Known as the "Pathfinder," John C. Fremont explored the American West in the mid-1800s. He also served as one of the first senators from California and even ran for president in 1856. Trained as a surveyor, he made many maps of the U.S. frontier and named rivers and landmarks during his expeditions. The published reports of Fremont's expeditions encouraged many people to emigrate to the West. Book jacket.