The Most Famous Frontiersman, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the frontiersman you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 21, 2024 08:10

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

45
votes
ABC Television · Public domain

Davy Crockett

Known for his legendary exploits as a frontiersman, soldier, and politician, Davy Crockett is widely regarded as one of the most famous frontiersmen in American history. He was a skilled hunter, marksman, and storyteller, and his larger-than-life persona has inspired countless books, movies, and songs.
Davy Crockett is a legendary American folk hero known for his frontier adventures and larger-than-life persona. He is often depicted as a skilled frontiersman, hunter, and soldier, embodying the spirit of the American West.

Birthdate: August 17, 1786

Birthplace: Greene County, Tennessee, United States

Occupation: Frontiersman, hunter, soldier, politician

Famous Exploits: Fought in the Texas Revolution, particularly at the Battle of the Alamo

Nickname: King of the Wild Frontier
Davy Crockett in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous cowboy in Texas
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular tall tale
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous hunter
2

24
votes
Chester Harding · Public domain

Daniel Boone

Another iconic figure of American folklore, Daniel Boone was a pioneer, explorer, and frontiersman who helped open up the western territories of the United States. He was a skilled outdoorsman and hunter, and his adventures in the wilderness have been the subject of many books and movies.
Daniel Boone in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous hunter
3

18
votes

Jeffrey Beall · CC BY 3.0

Kit Carson

A legendary figure of the American West, Kit Carson was a mountain man, explorer, and guide who played a key role in the expansion of the United States into the western territories. He was known for his bravery, resourcefulness, and skill as a tracker and hunter.
4

20
votes

Jim Bridger

One of the most famous mountain men of the American West, Jim Bridger was a skilled explorer, trapper, and guide who helped blaze the trails that opened up the western territories for settlement. He was known for his knowledge of the wilderness and his ability to survive in the most rugged and inhospitable environments.
5

13
votes

The Milwaukee Journal · Public domain

Hugh Glass

A legendary frontiersman and explorer, Hugh Glass is best known for surviving a grizzly bear attack and then crawling hundreds of miles to safety. His story has been the subject of many books and movies, including the recent film "The Revenant."
6

16
votes

unknown friend of Smith · Public domain

Jedediah Smith

A skilled explorer and frontiersman, Jedediah Smith played a key role in the opening up of the western territories of the United States. He was known for his daring exploits and his ability to survive in the harshest of wilderness environments.
7

9
votes

John Colter

A member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, John Colter went on to become a legendary frontiersman and explorer in his own right. He is best known for his solo journey through the wilderness, during which he encountered hostile native tribes and narrowly escaped death on numerous occasions.
8

9
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

William Sublette

A prominent figure in the fur trade of the American West, William Sublette was a skilled frontiersman and businessman who helped open up the western territories for settlement. He was known for his daring exploits and his ability to navigate the treacherous wilderness with ease.
9

8
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

James Beckwourth

A legendary frontiersman and explorer, James Beckwourth played a key role in the opening up of the western territories of the United States. He was known for his skills as a mountain man, trapper, and guide, and his adventures in the wilderness have inspired many books and movies.
10

9
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Simon Kenton

A pioneer, soldier, and frontiersman, Simon Kenton played a key role in the expansion of the United States into the western territories. He was known for his bravery, resourcefulness, and skill as a hunter and marksman, and his exploits in the wilderness have inspired many books and movies.

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Ranking factors for famous frontiersman

Historical significance

The impact and influence the frontiersman had on American history.
Legendary status

The extent to which the frontiersman has been popularized and mythologized in contemporary culture.
Skills and accomplishments

The extent to which the frontiersman possessed and demonstrated skills such as hunting, trapping, scouting, and survival.
Character and personality

The extent to which the frontiersman exemplified traits such as bravery, courage, and independence.
Popularity and recognition

The extent to which the frontiersman has been recognized and celebrated in popular culture, literature, and film.
Legacy

The ongoing influence and impact of the frontiersman on American culture and society.

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

2328 views
169 votes
10 ranked items

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.

More information on most famous frontiersman

Frontiersmen are legendary figures who played a crucial role in the development of America's western frontier. These adventurous men were known for their bravery, resourcefulness, and rugged individualism. They were skilled hunters, trappers, and explorers who lived off the land and faced many dangers along the way. Some of the most famous frontiersmen include Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Jim Bridger, and Kit Carson. These men were larger-than-life characters who embodied the spirit of the frontier and inspired countless stories and legends. They were celebrated for their exploits and admired for their courage and determination. Today, the legacy of these frontiersmen lives on through popular culture, with movies, TV shows, books, and other media paying tribute to their adventurous spirit and rugged individualism. Whether you're a history buff or simply fascinated by the wild west, exploring the lives and legacies of these famous frontiersmen is sure to be a thrilling and inspiring journey.