In the autumn of 1951, nearly a century after his death, legendary frontiersman Kit Carson was once again braving the wilds of the American West.  Audiences thrilled to this new half-hour television adventure series, despite the fact it bared little semblance to the realities of the 19th century frontier and that the hero only superficially resembled the historical figure.

    While the creators evidently chose to forego any historical research in the real Kit Carson, they couldn't have picked a more appropriate character upon which to base a children's adventure series.  Christopher "Kit" Carson was born in Missouri in 1809, but moved to Sante Fe in 1826.  There he began a career as a trapper, scout, Indian agent, and soldier.  Carson, like most trappers of his era, was integrated to some degree with Indian society, living among them and taking two Indian wives.  Unlike most trappers, however, he was an honest and temperate man, whose "word was as sure as the sun comin' up".

    He rose to prominence while serving as scout for the famous western explorer, John Charles Fremont, accompanying him on his expeditions over the Rockies.  Together, they became embroiled in the Bear Flag Rebellion that saw California gain its independence from Mexico.  Carson later served in the Mexican War, guiding American forces under Stephen Kearney in California from New Mexico, and again during the U.S. Civil War where he raised an Infantry Regiment and fought both Confederates and ...................