John Charles Fremont, "The Pathfinder," is generally remembered as a major explorer of the American West and as the conqueror of California. Throughout his controversial career he was also one of the first senators from California, the first Republican presidential candidate, a mine and railroad developer, a Civil War general, and the governor of Arizona Territory. His marriage to Jessie Anne Benton, daughter of the expansionist Senator Thomas Hart Benton, gave him access to political power and created a lifelong literary partnership. Together they wrote the "trail bibles" that would make John Fremont a national hero.
Many biographers have characterized Jessie Benton Fremont as "the woman behind the man." In my paper I argue that a more accurate portrayal of Jessie would be "the woman who made the man." Her narrative talents made his scientific reports exciting adventures for the general public and her talent for public relations preserved his public and historical image. Through an overview of John Fremont's triumphant early expeditions and his disastrous final expeditions, I will demonstrate how Jessie highlighted her husband's successes and glossed over his failures. I will also discuss how her personal travel narratives further demonstrate her dedication to the legend of the Pathfinder. John Fremont's exploits and Jessie's literary skills combined to make Fremont the explorer-hero of nineteenth-century America.
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