In addition to being a well known American military officer, politician, and world-famous explorer the Southern born John Charles Fremont (January 21, 1813 – July 13, 1890) was also opposed to slavery before it was fashionable.
Along with his other accomplishments in his long and distinguished career in service to his nation, Fremont is credited with being the man who "captured" California for the United States. This came about due to President James Polk's adherence to the belief that America had a so-called "Manifest Destiny" to expand literally from sea to sea. To fulfill this destiny it would be necessary to annex the Mexican held California.
Under the guise of protecting American interests and citizens in the Southwest, Polk was able in 1946 to persuade Congress to declare war on the virtually bankrupt and totally disorganized Mexico; thus legitimizing the Mexican-American War. While many future Civil War Generals, and even a couple of future Presidents (Taylor and Grant), cut their military teeth during the brief conflict, Fremont was also able to capitalize on the fame he achieved by capturing Santa Barbara and with almost no bloodshed at all persuaded the defending Mexican General to surrender his forces, effectively ending the war.
Fremont was appointed Military Governor of the newly acquired California territory which led to one of his rivals who happened to be his military superior filing mutiny charges against Fremont. Although convicted of the crime, he was quickly pardoned and served as one of California's first senators. Unfortunately when he ran for President as the first Republican candidate he finished second in the three way race, many feel due to lingering animosity about his activities during the Mexican-American War. In fact, he was unable to carry his adopted home state of California due to the bad will generated by the war.
Labels: California, John C. Fremont, Military Governor, pathfinder, Republican
