Mountain Men Myths and Facts

Developed by Lisa Bagley

Utah State University Elementary Education Student

Grades: 3-4

Objectives: Students will demonstrate their understanding of mountain men myths and facts by creating a mini book/card to be displayed on a bulletin board.

Materials: * 8 1/2 x 11 white paper for each student

* crayons, markers, pencils, etc. for student use

* mountain men facts and myths sheet (see bottom of lesson plan)


1. Begin by asking the class what a myth is. The dictionary definition is a person or a thing existing only in the imagination. The children will not come up with this exact definition, but guide them to something very similar.

2. Once you have defined a myth, ask the students to think of myths they have heard before, such as the Lochness Monster or the Bear Lake Monster.

3. After discussing the myths of today, tell the students there are many myths about mountain men that are not necessarily true. Some of these myths include mountain men not having any wives, when, in fact, most of them were married to Native American women, and the myth that most mountain men had beards, when, in fact, most shaved their face.

4. When you are through talking about all the myths vs. facts of mountain men (see bottom of lesson plan), pass out the hand-out that has all the myths and facts listed on it.

5. After passing out the hand-out and a plain white sheet of paper to each student, give them the following instructions: The first thing I need you to do is fold your paper hamburger style (model all of your steps in front of the class). Now fold it in half again hamburger style. You should now have a card or book that looks like this (hold up your example). The card or book is going to open from top to bottom (show them how this works). On the front of your card, I want you to write Did You Know That ... At this point, write Did You Know That... on the board for the students to refer to. The front of the card should also be decorated with mountains or any other scenery you feel would be appropriate. On the inside of the card, write a fact you learned about mountain men. Feel free to illustrate the inside of the card to go along with the "little known fact." Remind the students these cards will be put on the bulletin board in the hall for everybody to see, so their best work is expected.

6. Dismiss the children to get started on their card or booklet. They are allowed to use any markers or colored pencils they want to . The students may even use their creativity and use oil pastels or chalk.


1. Look at each of the cards and determine if each student paid attention (Is the information accurate and a fact or is it a myth?) and put time and effort into the project.

Mountain Men Myths and Facts


1. Mountain men fought Native Americans and bears at every turn.

2. Mountain men traveled alone, on foot, through terrible places.

3. They faced hunger, storms, thirst, and accidents with great bravery.

4. Mountain men did not hunt to make money.

5. They hunted because they loved danger, independence, and a thrill of the wild lands.

6. Mountain men often died in battle with Native Americans or wild animals.

7. Mountain men were always heroes.


1. Most mountain men did not travel alone because they had families that traveled with them.

2. 84% of the mountain men were married.

3. Most mountain men had an average of four kids which often traveled with them.

4. 64% of the mountain men that were married had married Native American women.

5. Most mountain men hunted for fifteen years, then became ranchers or farmers.

6. The men didn't travel alone on foot, but by horses, mules, and canoes.

7. Most mountain men died of old age at the age of sixty-four. They lived longer then most Americans at the time.

8. Mountain men did not hunt and trap only for enjoyment, but mostly for the money.



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