Smith's Trading Post
In 1848 Pegleg Smith established a trading
post on the Oregon Trail at Big Timber
somewhere near here on the river.
Some travelers called it "Fort Smith", though it was
only four log cabins and some Indian lodges. Packing a
plow and tools from Salt Lake City, Smith
(a mountain man who had to amputate his own
leg 20 years before) tried unsuccessfully to
raise crops. But he did a big business when
the California gold rush of 1849 brought
thousands past here. 49'ers reported that
he had many horses and cattle, and was
making $100 a day.
