The legendary mountain man John Colter, known for his brushes with death, faces his most formidable challenge yet in the upcoming episode of Into the Wild Frontier airing INSP on Sunday April 21. Venturing into Blackfeet territory, Colter is stripped naked and forced to run for his life as warriors give chase in what becomes known as “Colter’s Run.”
Born around 1774 in Virginia, John Colter was a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803 to 1806. He was considered one of the best hunters and scouts in the group, often venturing alone to hunt game and scout possible trails. Colter’s outdoor skills and frontier lifestyle impressed Meriwether Lewis, who recruited him for the expedition.
As the expedition concluded, Colter was not ready to return to civilization. He joined trappers Forest Hancock and Joseph Dickson, headed toward the Yellowstone River. In 1807, Colter met Manuel Lisa and his party of trappers from the newly formed Missouri Fur Company. Colter once again turned back, leading them to present-day Montana, where they built Fort Raymond on the Yellowstone River.
In October 1807, Colter was sent on a solo mission to meet with the winter camps of the Crow Indians, covering an estimated 500 miles. During this journey, he likely became the first white man to see Jackson’s Hole and Yellowstone Lake. He also discovered the thermal wonders of the region, which earned the nickname “Colter’s Hell.”
However, Colter’s encounter with the Blackfeet tribe in 1809 proved to be his most harrowing experience. After his partner, John Potts, was killed, Colter was stripped naked and forced to run for his life. Colter, a swift runner, managed to outpace most of his pursuers, but one warrior remained close on his heels. In a daring move, Colter turned to face his pursuer, disarmed him, and continued his flight.
Colter’s remarkable escape from certain death cemented his status as an American legend. His story, “John Colter’s Escape,” has endured in popular culture, with reenactments at Mountain Man Rendezvous events and references in various films and television shows.
Into the Wild Frontier airs on INSP at 6.00 pm on Sunday, April 21, 2024.
