John Colter was an early American frontiersman and explorer, known for his role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Born around 1774, he became one of the first non-Native Americans to explore the Yellowstone region in the early 1800s. Colter's experiences in the wilderness helped to map and document the geography and natural wonders of the area. After the expedition, Colter became a mountain man, engaging in fur trapping and trading. He is famous for his adventurous spirit and survival skills, particularly during his escape from Blackfeet Indians in 1809. His explorations contributed significantly to the understanding of the American West.