William H. Ashley: Enterprise and politics in the trans-Mississippi West
by Richard M Clokey
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Book Summary Information
Author: Richard M ClokeyEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1980
ISBN: 0806115254
Number of pages: 305
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
Book Reviews of William H. Ashley: Enterprise and politics in the trans-Mississippi West
Book Review: Wm. Ashley: Creator of the rendezvous
Summary: 5 Stars
Without a doubt, William H. Ashley occupies a major position of importance regarding the development of the West. As the creator of the rendezvous system for resupplying his trappers beyond the Rockies, Ashley deserves a seat of high honor at the historical table. But he was also a tireless advocate for the creation of a mounted military force on the Plains and an important Jacksonian congressman in Washington. Richard Clokey, with style and thorough research, presents an admirable account of Ashley's life and exploits.
William Ashley was born in Virginia and came to Missouri after the Louisiana Purchase. He worked in the mines around Ste. Genevieve and later fought in the War of 1812, rising to the rank of Brigadier General in the state militia after the war. (He was referred to as General Ashley for the rest of his life.) Along with Andrew Henry he managed the first expedition up the Missouri River for fur-gathering purposes in 1822, reaching the Yellowstone where they built a fort. The next year they were attacked by the Arikaras on the Missouri, and Ashley sent trapping parties on foot across the Plains to the mountains. The idea that trappers would form small detachments to work the beaver streams, thus increasing mobility and lessening the prospects of encountering hostile Indians, was the brainchild of Ashley's at this time.
In the winter of 1824, Ashley took a packtrain from St. Louis to Green River, venturing down that perilous waterway (thus becoming the first white man on record to do so), before returning to Henry's Fork on the Green where he agreed to meet the rest of his men (July 1, 1825) - the first official rendezvous in the mountains. The next year he did it all over again, attending the rendezvous in Cache Valley. There he sold his fur business to Jedediah Smith & company, and returned to St. Louis, a wealthy man. Politics became his chief concern after that, failing to win the governorship but serving three terms in Congress in Washington. He died in 1838 in St. Louis and was buried near Boonville, MO, on a high bluff overlooking the river. A large monument marks the spot.
Clokey's book is comprehensive and focuses heavily on Ashley's business dealings and political career. My favorite chapters are the ones where Ashley went to the mountains in 1825-26. The hardships the men encountered and the daring they employed (especially in going down the Green) are amazing to read about and imagine. The book is the definitive account of Ashley's life and a wonderful book to read. Old West history aficionados will find this book a must-read title.
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