A stone with John Colter's name is on display at the Tourist Center in Teton
National Park. The stone was found just west of Yellowstone National Park.
John Colter was in St Louis at least once from the time he left Lewis and Clark
until his known return in 1810. He may have been "back to civilization" more
than once, as there are unaccounted for time gaps between August 1806 and 1810.
The precise death date of Colter, May 7, 1812, was not previously known, nor
was his service under Nathan Boone in the U.S. Mounted Rangers.
Hiram Colter was born earlier than his assumed birth date, after Colter's return
in 1810. All indications are that Hiram was born in Kentucky between 1800 and
1810.
The presentation of Hiram Colter's probate estate papers filed in Gasconade
County, MO, and particularly the names and ages of his children when his estate
was opened only recently appeared in print. The faded but legible listing of
Hiram in the 1830 census and his purchase of domestic items from James Greenstreet's
estate sale in 1825 also document his whereabouts. There is very little written
record of Hiram.
The only existing scrap of information proving that Hiram was indeed the son
of John Colter is the reply of the U.S. Land Office to the request of Hiram
Colter and Robert Frazier for information regarding their fathers' land warrants
for service with Lewis & Clark. The grave alongside Hiram Colter's burial
site in Franklin County could very well be John Colter's final resting place.
In retrospect, the circumstances of John Colter's death an noteworthy. His patriotism
was evident to his last day, May 7, 1812. He was among those brave men of the
Lewis and Clark Expedition who opened the westward expansion of these United
States. His role in the fur trade and its importance in the development of the
St Louis area as the gateway to the west is also signi8cant Finally, he was
among that rare breed of men, the explorers, who sought the unknown. In that
quest Colter discovered an area of this country, a wonder of nature, Yellowstone
Park.
John Colter certainly deserves more recognition than history has /accorded him.
Hopefully, this small contribution and account of his accomplishments will,
in some way, enhance his status as a man of great historical note. To remember
his accomplishments is a form of immortality, for he will continue to walk and
talk with those who remember him, and his deeds will not be forgotten, but be
with us always.