The Most Famous Frontiersman, Ranked

Choose the frontiersman you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 23, 2024 07:39
Historically, frontiersmen have played a crucial role in shaping the landscapes and cultures of new territories. Their daring adventures and resilience in the face of untamed wilderness offer a tapestry of stories that continue to inspire and educate. By cataloging and ranking these individuals, we gain a clearer understanding of their impact and the enduring legacy they have left behind. This interactive ranking system allows you to participate in recognizing and celebrating the most influential frontiersmen. Your votes help to determine who stands out among these legendary figures, ensuring that each contribution is acknowledged. Engage with the community and contribute to a dynamic list that reflects collective opinion and historical significance.

Who Is the Most Famous Frontiersman?

  1. 1
    42
    points
    Davy Crockett

    Davy Crockett

    A 19th-century American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier, and politician, remembered for his adventures and eventual death at the Battle of the Alamo.
    • Birth: August 17, 1786
    • Death: March 6, 1836
  2. 2
    23
    points
    Daniel Boone

    Daniel Boone

    An American pioneer, explorer, and frontiersman whose frontier exploits made him one of the first folk heroes of the United States.
    • Birth: November 2, 1734
    • Death: September 26, 1820
  3. 3
    22
    points
    Jim Bridger

    Jim Bridger

    A prominent mountain man, trapper, scout, and guide who explored and trapped in the Western United States during the early to mid-19th century.
    • Birth: March 17, 1804
    • Death: July 17, 1881
  4. 4
    21
    points
    Kit Carson

    Kit Carson

    An American frontiersman and Indian agent who played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States.
    • Birth: December 24, 1809
    • Death: May 23, 1868
  5. 5
    17
    points
    Jedediah Smith

    Jedediah Smith

    An American clerk, frontiersman, hunter, trapper, author, cartographer, and explorer of the Rocky Mountains, the North American West, and the Southwest during the early 19th century.
    • Birth: January 6, 1799
    • Death: May 27, 1831
  6. 6
    14
    points
    Hugh Glass

    Hugh Glass

    An American frontiersman, fur trapper, trader, hunter, and explorer best known for his story of survival and retribution after being left for dead by companions when he was mauled by a grizzly bear.
    • Birth: c. 1783
    • Death: 1833
  7. 7
    11
    points
    Simon Kenton

    Simon Kenton

    An American frontiersman and soldier in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. He was a friend of Daniel Boone, Simon Girty, and Tecumseh.
    • Birth: April 3, 1755
    • Death: April 29, 1836
  8. 8
    12
    points
    John Colter

    John Colter

    A member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and later a mountain man and explorer who is considered one of the first Europeans to enter the region which is now Yellowstone National Park.
    • Birth: c. 1774
    • Death: May 7, 1812 or November 22, 1813
  9. 9
    3
    points
    Lewis and Clark

    Lewis and Clark

    Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were American explorers, known for their expedition across the Louisiana Purchase and to the Pacific Coast (1804–1806).
    • Expedition Start: May 14, 1804
    • Expedition End: September 23, 1806
  10. 10
    1
    points
    William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill)

    William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill)

    An American soldier, bison hunter, and showman who founded Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, a circus-like attraction that toured the United States and Europe.
    • Birth: February 26, 1846
    • Death: January 10, 1917

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous frontiersman. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Frontiersman is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2914 views
  • 166 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Frontiersman once every 24 hours. The rank of each Frontiersman is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Frontiersman

Davy Crockett
Rank #1 for the most famous frontiersman: Davy Crockett (Source)
Frontiersmen played a key role in the expansion and exploration of new territories. They ventured into unknown lands, often facing harsh conditions and countless dangers. Their skills in hunting, tracking, and survival were essential for navigating the wilderness. These men were not just explorers; they were also guides, scouts, and sometimes even soldiers. They opened paths for settlers and helped map new regions.

Life on the frontier was tough. Frontiersmen had to be self-reliant and resourceful. They built their own shelters, found their own food, and defended themselves from wild animals and hostile encounters. Their knowledge of the land was unparalleled. They learned from the indigenous people, adopting many of their techniques and tools.

Frontiersmen often lived in isolation, far from the comforts of civilization. They wore simple, durable clothing made from animal hides and used handmade tools. Their diet consisted mainly of game, fish, and wild plants. Despite the hardships, many found a sense of freedom and adventure in the frontier life.

These men were also storytellers. Their tales of bravery and survival captivated the imagination of people back home. They spoke of vast forests, towering mountains, and endless plains. Their stories fueled the desire for expansion and inspired others to follow in their footsteps.

The legacy of the frontiersman is deeply ingrained in history. They symbolize the spirit of exploration and the quest for new beginnings. Their contributions to the mapping and settling of new territories cannot be overstated. Even today, their adventures continue to inspire books, movies, and folklore.

Frontiersmen were not without flaws. Some clashed with indigenous populations, leading to conflicts and displacement. Their presence often marked the beginning of significant changes for native communities. It is important to recognize these impacts and understand the complex history of frontier expansion.

In summary, frontiersmen were pioneers who explored and settled new lands. They possessed remarkable skills and a spirit of adventure. Their lives were marked by both hardship and discovery. Their legacy remains a significant part of history, reflecting both the triumphs and challenges of frontier life.

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