James Beckwourth (1798-1866) was mixed race, born into slavery in Virginia, and was freed by his master (and father), and later relocated to St. Louis where he  made connections with fur traders. He was hired in 1824 by Wm. Ashley, who founded the Rocky Mtn. Fur Co., as a wrangler on his expedition to explore the Rocky Mountains.  The adventurous young men who joined up were known as “Ashley’s Hundred”. Ashley, an entrepreneur, devised the rendezvous system where trappers, fur traders, and Indians  would gather annually to exchange goods and socialize. Beckwourth became a legendary guide and trapper, and lived with the Crow tribe, even marrying a chief’s daughter. Before  Beckwourth eventually left the Rocky Man. Fur Co., Ashley looked to him for assistance with trails, the best hunting and trapping areas, and in dealing with Indians. Here, the two  greet each other at a rendezvous after a long absence.