Fitzpatrick, Thomas (1799?-1854), was a trapper and guide in the American West. He also served as an Indian agent. Indian agents represented the United States government in its dealings with Indigenous (native) Americans. Indigenous people were often called Indians at the time.
Fitzpatrick was born in County Cavan, Ireland. He moved to the United States when he was about 16. In the early 1820’s, he became a leader of fur-trapping expeditions. He spent much time in the Rocky Mountains searching for fur-bearing animals. In 1824, Fitzpatrick was second in command to Jedediah S. Smith in an early expedition that crossed the South Pass of the Rockies. The pass became the route of many travelers.
In the 1840’s, Fitzpatrick became a major guide on the American frontier. He helped lead settlers, missionaries, explorers, and military units to destinations in the West. In 1846, the government appointed him an Indian agent. In 1851 and 1853, Fitzpatrick negotiated treaties with Indigenous tribes for the government. He died on Feb. 7, 1854.
