Dream West

5.0

1986•7h

Western locales lend authenticity to a biopic of explorer-politician John Charles Fremont (1813-90), `The Pathfinder', who commanded an expedition to map the Oregon Trail in 1842. The miniseries centers on his interactions with other historical figures, including Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Hart Benton and Kit Carson. Based on a novel by David Nevin.

Production

Seasons

3 Episodes • Premiered 1986

1. In the beginning there was a dream

The young geographer John Charles Fremont dreams of exploring the as yet unknown "Wild West" of the United States. In 1839 he accompanied the famous French cartographer Joe Nicollet on an expedition.

2. The Great Expedition

John C. Fremont secretly married Jessie. Her father angrily breaks off contact with the couple. Fremont accelerates preparations for the expedition to the West because Colonel Kearny incites his superiors against him.

3. On a dangerous mission

Captain Fremont returns to his family in 1842 from a dangerous expedition. He has important cartographic records. The publication of his diaries soon earned Fremont a great reputation. At a reception, Secretary of the Navy Bancroft tries to win him over for a delicate assignment in the service of the state.