American Experience Season 20 Episode 7 Kit Carson

Kit Carson was an American frontiersman who was one of the most famous figures of the Wild West. He was known for his exploration, trapping, and scouting expeditions, as well as his involvement in various conflicts between Native Americans and settlers.

In this episode of American Experience, we follow the life and legacy of Kit Carson, from his humble beginnings as a young trapper to his rise as a celebrated figure of the American West. With the help of expert interviews, historical footage, and dramatic re-enactments, we learn about his experiences in various battles and skirmishes, and his relationships with both Native Americans and the U.S. government.

The episode begins with Carson's early years, when he first ventured into the frontier as a teenage trapper. We see how he quickly gained the respect of his fellow trappers, and how his skills as a hunter and scout eventually led him to be recruited by the U.S. Army in the fight against Mexican forces during the Mexican-American War.

Throughout the episode, we see how Carson's interactions with different Native American tribes shaped his identity as a frontiersman. His involvement in conflicts such as the Battle of Adobe Walls and the Navajo Wars are explored in depth, and we see how these experiences influenced his attitudes towards Native American cultures.

Carson's role in the forced relocation of the Navajo people, known as the Long Walk, is also a significant part of the episode. We learn about the controversies and criticisms surrounding his involvement in the relocation, and how it affected his reputation as a hero of the Wild West.

In addition to his military and political achievements, the show delves into Carson's personal life, including his relationships with his wives and children. We see how he struggled to balance his responsibilities as a family man with his duties as a frontiersman and soldier.

Overall, American Experience's Kit Carson episode offers a comprehensive look at one of the most prominent figures of the American West. With a mix of historical analysis and engaging storytelling, viewers are treated to a detailed examination of Carson's life and legacy, and gain an appreciation for the complexity of his character and the era in which he lived.