James Beckwourth (1798-1866)

Trapper, Trader & Army Scout (illustration Hatice Bayramoglu)

He joined a his first fur trapping company as a teen. Later in life he discovered the lowest mountain pass through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Known as Beckwourth Trail, this road allowed travelers to reach California while avoiding the harsh winters of the Northern routes.

The town was suppose to pay him for his discovery but never did. As a Black man he could not sue.

“Never recognized at the time the people living in the area now renamed their largest park Beckwourth Riverfront Park.”

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https://www.amazon.com/dp/1892324679

Note: I had hoped to post every day in honor of Black History Month but of course I got distracted by client work Maybe this happens to you. However, I will just pick up where I left off and double up a couple days as these are just short glimpses of real people. I encourage you to do the same. Don’t quit even if you don’t get everything done perfectly. Progress over perfection. Just keep doing one thing toward your goal, dream or mission. If you loose a few days don’t beat yourself up. Just start again the next day.