Give Your Heart to the Hawks

1. The Mountain Man: A Sovereign Individual Forged in Wilderness

In reading about them, I was fixed, aside from the color and the drama, with one emerging conclusion: That the mountain men achieved a degree of personal sovereignty that few men ever reach, that they were full kings of their own lives.

Radical Self-Reliance. The mountain men, operating hundreds of miles from civilization, embodied the ultimate in self-reliance. They were forced to make life-or-death decisions daily, relying on their own skills and judgment. This constant challenge fostered a sense of personal sovereignty rarely found in more settled societies.

Freedom and Individualism. Cut loose from societal norms and conventions, the mountain men were radical individualists. They embraced personal freedom to its fullest extent, living by their own code and answering to no one but themselves. This freedom came at a price, demanding constant vigilance and a willingness to face extreme hardship.

Acceptance of Aloneness. The mountain men understood and accepted the ultimate aloneness of their existence. They took full responsibility for their actions and their fate, recognizing that their survival depended entirely on their own resourcefulness and courage. This acceptance of aloneness was the foundation of their sovereignty and their heroism.

2. Colter's Run: A Testament to Mountain Skill and Resilience

He was in the habit of listening to his body when it knew something he didn't.

Survival Against All Odds. John Colter's legendary escape from the Blackfeet is a testament to the mountain man's ability to survive against overwhelming odds. Stripped naked and given a head start, Colter relied on his knowledge of the terrain, his physical endurance, and his mental fortitude to outwit his pursuers.

The Importance of Instinct. Colter's survival hinged on his ability to trust his instincts. He paid close attention to his body's signals, recognizing danger even when his mind couldn't fully grasp the situation. This heightened awareness was a crucial survival skill in the unpredictable wilderness.

Adaptability and Resourcefulness. Colter's escape demonstrated the mountain man's adaptability and resourcefulness. He used whatever was available to him – the terrain, the river, even the broken spear of his attacker – to turn the tables and secure his survival. This ability to improvise and make the most of any situation was essential for life in the mountains.

3. Hugh Glass: The Embodiment of Vengeance and Survival

That myth is being debunked, with some justice.

Unquenchable Thirst for Revenge. Hugh Glass's story is a gripping tale of survival fueled by an all-consuming desire for revenge. Abandoned and left for dead after a brutal bear attack, Glass defied all expectations by crawling and walking hundreds of miles to seek retribution on those who betrayed him.

Physical and Mental Endurance. Glass's journey showcased the extraordinary physical and mental endurance of the mountain man. Despite his horrific injuries, he persevered through pain, hunger, and exhaustion, driven by his unwavering focus on his goal.

The Price of Vengeance. While Glass's story is inspiring, it also raises questions about the cost of vengeance. His relentless pursuit consumed him, pushing him to the brink of death and potentially blinding him to other aspects of life. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession.

4. The Rendezvous: A Crucible of Culture and Commerce

A discription of our crew I cannt give but Fallstaf's Battalion was genteel in comparison.

A Meeting of Worlds. The annual rendezvous was a unique event that brought together mountain men, fur company representatives, and various Indian tribes. It was a time for trade, celebration, and the exchange of information and culture.

Economic Engine of the Fur Trade. The rendezvous served as the economic engine of the Rocky Mountain fur trade. Trappers exchanged their hard-earned pelts for essential supplies, while fur companies profited from the markup on goods and the sale of furs back in the settlements.

A Microcosm of the West. The rendezvous was a microcosm of the American West, a melting pot of different cultures, languages, and lifestyles. It was a place where men from diverse backgrounds came together to pursue their fortunes and forge a new identity in the wilderness.

5. Jedediah Smith: Faith, Exploration, and the Uncharted West

The chief returned to council. When he came back, he signaled Colter to follow him onto the plain. After they walked twenty or thirty yards, the old chief said, "Walk further, past the large boulder, and then you must run to try to save yourself."

Driven by Ambition and Faith. Jedediah Smith was a complex figure, driven by both ambition and deep religious faith. He was a skilled explorer, a capable leader, and a shrewd businessman, but he was also a devout Christian who sought to live a moral life in the often-lawless wilderness.

A Pioneer of Western Exploration. Smith played a pivotal role in mapping and exploring the American West. He discovered South Pass, pioneered the overland route to California, and traveled extensively throughout the Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin.

A Legacy of Courage and Determination. Smith's life was cut short at the age of 32, but his legacy of courage, determination, and exploration continues to inspire. He remains a symbol of the American spirit of adventure and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

6. The Lure of California: A Promised Land of Myth and Reality

The beaver streams were the original gold mines of the West.

A Land of Abundance and Opportunity. California held a powerful allure for the mountain men, promising a land of sunshine, fertile valleys, and abundant game. It was seen as a potential paradise, a place where they could escape the harsh realities of the Rocky Mountains and build a new life.

The Reality of Spanish Rule. The mountain men's encounters with Spanish authorities in California were often fraught with tension and suspicion. The Spanish government viewed the American trappers as intruders and potential threats to their control of the territory.

A Dream Deferred. While some mountain men did find success in California, many were ultimately disappointed by the reality of Spanish rule and the challenges of adapting to a new culture. The dream of California remained elusive for many, a tantalizing vision that never quite materialized.

7. The Inevitable Clash: Civilization's Advance and the Mountain Man's Demise

We're going until the world changes, you and I, like the young hawks .

The End of an Era. The arrival of missionaries, settlers, and the forces of civilization marked the beginning of the end for the mountain man's way of life. The wilderness that had sustained them was gradually tamed and transformed, leaving them with no place to roam free.

The Loss of Independence. As the West became more settled, the mountain men lost their independence and their unique identity. They were forced to adapt to a changing world, often finding themselves marginalized and displaced.

A Lasting Legacy. Despite their eventual disappearance, the mountain men left a lasting legacy on the American West. They explored and mapped the territory, developed essential survival skills, and embodied a spirit of self-reliance and individualism that continues to resonate today.

8. Mountain Craft: Skills, Knowledge, and a Way of Life

These little fixens make a man feel right peart when he is three or four hundred miles from anybody or anyplace.

Mastery of Wilderness Survival. Mountain craft encompassed a vast array of skills and knowledge essential for survival in the wilderness. These included trapping, hunting, navigation, sign reading, and the ability to adapt to extreme conditions.

A Deep Connection to the Land. The mountain men possessed a deep understanding of the natural world, developing an intimate connection to the land and its rhythms. They learned to read the signs of the weather, to identify edible plants, and to navigate by the stars.

A Code of Self-Reliance and Resilience. Mountain craft was more than just a set of skills; it was a way of life that demanded self-reliance, resilience, and a willingness to face any challenge. The mountain men embodied these qualities, forging a unique culture that celebrated independence, courage, and the ability to thrive in the face of adversity.

Last updated: April 13, 2025