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What are facts about the real Jeremiah Johnson?

While the character "Jeremiah Johnson" in the film of the same name is largely fictionalized, the real person he was based on, John Jeremiah Johnston, was a very real mountain man and fur trapper who lived a life full of adventure and hardship. Here are some facts about the real Jeremiah Johnson:

* Born in 1811: Johnston was born in Tennessee, though the exact location is unknown.

* Trapped in the Rockies: He arrived in the Rocky Mountains in the 1830s and became a successful fur trapper. He was known for his skills in trapping, hunting, and surviving in the wilderness.

* Married a Crow Woman: Johnston lived with the Crow tribe for a period and took a Crow wife, known as "The Bird Woman."

* Conflicting Accounts: Accounts of Johnston's life vary, but he is said to have been a skilled hunter, trapper, and negotiator, and he earned respect from both Native American tribes and white settlers.

* Last Days: Johnston died in 1876 in Wyoming at the age of 65. He was buried in the same cemetery as his wife.

Important Considerations:

* Limited Historical Records: Much of what is known about Johnston comes from oral histories and second-hand accounts, as there is limited documentation of his life.

* Fictionalized Portrayal: The film "Jeremiah Johnson" takes significant liberties with his story, creating a romanticized version of his life that emphasizes his skills as a mountain man and his encounters with Native American tribes.

In summary, the real Jeremiah Johnson was a skilled mountain man and fur trapper who lived a fascinating life in the American West. However, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction when considering the accounts of his life, as many details have been embellished or invented in popular culture.

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