Jeremiah Johnson: The Real Mountain Man Story

Hey guys! Ever watched the movie Jeremiah Johnson and wondered how much of it was based on real life? Well, you've come to the right place! Let's dive into the true story behind the legendary mountain man and separate fact from fiction. This is gonna be a wild ride, so buckle up!

The Legend of Jeremiah Johnson

Jeremiah Johnson, portrayed by Robert Redford, is an iconic figure in American cinema. The film, released in 1972, tells the tale of a former soldier who seeks a life of solitude in the Rocky Mountains. He learns to survive in the wilderness, battles Native Americans, finds love, and ultimately becomes a legend. But how much of this is rooted in reality? The movie is loosely based on the life of a real mountain man named John Johnston, also known as "Liver-Eating" Johnston. This nickname alone should give you a hint that his true story is filled with adventure, hardship, and a whole lot of grit. The film captures the essence of the mountain man era, a time when rugged individuals ventured into the untamed wilderness in search of freedom and fortune. While the movie takes some creative liberties, the spirit of Jeremiah Johnson reflects the real-life experiences of many mountain men who braved the American frontier. The film's popularity has cemented Jeremiah Johnson as a symbol of self-reliance, resilience, and the enduring allure of the wilderness.

Who Was the Real John Johnston?

So, who was the real deal? John Johnston, the man behind the legend, was born around 1824. Details about his early life are scarce, but it's believed he was born in either New Jersey or Kentucky. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Some accounts suggest he deserted the Navy after striking an officer. This is where the documented history of Johnston begins to solidify. He wasn't just a mountain man; he was a force of nature. Unlike the movie's portrayal of a man seeking solitude, Johnston was known for his larger-than-life personality and his fierce independence. He roamed the Rocky Mountains, trapping, trading, and engaging in various adventures that would later become the stuff of legend. Johnston's motivations for becoming a mountain man are not entirely clear, but it's likely that a combination of wanderlust, a desire for freedom, and the lure of the fur trade drew him westward. Whatever the reason, he embraced the life of a mountain man with gusto, becoming a skilled hunter, trapper, and fighter. He adapted to the harsh conditions of the wilderness and learned to survive by his wits and his strength. Johnston's imposing physique and fearless demeanor quickly earned him a reputation among both Native Americans and fellow mountain men. He was a man to be reckoned with, and his name became synonymous with courage, resilience, and a touch of recklessness. This real life man was the stuff of legend, living on his own terms.

The "Liver-Eating" Legend

Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room – or rather, the liver in the legend. John Johnston earned the moniker "Liver-Eating" Johnston for a gruesome reason. According to the most popular (and gruesome) version of the story, Johnston's pregnant wife was killed by Crow warriors. Driven by vengeance, Johnston embarked on a relentless vendetta against the Crow tribe. He allegedly killed and scalped numerous Crow warriors, and then, to further desecrate their bodies and strike fear into the hearts of his enemies, he would cut out and eat their livers. Yeah, it's pretty hardcore. Whether or not this part of the story is entirely true is up for debate. Some historians believe it's an exaggeration or a myth that grew over time. However, the legend of Liver-Eating Johnston persisted, adding to his fearsome reputation. Regardless of the truth behind the liver-eating, it's clear that Johnston was a man capable of extreme violence and driven by a deep-seated desire for revenge. This dark chapter in his life cemented his status as a legendary figure, albeit a controversial one. The sheer brutality of the act, whether real or imagined, speaks to the harsh realities of life on the frontier and the brutal conflicts that often arose between settlers and Native Americans. This earned him a place in folk lore.

Fact vs. Fiction: Separating the Myths

So, how much of the movie Jeremiah Johnson is true to John Johnston's life? Well, the movie takes considerable artistic license. The film captures the spirit of the mountain man era and the challenges faced by those who ventured into the wilderness. However, the specific events and characters depicted in the movie are largely fictionalized. For example, the movie portrays Jeremiah Johnson as a peaceful man seeking solitude, while John Johnston was known for his fiery temper and his willingness to engage in violence. The movie also simplifies Johnston's relationships with Native Americans, portraying him as a reluctant warrior who is forced to defend himself. In reality, Johnston had a complex and often violent relationship with various tribes. The "liver-eating" aspect of Johnston's legend is also downplayed in the movie, perhaps to make the character more palatable to audiences. Despite these differences, the movie does capture the essence of Johnston's resilience, his survival skills, and his deep connection to the wilderness. It also touches on the themes of revenge, loss, and the struggle to find meaning in a harsh and unforgiving world. While the movie may not be a strictly accurate portrayal of John Johnston's life, it does offer a glimpse into the world of the mountain men and the challenges they faced.

Johnston's Later Years and Legacy

After years of roaming the mountains and engaging in conflicts, John Johnston eventually mellowed out (a little bit). He served as a scout for the U.S. Army and even became a lawman in Montana. He lived a long and eventful life, passing away in 1900 at the age of 76. He was reburied in Cody, Wyoming, thanks to the efforts of a group of enthusiasts who wanted to honor his legacy. His grave is now a popular tourist destination. Johnston's legacy extends beyond his colorful life and his gruesome nickname. He represents the spirit of the American frontier: a time of exploration, adventure, and self-reliance. He was a man who lived by his own rules, who adapted to the harsh conditions of the wilderness, and who left an indelible mark on the history of the American West. While the movie Jeremiah Johnson may not be entirely accurate, it has helped to keep Johnston's legend alive, inspiring generations of people to imagine themselves as rugged individuals braving the untamed wilderness. The real story of John Johnston is just as fascinating, if not more so, than the fictionalized version. He was a complex and contradictory figure, a man capable of both great violence and great loyalty. He was a true mountain man, and his story continues to captivate and inspire.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Mountain Man

The story of Jeremiah Johnson, both the fictional character and the real-life John Johnston, continues to fascinate us. It speaks to our desire for freedom, self-reliance, and a connection to nature. The mountain man embodies these ideals, representing a time when individuals could escape the constraints of civilization and forge their own destinies in the wilderness. While the mountain man era is long gone, its spirit lives on in our collective imagination. We are drawn to stories of those who dared to venture into the unknown, who faced hardship and danger with courage and resilience, and who ultimately found a sense of belonging in the natural world. The legend of Jeremiah Johnson reminds us of the importance of preserving our wilderness areas, of respecting the power of nature, and of embracing the spirit of adventure that lies within us all. So, the next time you watch Jeremiah Johnson, remember the real man behind the legend – John Johnston, the Liver-Eating mountain man who roamed the Rockies and left an unforgettable mark on American history. Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep the spirit of the mountain man alive!