James P. Beckworth, born in Virginia at the dawn of our Nation, moved with his family to eastern Missouri settling a few miles below what is now St. Charles. Still young, James began his education in the character of the Indian nations where he gained first hand knowledge of the Indian tactics and at times, their brutality. At the young age of 19, he became a member of the famed company known as Ashley's hundred. Working along side some our countries most revered adventurers. Hugh Glass, Jim Bridger, Kit Carson and of course, General Ashley himself. After many adventures working for the American Fur Company, James began his journey to becoming Chief of the great Crow Nation. Proving his courage on the field of battle time and again, the Crow Nation grew to respect his character. Through the fur trade, James' knowledge and experience helped provide the Crow Nation with wealth they never experienced before. For this, they grew to appreciate his intellect. Rising through the ranks of warriors and consistently earning their admiration, the great council named him Chief. But after fourteen years of living among the Great Plains Indians, James grew weary and longed to rejoin the society in which he was raised. Leaving his adopted family behind, James set off for even more adventure. First with the United States Army, fighting once again, an Indian Nation in Florida. His skill was called upon in California, participating in the first battles of California's independence. Yet again, his knowledge and experience were put to use in the Mexican-American war. Finally, after years of military campaign and hardship, James settled in a valley nestled in the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Here, he established the great Beckworth's Pass. Bringing emigrants directly to central California. To this day, just west of Lake Tahoe, traveling west on Route 70, at the border of California and Nevada, a town, highway and even a mountain peak bear his name. A reminder to all Americans of a man who's magnificent life helped to forge our great Nation. Summary by cstew64
