John Colter and The Blackfeet - New Haven, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 36.894 W 091° 12.784
15S E 655574 N 4275557
Only member of the expedition given permission to leave his enlistment early and stay in the mountains.
Waymark Code: WMK108
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 01/27/2014
Published By: RGS
Views: 2
County of marker: Franklin County
Location of marker: Front St. & Miller St., Millers Landing, inside Colter Shelter, New Haven
Marker erected by: Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Marker text:
"While trapping for beaver along the Jefferson's Fork River in the fall of 1808, John Colter and his companions, John Potts, were surprised by a war party of Blackfeet braves. With no chance to escape, Colter came ashore while Potts retreated and was killed.
Immediately Colter was sized and stripped naked. Soon he discovered that he would be given a chance to run for his life. Placing him ahead of the braves in the open prairie, a signal was given and the race began. The warrior that could catch and kill Colter would receive special honor in the tribe.
Seeking the cover of the river about six miles ahead, Colter ran across the prairie which was covered with prickly pear cactus. He soon out distanced all but one brave. Approaching the river and hearing footsteps behind him, he stopped and turned to face his enemy. Surprised by Colter's action, the brave dropped his spear and fell to the ground exhausted. Quickly grabbing the spear, Colter stabbed the brave and continued his race to the river. Seeing a pile of drift wood in the stream, he dove into the water and hid himself among the logs.
Upon their arrival the Indians searched the shoreline but could not find any sign of Colter. As night fell the band if discouraged braves left the river and gave up the hunt for the elusive mountain man. Colter now crawled from his hiding place and quietly swam downstream.
Traveling day and night and subsisting on roots, Colter began a three hundred mile journey back to Lisa's Fort. Over a week later, weak, bearded, scratched, and cloaked with an Indian blanket Colter walked into the fort. He had been lucky to survive."