Kit Carson

Originally Aired: February 20, 1939 Cavalcade of America #153, "Kit Carson," follows the legendary frontiersman from his restless youth to his destiny as a trailblazer of the American West. Born in Kentucky in 1809 and raised on the Missouri frontier, young Kit Carson dreams of adventure beyond the confining walls of the saddler's shop where he works as an apprentice. Haunted by visions of his late father urging him to blaze trails across the great western territories, seventeen-year-old Kit seizes his chance when customer Mr. Martin mentions his upcoming 800-mile journey to Santa Fe. Despite being a bound apprentice, Kit runs away to join the caravan, leaving his employer to post a reward notice for the runaway boy's return. In Santa Fe and later in Taos, Kit experiences the enchantment of the Southwest, meeting colorful characters including the beautiful Josefa, whose hat-dance captures his heart. However, Kit's restless spirit drives him onward when legendary mountain man Ewing Young offers him a chance to join an expedition to the Gila Mountains. As the trappers make camp, Young reveals the journey's true purpose: they're not just hunting beaver, but tracking Apaches, and Kit is about to face his first real test as a frontiersman.