Manifest Destiny and Media Manipulation: John C. Frémont's Buenaventura River Pretense, 1843-1844

Abstract: John C. Frémont's explanation of his search for the mythical Buenaventura River in his Report describing the 1843-44 expeditions to Oregon was a ruse. The explanation contradicted his prior knowledge of the Great Basin, a high plateau with only interior drainage and no outlet to the sea. The ruse or pretention justified his disregard of instructions to return directly to the East from Oregon. More importantly, his decision to move south into the Great Basin in a feigned search for the Buenaventura led him into California ultimately enhancing his reputation as an explorer of the West.