The Epic Exploits of Kit Carson

The Epic Exploits of Kit Carson

Within the space for just three decades, monumental episodes of exploration and expedition, politics and violence, including the mapping the Oregon Trail, the acquisition of California, and the Mexican-American and Civil wars, forever changed the history of the United States and the shape of the American West. And one man, an illiterate trapper, scout, and soldier, was there for it all: Kit Carson.

In his book Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West, author and historian Hampton Sides follows Carson as a through-line in this extraordinary period. Today on the show, Hampton and I discuss how Kit Carson became a living legend through embellished accounts of his heroics, and yet undertook real-life exploits that were nearly as unbelievable as the tall tales told about him. We explore how Carson joined the grizzled fraternity of mountain men in his youth, and the wide array of skills that helped him excel as a trapper. We discuss how Carson then parlayed those skills into becoming a scout on expeditions that took him from St. Louis to California, over the Rocky and Sierra mountains, and all throughout the wild, rugged West. Hampton shares how these expeditions turned Carson into a national celebrity and what this frontiersman thought of his fame. Hampton also unpacks Carson's complex relationship with American Indians, and how he respected and adopted the ways of some tribes, but fought against others. We end our conversation with why he decided to become an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War, his initially reluctant and then brutal campaigns against the Navajos, and his legacy.

Get the show notes at aom.is/carson.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jaksot(1159)

Are You Not Entertained? The Myths and Truths About Roman Gladiators

Are You Not Entertained? The Myths and Truths About Roman Gladiators

When you think about ancient gladiators, you likely have a certain vision that comes to mind: slaves forced to fight to the death for the entertainment of bloodthirsty Romans.But much of what we think...

18 Maalis 202558min

No, There Isn’t a Loneliness Epidemic (And That May Be an Even Bigger Problem)

No, There Isn’t a Loneliness Epidemic (And That May Be an Even Bigger Problem)

Face-to-face socializing in America has declined by more than 20% nationwide. Among some groups, like young adults and unmarried men, the drop is closer to 40%.But strangely, this hasn’t led to the lo...

11 Maalis 202553min

Enter the Matrix — The Science of Slowing Down Time

Enter the Matrix — The Science of Slowing Down Time

People commonly think of time as a fixed, linear, objective structure. But our own experiences belie this belief. We’ve all been in situations where time has seemed to drag on or speed up, and there a...

4 Maalis 202539min

The Science of Porn: Myths, Facts, and Overlooked Issues

The Science of Porn: Myths, Facts, and Overlooked Issues

Pornography is more prevalent and accessible than ever before, yet its effects on relationships, mental health, and human development aren't popularly well understood. Discussions on the topic are oft...

25 Helmi 202554min

The Power of the Notebook — The History and Practice of Thinking on Paper

The Power of the Notebook — The History and Practice of Thinking on Paper

The idea for the Art of Manliness came to me 17 years ago as I was standing in the magazine section of a Borders bookstore. As inspiration struck, I took my Moleskine out of my pocket and jotted down ...

18 Helmi 202552min

The 80/80 Marriage — A New Model for a Happier, Stronger Relationship

The 80/80 Marriage — A New Model for a Happier, Stronger Relationship

A lot of people go into marriage with a 50/50 mindset. Everything in the relationship — from tangible things like childcare and chores to intangible things like the effort and energy needed to keep th...

11 Helmi 202554min

Sleep Like a Caveman

Sleep Like a Caveman

For several decades, people's reported sleep quality has declined. This, despite the fact that specially optimized sheets, mattresses, and sleep trackers have emerged during that time, and despite the...

4 Helmi 202542min

Familiarity Breeds Contempt (And Other Underappreciated Consequences of Digital Communication)

Familiarity Breeds Contempt (And Other Underappreciated Consequences of Digital Communication)

There has been a lot of cultural discussion of the way digital technologies and social media contribute to things like political polarization and adolescent depression.But as I'll explore with Nichola...

28 Tammi 202553min

Suosittua kategoriassa Koulutus

rss-murhan-anatomia
psykopodiaa-podcast
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
rss-narsisti
adhd-podi
rss-liian-kuuma-peruna
rss-rahamania
psykologia
rss-niinku-asia-on
kesken
rss-duodecim-lehti
rss-valo-minussa-2
rss-tietoinen-yhteys-podcast-2
leikitaanko-laakaria
ihminen-tavattavissa-tommy-hellsten-instituutti
puhutaan-koiraa
jari-sarasvuo-podcast
rss-hereilla
dreamtalk
rss-kohti-tasapainoista-ja-lempeaa-elamaa