In this episode of Into the Wild Frontier, airing on INSP on Sunday April 7, viewers will journey back in time with Bill Hamilton, a man who embodies the spirit and resilience of the frontier. The episode, titled “Bill Hamilton: The Last Mountain Man,” takes us to the early days of Hamilton’s adventures, when he was known as Wildcat Bill.
Hamilton, born in England in 1822, began his life in America at the age of two when his family emigrated from Scotland. Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, he developed a love for the outdoors and began trapping at an early age. As a young man, he ventured west, seeking to improve his health, and his path crossed with that of Old Bill Williams, a seasoned frontiersman.
Together, Hamilton and Williams embarked on a journey into the rugged wilderness, with Hamilton learning the ways of a mountain man. He honed his skills in trapping, trading, and Indian fighting, earning the nickname Wildcat Bill. He became known for his expertise in Native American sign language and was considered a healer among the Native Americans.
Hamilton’s life was marked by both adventure and tragedy. He fought in the California Gold Rush, lost his wife and child, and later remarried. He worked for the government, protecting pioneers from Native American attacks, and served as a scout for George Armstrong Custer. He also established a trading post in what became Missoula, Montana, and served as the sheriff of Chouteau County.
The episode will showcase Hamilton’s resourcefulness and adaptability as he navigated the challenges of frontier life. From crafting his own clothing to building his own home, Hamilton embodied the self-reliant spirit of the mountain men.
Into the Wild Frontier: Bill Hamilton: The Last Mountain Man takes viewers on a journey through Hamilton’s fascinating life, offering a glimpse into the rugged and often dangerous world of the mountain men who braved the untamed wilderness.
Into the Wild Frontier airs on INSP at 6:00 pm on Sunday, 7 April 2024.
