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Jim Bridger, Tombstone and Grave, Independence, Missouri, photo

Jim Bridger, Tombstone and Grave, Independence, Missouri, photo

A photo of the grave and tombstone of the famed explorer and mountain man, Jim Bridger. Born as James Felix Bridger on March 17, 1804 in Richmond, Virginia. He died on July 17, 1881 and was buried on his nearby farm but was later removed to Mount Washington Cemetery, Independence, Missouri. This impressive tombstone was erected at his grave as the gift of Major General Grenville M. Dodge who Bridger had worked with in exploring and developing the route of the first trans-continental railroad.

The text on the tombstone reads:

"James Bridger
1804 1881
Celebrated as a hunter, trapper, fur trader and guide. Discovered Great Salt Lake 1824, The South Pass 1827. Visited Yellowstone Lake and Geysers 1830. Founded Ft. Bridger 1843, Opened Overland Route by Bridger's Pass to Great Salt Lake. Was guide for U. S. Exploring Expeditions, Albert Sidney Johnston's Army in 1857, and G. M. Dodge in U. P. Surveys and Indian Campaigns 1865-66. This monument is erected as a tribute to his pioneer work by Maj. Gen. G. M. Dodge."

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