Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, Man of Two Worlds

 

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The 19th century American West was a place for thousands of people to dream about but speculation ended after travelers crossed the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers or encountered its unforgiving, deadly environment. Everyone was forced to quickly adapt -or suffer the consequences. One person who succeeded was Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the son of Shoshone Sacagawea and Metis Toussaint Charbonneau. He became the adopted son of William Clark, co-leader of the great Lewis and Clark Expedition.



Contradictions eventually haunted Jean Baptiste as he became a man of Anglo and Indian worlds. He was raised in Clark's elite domain and spent six years as the companion of a Duke in a European kingdom, but for his own reasons chose to live and work in the vast, rugged wilderness. How did this educated, courtly man thrive among rough, violent adventurers and omnipresent danger? What were his significant historical accomplishments? What did he do in Europe? Does he have descendants?



The text tracks him over two-thirds of the American continent and places him in several major historical events. Along with his travels and contributions, the extraordinary life-long relationship between the Charbonneau family and Clark is examined. The author reflects throughout the narrative on the rigorous personal challenges and economic developments Jean Baptiste and others faced. Twenty-first century readers will come to realize how 19th century westerners contributed to traditional American values.

 

Followers of Lewis and Clark, Charbonneau family members, the trappers' and traders' milieu, exploration and settlement of the early American West including Indian-Anglo conflict, the War with Mexico and the California Gold Rush will find this heavily researched text to be accurate, informative and rewarding. Above all, this biography will establish him as perhaps the most unique frontiersman to have lived in the American West.