Retracing Our Roots: The Journeys of Henry Schoolcraft

Welcome to 𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙨 with your host Sammy Raycraft and historian Vincent Anderson. Today, we’ll embark on a detailed exploration of the Ozarks through the eyes of Henry Rowe Schoolcraft and his traveling companion, Levi Pettibone as they head to the Wild West, the Ozarks.

November 5, 1818.

"I begin my tour where other travellers have ended theirs, on the confines of the wilderness, and at the last village of white inhabitants, between the Mississippi river and the Pacific Ocean." - Henry Rowe Schoolcraft

Schoolcraft and Pettibone’s 90-day, 900-mile journey began in Potosi, Missouri, heading south toward the Norfork River, which originates a few miles east of Mountain Grove, Missouri.

As they descend into the Ozarks, they spend the night near a large spring at present-day Topaz Mill in southeast Douglas County, Missouri. From there, they continue to a local cave near Dora, Missouri, known as Potato Cave, where Schoolcraft reportedly etched a date and poem on its walls or ceiling. However, recent inspections by historians have yet to confirm his alleged handiwork.

Their expedition is fraught with challenges, including navigating dense stands of river cane interwoven with briars. Passing through present-day Udall, Missouri, they enter northeastern Baxter County, eventually reaching the Bennett’s Bayou region. Here, they encounter the Wells family and observe the rugged lifestyle of early white settlers. Conversing with the settlers proves difficult, as the settler's primary focus is survival through hunting. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wells provides instructions on wilderness survival while eagerly questioning her guests about bear hunting.

In the next leg of their journey, Schoolcraft and Pettibone head into southern Ozark County, trekking toward the White River. Misfortune strikes on December 5, 1818, when their horse, Butcher, becomes trapped in a bog at the confluence of Lick Creek and Possum Walk Creek, near the small community of Mammoth, Missouri.

Recognizing the dire situation, they refuse to abandon Butcher to his fate and devise a plan to rescue him. After a night camping a few miles south of Gainesville, Missouri, the trio resumes their journey, eventually reaching Pontiac and descending to the bluff overlooking Oakland, Arkansas. There, Schoolcraft and Pettibone erupt in cheers of triumph, having finally reached the White River.

Next Saturday morning, tune in for KTLO’s Bid for Bargains! We’ll conclude Schoolcraft and Pettibone’s expedition on January 18 in the next installment of 𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙨.

Thank you for your continued support, emails, and suggestions—they are the heartbeat of our local programming! As always, a special thanks to Rapp’s Barren Brewing Company for sponsoring 𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙨!