Author Archives: nancyleek

“Thursday, 15th. As many of the company had articles of traffic which they wished to dispose of at Green river, a subscription was raised to recompense any who would go and find the trappers. John Gray started in pursuit of … Continue reading →

“Saturday, 10th. Travelled about 14 miles and stopped to kill and dry meat. Buffalo began to grow scarce.” By this time on their journey the company had almost exhausted its supplies of flour and other foodstuffs. Bidwell had laid in … Continue reading →

“Monday, 5th. The hills continued to increase in height. After travelling 16 miles we encamped at a noted place called Independence Rock. This is a huge isolated rock covering an area, perhaps half a square mile, and rising in shape … Continue reading →

“Friday, 2nd. Continued to coast up the N. fork [of the Platte River]; the bottoms of the river were in many places completely covered with Glauber Salts, so much so that even handfuls could be taken up perfectly white.” Glauber’s … Continue reading →

I’m playing catch-up here. I’ve been out of town for a few days, plus I should go back and pick up an incident I skipped over earlier in the month. So here is what John Bidwell was doing on the … Continue reading →

“We gradually receded from the river in order to pass through a gap in a range of high hills called Scott’s Bluffs. As we advanced towards these hills, the scenery of the surrounding country became beautifully grand and picturesque–they were … Continue reading →

My husband Jim and I went on a little excursion today to see Bidwell Point in western Glenn County. Bidwell Point is a large hill overlooking the town of Elk Creek, just on the other side of Stony Creek. We … Continue reading →

“Saturday, 5th. Started early to get clear of our red visitors. Descried a large herd of buffalo on the opposite side of the river–saw several boats descending the river, laden with fur, robes, etc. They belonged to the American Fur … Continue reading →