Note 20 — Chapter II · JOHN COLTER’S DISCOVERY OF YELLOWSTONE
Reading edition
Just how far Coronado penetrated the Rockies is a disputed point. It is certain that Verendrye reached Pierre, South Dakota. Some contend that he came as far as the Little Bighorn River. It is probable that some of Henry’s men were free trappers, which accounts for the fact that they split in groups when the fort was abandoned.