. He became Indian agent in New Mexico, and helped to bring about many treaties with the Indians. During the Civil War he did good service, and at its close was breveted brigadier-general. He died at Fort Lynn, Col., in 1868.