Across the Wide Missouri - Definition and Overview

Across the Wide Missouri is the title of a 1947 historical work by Bernard De Voto. It is the second volume of a trilogy that includes The Year of Decision (1942) and The Course of Empire (1952).

Across the Wide Missouri is a history of the Fur trade in the American West during the 1830's, a time when it was at its peak. The trapping of beaver and other animals caused conflict between the trappers and the various indian tribes of the Upper Missouri River Basin.

Across the Wide Missouri is also a film produced in 1951, based on the information of the historical work. The movie is a fictional account of several fur traders and their interaction with the Native Americans.

The film was directed by William A. Wellman and starred Clark Gable as Flint Mitchell, Ricardo Montalban as Blackfoot Iron Shirt, John Hodiak as Brecan, J. Carrol Naish as Nez Perce Looking Glass, and Adolphe Menjou as Pierre.