Welcome to my ‘The Great Bug Out: An Inspiring Survival Story from United States History’ article!
As a survival Information writer, I’ve read, studied, and practiced countless techniques to prepare for the unexpected. I’ve lived in over 4 countries, travelled to dozens; like many, so travelled across hundreds of types of terrain, including unstable regions of the middle east.
Out of all the stories I heard from around the world; I’ve been passed a hundred tales from people all around the world. But there’s one story that stands out. An immensely powerful example of Human resilience and determination. This is the story of Hugh Glass, a man whose tenacity in the face of near-certain death embodies the core principles of survival in the wilderness. His story is humbling!
Hugh’s journey is arguably the most inspiring “bug out” story in American history and serves as a reminder of what humans are truly capable of when put to the test. He went well beyond the norm, as you are about to discover…
The Incident: A Brutal Bear Attack – The Great Bug Out: An Inspiring Survival Story from United States History
Hugh Glass, was a frontiersman and fur trapper in the early 1820s. He embarked on an expedition with the Rocky Mountain Fur Company along the Missouri River. You’ll soon be reminded of a famous movie. This wasn’t just any trek. It was the height of the fur trade era. Glass was prepared to face dangers from harsh weather, rough terrain, and even hostile encounters with Native American tribes. But what happened to Glass, wasn’t expected by any means.
While scouting ahead of his crew in what is now South Dakota, Glass stumbled upon a grizzly bear and her cubs. To protect her young, the bear attacked Glass viciously, mauling him with her claws and teeth. Despite putting up a fight, Glass was left severely wounded, with his leg broken, his ribs exposed, and wounds covering his body. His companions initially thought he would die from his injuries. In an age before antibiotics or modern medicine, his survival seemed impossible.
Abandoned in the Wilderness
Realizing they couldn’t move Glass without endangering the whole group, the company captain assigned two men to stay behind with Glass until he either recovered or succumbed to his injuries. The two men, fearing attack and having lost faith in his survival, abandoned him after only a few days, taking his weapons and leaving him alone and defenseless. But Glass was far from ready to surrender to fate.
Here’s where Glass’s story becomes a lesson in the will to survive and how the human spirit can overcome even the most desperate of odds.
The Bug Out: A Crawling Journey of Survival
With no supplies, no weapons, and barely any strength, Glass began his journey. He was driven by one thought: revenge on the men who had abandoned him. But to achieve that, he first had to live. Glass, crawling on his stomach, began his 200-mile trek to safety through rugged terrain filled with predators, the threat of infection, and minimal food.
Using sheer willpower, Glass made use of his environment. He relied on water sources to stay hydrated and scavenged what little food he could find, eating roots, berries, and small insects. When he encountered a pack of wolves, he fought them off just to scavenge the remains of a buffalo they’d killed. He wrapped his broken leg in the skins he found, bound his wounds with whatever materials were available, and made splints from sticks he could reach—all with minimal use of his broken body.
The Spirit of a Survivor: Lessons in Resilience
Glass’s journey took six weeks. Throughout, he used every piece of survival knowledge he had. He improvised, used his surroundings, and focused on his will to survive rather than his misery and pain. His injuries would have left most of us paralyzed in fear or helplessness, but he broke the situation down into simple steps. By moving forward a little bit each day, he kept his mind focused on his goal: survival.
Glass’s grit, determination, and creative problem-solving are exactly what make this story a powerful survival lesson. His tale is often told in survivalist circles because it demonstrates that survival isn’t just about having the right tools or techniques. At its heart, survival is about having the courage to face overwhelming adversity and keep going, one painful inch at a time.
A Story to Remember
Incredibly, Glass finally reached Fort Kiowa. His physical wounds eventually healed, but his story would go on to inspire generations, becoming one of the great bug-out stories in American history. His tale speaks to us because it isn’t just a story of survival—it’s a story of redemption, the strength of the human spirit, and the unbreakable will to overcome.
For those of us who prepare for the worst, Hugh Glass’s story is a reminder of why we train, why we learn, and why we practice survival skills. Sometimes, the most valuable piece of equipment you can carry is your will to survive, and Glass’s story is a testament to that truth. It’s a bug-out lesson that reaches far beyond survival; it’s a story of courage, resilience, and the power of never giving up.
So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember Hugh Glass. If he could crawl 200 miles after a grizzly attack, we can conquer whatever lies in our path, one step at a time. You better believe it!
The legend himself – Hugh Glass. What a Character. His story is definitely one everyone can learn from.
Thanks for reading my article: The Great Bug Out: An Inspiring Survival Story from United States History.
I hope it rings meaning in your life and bears some inspiration to your natural born instinct to survive!
