Driven by ambition and greed; or in quest of prestige and glory; or searching for a unique brand of personal fulfilment; they deserted their homelands to make journeys never achieved before. Episode 6
The Story of Jedediah Smith who made American history by reaching California overland from the East in 1826. Written by ROBERT WALES
Introduced and narrated by David Attenborough from the Royal Geographical Society, London
Jed Smith was a beaver trapper. And it was the search for valuable fur that led him West, deep into unexplored North America. He fought Indians, survived a savage attack by a grizzly bear, and by the age of 27 was an experienced leader of tough and difficult men. He had already discovered South Pass through the Rocky Mountains, when in the summer of 1826 he prepared to leave Salt Lake on another journey that would make history.
Director JOHN IRVIN
Producer MICHAEL LATHAM
(Repeated: Thursday, 8.10 pm)
Book (same title), £6.00 from booksellers