Fred Gowans is a Professor Emeritus of History from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He has written a plethora of books, manuscripts, and articles researching the fur trade, mountain men, and rendezvous system for over forty years, making him the pre-eminent expert on fur trade history. Dr. Gowans has presented special programs and historical treks to numerous universities, educational institutions, and the National Park Service throughout the West. Dr. Gowans has served as a consultant on numerous films and documentaries about the history of the West, and has been accorded several prestigious awards in film and academia.
