Who discovered the South Pass, an important wagon route from Wyoming to Oregon?

Jedediah Smith is recognized for his exploration of the South Pass in Wyoming, which became a crucial route for westward migration. Smith was a key figure in the fur trade during the early 19th century and played a significant role in opening up the western territories to settlers and traders. His expeditions helped unveil essential pathways through the Rocky Mountains, enabling settlers to travel more safely and efficiently toward the Oregon Territory. The South Pass was particularly valued for its gentle slope and accessibility, becoming an integral part of the Oregon Trail, which facilitated the movement of thousands of pioneers in the mid-1800s.

The other individuals listed were significant figures in their own rights but were not associated with the discovery of the South Pass. Gaspar de Portolá was involved in early Spanish exploration in California, Sir Francis Drake was an English sea captain who is known for circumnavigating the globe, and John C. Fremont was a military officer and politician who explored the American West but did not discover the South Pass. Thus, Jedediah Smith's contributions remain singularly significant in the context of this landmark route.