Which frontiersman guided Fremont’s expeditions in the 1840s and became a folk hero?

Kit Carson is celebrated as the frontiersman who guided John C. Frémont’s expeditions in the 1840s, playing a crucial role in mapping and exploring the western territories of the United States. His skills as a trapper and his deep understanding of the terrain made him an invaluable asset to Fremont's exploratory missions, which contributed significantly to the U.S. government's knowledge of the West during this time.

Carson's adventures and exploits captured the imagination of the American public, leading to his status as a folk hero. His persona was also amplified by various stories and popular culture of the time, which celebrated his bravery and rugged individualism. This cultural representation helped solidify his legacy in California and the broader narrative of westward expansion.

The other choices refer to figures who played significant roles in their own right—Mariano Vallejo was a prominent Californian leader and military man, Gaspar de Portolá was an early explorer and governor of California, and Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo was a Spanish explorer credited with the discovery of the California coast. However, their contributions are separate from the specific context of guiding Fremont's expeditions and embodying the spirit of the American frontier during that era. Thus, Kit Carson stands out as the most