The Death of the Bridger Boys

 

In 1752, while Marlin and Sewall were still at the mouth of Knapps Creek, the father of John and Jim Bridger surveyed and claimed a sizable piece of land in the Swago Basin.

This survey included a lot of flat land, as well as the mountain that is now referred to as "Bridgers." It is believed that the Bridgers were related to the well-known mountain man, Jim Bridger.

John and Jim Bridger

 

In 1752, while Marlin and Sewall were still at the mouth of Knapps Creek, the father of John and Jim Bridger surveyed and claimed a sizable piece of land in the Swago Basin.

This survey included a lot of flat land, as well as the mountain that is now referred to as "Bridgers." It is believed that the Bridgers were related to the well-known mountain man, Jim Bridger. When news of the Drinnen Raid reached Fort Keckley, a rescue party set out going north and passing the Bridger cabin. The older Bridgers joined the rescue party, while John and Jim Bridger stayed at the fort. The rescue party followed a trail along the river that was improved to allow horse-drawn sleds.

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The Death of the Bridger Boys

John and Jim Bridger, along with Nathan, decided to take a shortcut, known as "Bridgers," which crossed a mountain pass to rejoin the main trail.

This decision has been viewed by some as reckless while others believe that they aimed to prevent an attack on the main group. The group paused at Alex Waddell's home where Nathan caught up with them. Nathan told them that he had stopped to fix his shoe, and while he was doing this, Native Americans shot at the Bridger boys in the mountain pass. The Bridger boys didn't make it to the fort, but there was no attack on the fort. One of the Bridger boys was found dead and scalped near the home of Joe Kramer. The other boy was found in what is now referred to as Bridger Notch. The Bridger boys were buried in a grave near Joe McNeel's residence.