Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1941-06-28
Sir George Gore, EarlyDuy Explorer LiUed in Style

One Of the early explorers Of
southern Montana was Sir George
Gore, q British baroneE Of wealth,
who came into what was then
Idaho In 1854 on an expedition de-
luxe, six years before the discovery
Of gold ia GrasshOpper and Alder
guIches. At that time about the
only white men In Montana were
the Jesuit fathers, In the Bitter
Root and F7afhead valleys. and the
fur trading establishments along
the Missouri, fn the northeastern
part Of the state.
He travelled with a large cavalcade
and in unheard of luxury for those
far away days. He was armed to the
teeth, had with him about 40 men,
was amply provisioned and prepared
for any emergency. He had his brushes
with the redskins, but managed to
beat them off without much difficulty
The only white men that he came
in contact with were Colonel Vaughn
and Major CuIbertSon, at the mouth
of the Yellowstone river, with whom
he was quickly at odds. Vaughn wanted
to know what authority he had for
coming into the country and was much
discounted when Sir George produced
a passport from the superintendent
of indian affairs. He was then on his
way back 10 civilization, and offered
his wagons and supplies to Major Gull
bertson. Culbertson tried to take adj
vantage of his necessities, so Gore
burned his wagons and destroyed
what stores he did not need In the
presence Of Culbertson and Vaughn.
Here is the story Of Sir Georges ex-
petition as given In Montana his
torical society account.
Sir George Gore came west in 1858,
passing the season principally in Colo
RADIO, visiting the parks and wtntertng
at Fort Laramie. Sir George started
with wagons and used them through
1853 but disposed Of all but six. He
made a late start In 1854 owing TO
waiting for supplies from the east.
Bostwick was not with him the first
year but joined him at Laramie. In
August, 1864, Sir George left Laramie
with Al men, 4 six-mule wagons, 2
three-yoke OK wagons and Il French
carts, painted red, each drawn by
two horses. One wagon was loaded
entirely with Sir Georges private arms,
of which he had some rs rifles With
large number, II or Is, shotglIns,
and two wagons with Sir Georges fish
ing tackle. One of his attendants was
a skilled fly maker and was constantly
gathering new material for flies. Sir
George was abundantly supplied with
everything necessary to his convenience
and comfort. He had large linen tent, |
about 10 by 10 feet, hung throughout |
with striped lining, q brass bedstead |
that unscrewed and packed In small |
space, a portable iron table and iron
washstand, and three milk COWS. He |
carried with him also splendid tele-
scope with about q six-inch lens, sup |
ported upon a tripod, an instrument |
OF great power. He was supplied with |
a large number Of guns, single and
doubled barrel, of the best workman |
ship, all muzzle- leaders except one
Sharps rifle. he also had large
number Of pistols Of every description
including revolvers.
Built Fort On Tongue River
During the season Of 1854 he as
cended the North Platte to Box Elder
then crossed to Powder river, following
down the Dry Fork to where Fort Reno
stood, descended and as
cended the Yellowstone to Tongue
river, ON whose right bank eight miles
above the mouth. he built q fort, in
GLIDING stables, gtorehouses and quar-
ters for his men. 1t was his intention
10 have wintered here, but unfor-
sunately, Bosswick set the woods on
lire by accident, destroying al the
grass ia the vicinity 20 that Il became