In 1804, John Colter set out with Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on the first U.S. expedition to traverse the North American continent. During the twenty-eight month ordeal, Colter served as a hunter and scout, and honed his survival skills on the western frontier. But when the journey was over, Colter stayed behind, spending four more years trekking alone through dangerous and unfamiliar territory. Along the way, he charted some of the West's most treasured landmarks. Historian David W. Marshall crafts this history from Colter's primary sources, and has retraced Colter's steps. By seeing what Colter saw, hearing what he heard, and experiencing firsthand how he and his contemporaries survived in the wilderness (how they pitched a shelter, built a fire, followed a trail, and forded a stream), Marshall immerses you in Colter's frontier world.

Discovery -- Traveling light -- Going native -- A winter trek and a race for life -- A beautiful, hostile land -- Home to the Shady Bluff.