Christopher Gist (1706-1759) was an explorer, surveyor, and frontiersman active in Colonial America. He was one of the first white explorers of the Ohio Country. Gist is credited with providing the first detailed description of the Ohio Country to colonists in the Thirteen Colonies. At the outbreak of the French and Indian War, Gist accompanied Colonel George Washington on missions into this wilderness and saved Washington's life on two occasions.
[Winchester, 10 October 1755] To Mr Gist. Before I got to Williamsburgh, the Commissions were chiefly disposed of; 1 yet having you strongly in my mind (which occasioned an earnest…
[Winchester, 18 October 1755] To Captain Christopher Gist 1. You are hereby ordered to Repair to Harris–s Ferry, and other places where the Indians are upon the Susquehanna, and to…