Thomas Fitzpatrick (1799-1854) was a trapper and trailblazer who became the head of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. Among the most colorful and highly regarded of the mountain men of that era, Fitzpatrick was party to many of the most important events of western exploration.
Fitzpatrick is credited with leading a trapper band (along with Jedediah Smith) that discovered South Pass, Wyoming and for shepherding the first two emigrant wagon trains to Oregon. In addition, he was the official guide for John C. Fremont on his second and longest expedition in 1843-1844. He also helped negotiate the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 at the largest council ever assembled of Native Americans of the Plains.
Fitzpatrick was known as “Broken Hand” after he mangled his left hand in a firearms accident.
Learn more about Thomas Fitzpatrick and his connection to Wyoming.