The events that would lead to the showdown of mountain men vs the Arikara tribe actually began in May of 1823, in South Dakota. It was here in the vast expanse of prairie land that extended as far as the eye could see in all directions that a motley crew contingent of men and animals traversed. The contingent was definitely a strange and colorful lot. They were composed of pack mules and horses that wearily carried the men and their supplies on their backs. The men themselves looked in every direction and kept their eyes and ears alert for even the slightest hint of a threat. The whole landscape seemed peaceful and even idyllic but these hardy men knew better. They were mountain men.