Introduction:
Teaching history to students can be an engaging and educational endeavor when the storyline is captivating and thought-provoking. One such historical figure is Hugh Glass, an American fur trapper, and wilderness survivor whose legendary tale of survival serves as an inspiration. This article aims to be a guide for educators in introducing the incredible story of Hugh Glass to students and using his experience as a catalyst to teach various subjects from history to moral values.
Background of Hugh Glass:
Born around 1783 in Pennsylvania, Hugh Glass became a legendary figure known for his exploits in the American frontier. He was an accomplished fur trapper, working with famous partners like Jim Bridger and John Fitzgerald, participating in many trapping expeditions during the early 1800s. However, it was the infamous grizzly bear attack in 1823 that solidified his place in American folklore.
The Grizzly Bear Attack and Survival Story:
While on a fur trapping expedition near South Dakota’s Grand River, Glass was mauled by a grizzly bear. Left for dead by his comrades, he regained consciousness to find himself injured and abandoned with no means of survival. With sheer determination and willpower, he crawled nearly 200 miles over six weeks through the harsh American wilderness in pursuit of those who left him behind.
Incorporating Hugh Glass’s Story Into Lessons:
1. Historical Context: Teach students about early 19th-century America by explaining its expansion into the frontier. Draw upon key figures such as Hugh Glass to illustrate the fur trade and its role in western expansion.
2. Geography: Use Glass’s journey as a way for students to learn about the geography of America. Students can plot his routes on maps identifying significant landmarks and regional features of that time period.
3. Survival Skills: Discuss the physical and mental perseverance that Glass exemplified during his survival journey. Students can learn and practice basic survival skills like shelter-building, fire-starting, and navigation.
4. Ethical Dilemmas: Engage students in discussions about the moral dilemma faced by Glass’s companions who left him behind. Consider whether their actions were justified under the circumstances or explore alternative decisions they could have made.
5. Literature Connection: Introduce students to books and literature related to Hugh Glass’s story, like “The Revenant” by Michael Punke, which was also the basis of an award-winning movie.
Conclusion:
Incorporating the remarkable tale of Hugh Glass into lessons is an engaging way for educators to bring history to life while teaching students a range of subjects. By sharing his story with students, teachers can inspire discussions about perseverance, ethics, and the complexities of our shared history.
