James Calvin Sly facts for kids
James C. Sly (born August 8, 1807, died August 31, 1864) was an important early pioneer in the American West. He was part of the Mormon Battalion during the Mexican–American War. James was also a scout who helped find new trails for people traveling during the California gold rush. He kept a journal of his travels in 1848 and 1849. He helped settle several communities in the western United States and served as a Mormon missionary in Canada.
Exploring the West with the Mormon Battalion
In 1848, many men who had served in the Mormon Battalion were still in California. They were waiting for a safe path to open so they could travel to the Great Salt Lake Valley.
On May 1, 1848, a group of eight men decided to try and find a new wagon road. They wanted to cross the Sierra Nevada mountains heading east. Sergeant David Brewett was chosen as their captain. At that time, the usual Truckee route was blocked.
This group included David Brewett, Ira J. Willis, James C. Sly, Israel Evens, Jacob G. Truman, Esra Allen, J. R. Allred, Henderson Cox, and Robert Pixton.
After three days of travel, the group reached a place called Iron Hill. The snow was so deep there that they could not go any further. One man's donkey was almost completely buried in the snow! The group climbed to the top of the mountain. From there, they could only see more snow-covered mountains ahead. They decided it was best to wait until later in the year to try again. They believed a wagon road through the mountains would be possible. After just one day of travel back down the mountain, they found themselves in a warm, spring-like area. Flowers were blooming and plants were growing well.
On May 1, 1848, some men from the battalion and others from Sacramento Valley bought two brass cannons. They paid $512.00 to Captain John A. Sutter for the cannons. These cannons were meant to be taken to Great Salt Lake for the benefit of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The group left for the Great Basin on July 2, 1848. Historical records tell us about their journey. Two days after leaving Pleasant Valley, they reached a small mountain valley. This valley was named Sly's Park, after Captain James C. Sly. He was the first to discover it. After four days of traveling over rough mountains, they crossed the highest point. They then safely arrived at the start of Carson Valley, Nevada.
Later Life
James C. Sly married Susannah Gustin on March 25, 1849. They were married in Great Salt Lake City. He was injured outside Fort Levan early in the Utah Black Hawk War. James C. Sly died in 1864 in Chicken Creek, Juab, Utah. He was buried there.
