John Charles Frémont (1813–90)

American explorer, politician, and soldier. Served with the United States Topographical Corps, and in the early 1840s, led a series of surveying expeditions to the American west on behalf of the War Department. A popular hero for his role in the conquest of California in the war against Mexico. Elected to the United States Senate, 1850; nominated to run for president, 1856 and 1864. Served as a major-general in the Union army during the American Civil War. Governor of Arizona, 1878–83.