35 Facts About Liver Eating Johnson

Who Was Liver Eating Johnson?

Liver Eating Johnson, also known as John "Liver-Eating" Johnson, was a legendary mountain man of the American West. His life was filled with adventure, danger, and a bit of mystery. Here are some fascinating facts about this intriguing figure.

1. Real Name: His real name was John Jeremiah Garrison Johnston. He later changed his last name to Johnson.

2. Birth Year: Johnson was born in 1824 in Little York, New Jersey.

3. Military Service: He served in the Mexican-American War before becoming a mountain man.

4. Nickname Origin: He earned his gruesome nickname after allegedly eating the livers of Crow warriors he killed in revenge for his wife's murder.

5. Wife's Death: His wife, a member of the Flathead Indian tribe, was killed by Crow Indians, sparking his vendetta.

6. Crow Vendetta: Johnson embarked on a personal vendetta against the Crow tribe, reportedly killing over 300 Crow warriors.

7. Survival Skills: He was known for his exceptional survival skills, including hunting, trapping, and hand-to-hand combat.

8. Physical Stature: Johnson was a towering figure, standing around 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing over 200 pounds.

9. Captured by Blackfoot: He was once captured by Blackfoot Indians but managed to escape by killing his guard and cutting off his leg to free himself.

10. Friendship with Crow: Despite his vendetta, he eventually made peace with the Crow tribe and even became friends with some of their members.

Johnson's Life as a Mountain Man

Living in the rugged wilderness of the American West, Johnson's life was anything but ordinary. His adventures and encounters with various tribes and settlers are the stuff of legend.

11. Trapper and Hunter: Johnson made a living as a trapper and hunter, trading furs and meat with settlers and trading posts.

12. Cabin in Montana: He built a cabin in Montana, which served as his home base for many years.

13. Indian Scout: Johnson worked as an Indian scout for the U.S. Army, using his knowledge of the land and tribes to assist in military campaigns.

14. Famous Duel: He once fought a famous duel with another mountain man, "Bear Claw" Chris Lapp, which ended in a draw.

15. Friendship with Del Gue: Johnson was friends with another legendary mountain man, Del Gue, and the two often traveled and trapped together.

16. Guide for Settlers: He served as a guide for settlers traveling west, helping them navigate the treacherous terrain and avoid hostile tribes.

17. Legendary Strength: Johnson was known for his incredible strength, reportedly able to carry a full-grown elk on his back.

18. Bear Attack Survivor: He survived a bear attack, killing the bear with his knife after it mauled him.

19. Whiskey Trader: Johnson also traded whiskey with various tribes, often using it to gain information or safe passage.

20. Canoe Builder: He was skilled in building canoes, which he used to navigate the rivers and streams of the West.

Myths and Legends

Many stories about Liver Eating Johnson have been passed down through the years, some of which may be more myth than fact. These tales contribute to his larger-than-life persona.

21. Human Liver Consumption: While it's widely believed he ate the livers of his enemies, some historians argue this may be an exaggeration or myth.

22. The Crow Killer: He was often referred to as "The Crow Killer" due to his vendetta against the Crow tribe.

23. Hollywood Portrayal: His life inspired the 1972 film "Jeremiah Johnson," starring Robert Redford.

24. Ghost Stories: Some claim his ghost still roams the mountains of Montana, protecting the land he once called home.

25. Tall Tales: Many tall tales about his exploits were spread by word of mouth, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction.

26. Legendary Feats: Stories of his legendary feats, such as killing a bear with his bare hands, have become part of American folklore.

27. Survival Against Odds: His ability to survive against incredible odds has made him a symbol of rugged individualism and frontier spirit.

28. Cultural Impact: Johnson's story has had a lasting impact on American culture, influencing books, movies, and folklore.

29. Historical Records: Despite the myths, there are historical records that confirm many aspects of his life and adventures.

30. Mountain Man Rendezvous: Johnson attended several mountain man rendezvous, where trappers and traders gathered to exchange goods and stories.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later years, Johnson continued to live a life of adventure, but he also sought peace and companionship. His legacy lives on in the stories and legends that surround him.

31. Civil War Service: During the Civil War, he served as a sharpshooter for the Union Army.

32. Sheriff in Red Lodge: After the war, he became the sheriff of Red Lodge, Montana.

33. Peace with Crow: He eventually made peace with the Crow tribe, ending his long-standing vendetta.

34. Death: Johnson died in 1900 at the age of 76 in a veterans' hospital in California.

35. Burial Site: He was originally buried in California, but his remains were later moved to Cody, Wyoming, where a monument was erected in his honor.

The Legend Lives On

Liver Eating Johnson's life was nothing short of extraordinary. From his time as a mountain man to his legendary acts of vengeance, his story continues to captivate people. His resilience, bravery, and unique lifestyle make him a fascinating figure in American history. Whether it's his encounters with Native American tribes or his survival skills, Johnson's legacy is filled with remarkable tales.

His life reminds us of a time when the American frontier was wild and untamed. It also shows the lengths one man would go to for revenge and survival. Even though some stories about him might be exaggerated, they add to the mystique surrounding his character.

Johnson's legend lives on, inspiring books, movies, and countless campfire stories. His name will forever be etched in the annals of the Wild West, a testament to a truly larger-than-life figure.