Big Muddy Speaker Series presents:
“Colter’s Run”
Original Presentation by author Conger “Tony” Beasley- Wednesday, April 10, 2013
528 Walnut St. – Kansas City, MO (in the River Market)
John Colter was a key member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He left the Expedition on its return trip to guide fur trappers. On this journey he was credited with discovering the area that became Yellowstone National Park (it was originally called “Colter’s Hell”). He was later was captured by Blackfoot warriors. Stripped and told to run, he was the target of a “human hunt.”
Conger “Tony” Beasley will read from his latest work “Colter’s Run” and discuss the legacy of Colter, who later settled near New Haven, MO, on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River.
painting on right copyright Gerry Metz.
Meet Your Presenter
Conger Beasley
, Missouri River enthusiast
Conger Beasley, a long time Missouri River enthusiast, lives in St. Joseph, Missouri and is the author of many books and essays including:
•Sundancers and River Demons: Essays on Landscape and Ritual
•We Are a People in This World: The Lakota Sioux and the Massacre at Wounded Knee
Related Presentations
Resources & Links
Resources and Links
- Presentation Flier (pdf)
- John Colter on Wikipedia
- “Early Yellowstone Explorer John Colter runs for his life” – by M Mark Miller (with excerpts from William Bradbury’s 1819 book “Travels in the Interior of America)
- National Park Service document: “Exploring the History of Yellowstone with John Colter”
The Big Muddy Speakers Series in Kansas City
is hosted by Friends of Lakeside Nature Center, Little Blue River Watershed Coalition, Missouri River Relief, Friends of Big Muddy and Healthy Rivers Partnership with the following list of partners. All speakers are presenting for free. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us!
Click here for a list of upcoming presentations»
The Big Muddy Speaker Series is also held in Rocheport and St. Charles.
Upcoming Presentations
Missouri River Relief: 25 Years on the Big Muddy
November 10, 2026Columbia, MO
Join us for a journey through time celebrating 25 years of Missouri River Relief's work on the Big Muddy.
See Event
Plastic Pollution, Gulf Hypoxia, and Water Quality
November 11, 2026St Charles, MO
Jennifer Wendt from MidAmerica Clean Future guides us through understanding regional water quality challenges.
See Event