Christopher 'Kit' Carson was the sixth of ten children born to Lindsey and Rebecca Carson. The Carson's moved to Booneslick, Howard County, Missouri in 1811. Kit's father was killed by a falling tree in 1818. His mother remarried and at 15 years of age, Kit was an apprentice saddle maker. No doubt this is where Kit began hearing about the frontier and mountain men.

In 1826 Kit ran away and joined a wagon train headed to Santa Fe. The first few years were tough on Kit. He started back home then changed his mind and returned to Taos.

Kit hired on with Ewing Young and had various other jobs as a cook, interpreter and teamster. During the time from 1831-1840 Kit trapped beaver in the Rocky Mountains. Kit was also a good hunter and frequently was hired on by many forts to supply game.