Beaver Dick facts for kids

Richard "Beaver Dick" Leigh was an amazing explorer and guide. He lived in the late 1800s. He was born in England in 1831. Later, he moved to America. He became famous for his skills in the wild. He spent most of his life in the Jackson Hole area of Wyoming. People called him "Beaver Dick." He was known as one of the last true "mountain men" of the American West.

Who Was Beaver Dick Leigh?

Richard Leigh was a very skilled outdoorsman. He was a trapper, catching animals for their fur. He was also a scout, finding paths through wild lands. And he was a guide, leading people safely on journeys. He helped many important expeditions.

Exploring the Wild West

In 1872, Beaver Dick guided a special group. This group was led by Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden. They were exploring the Teton Range. This was a big survey to map the area. During this trip, two beautiful lakes were named after him and his family. Leigh Lake was named for Richard Leigh. Nearby Jenny Lake was named for his first wife, Jenny.

Beaver Dick also knew important people. He was mentioned by Theodore Roosevelt in 1892. Roosevelt was a future President of the United States. He noted Beaver Dick as a local hunter. This shows how well-known Beaver Dick was in the West.

Why "Beaver Dick"?

His nickname, "Beaver Dick," was given to him by Brigham Young. Brigham Young was a famous leader. The name was a compliment. It showed how good Richard Leigh was at trapping beavers. This skill was very important for trappers back then.

His Legacy Lives On

Beaver Dick kept many diaries and letters. He wrote to his good friend, Charles B. Penrose. These writings are very important today. They tell us a lot about life in the 1800s. They also describe the history and geography of the Jackson Hole area.

In 1964, a special place was named after him. It is called Beaver Dick Park. It is located near Rexburg, Idaho. This park helps remember his adventurous life.

References