Kit Carson

American frontiersman and guide (1809–1868) Kit CarsonCarson on a visit to Washington, D.C.BornChristopher Houston Carson(1809-12-24)December 24, 1809Richmond, Kentucky, U.S.DiedMay 23, 1868(1868-05-23) (aged 58)Fort Lyon, Colorado Territory, U.S.Resting placeKit Carson Cemetery, Taos, New MexicoOccupationsMountain man, frontiersman, guide, Indian agent, United States Army officerKnown forOpening the American West to American pioneersCarson City, Nevada namesakeSpousesWaanibeMaking-Out-RoadJosefa Jaramillo (1843–1868; her death)Military careerAllegianceUnited StatesUnionBranchUnited States ArmyUnion ArmyService years1846 - 1864RankBrevet Brigadier GeneralCommands1st New Mexico Volunteer Cavalry RegimentConflicts Mexican–American War Battle of San Pasqual American Indian Wars Battle of Ojo Caliente Canyon Battle of Canyon de Chelly First Battle of Adobe Walls American Civil War Battle of Valverde Signature Christopher Houston Carson (December 24, 1809 – May 23, 1868), popularly known as Kit Carson, was an American frontiersman, fur trapper, wilderness guide, Indian agent and U.S. Army officer. Carson left home in rural Missouri at 16 to become a mountain man and trapper in t