LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Explorer John C. Fremont has returned to Las Vegas 174 years after literally and figuratively putting it on the map.

The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas is hosting the exhibit, “Finding Fremont: Pathfinder of the West,” an exhibition that focuses on Fremont's Western journey from 1842 to 1844, when he earned the nickname “The Great Pathfinder.”

Fremont cut a wide swath through Nevada, including Las Vegas.

“Fremont has a particular significance for Las Vegas,” said Dennis McBride, director of the Nevada State Museum, which is located within a few hundred yards of where Fremont originally camped. “It was during his 1842-44 exploration of the West that Fremont named the Great Basin and the Las Vegas valley itself. Las Vegas has Fremont Street, the Fremont Hotel and Casino and John C. Fremont Middle School. Few in town likely know much about this accomplished man for whom these venues are named.”

Fremont is also responsible for the naming of Pyramid Lake, the Walker River, and the Carson River (after his expedition's guide, Christopher “Kit” Carson).

One of the the centerpieces of the exhibit – which will be on view at the museum through April of 2019 – is the mountain howitzer that many believe is Frémont's lost cannon (a replica of which serves as the revolving trophy in the UNLV-Nevada college football rivalry). This cannon has been in the Nevada State Museum Carson City's collection since 1941. (Many others believes the cannon Fremont abandoned along the Walker River is still out there.)

Also included in the exhibit are mountain howitzer carriage parts recovered from the Walker River, a pair of rifles like those used by Fremont's expedition, and modern color photographs of Fremont campsites and vistas that retain their 19th century settings.

Also included are artifacts recovered from Frémont sites in Oregon, expedition maps accurately portraying the Great Basin, Frémont's presentation sword and Colt pistol, objects associated with significant periods of his life and a flag from his presidential campaign.

“Aside from Fremont's Western explorations, he had a long and distinguished political career supported by his wife, Jessie Benton Fremont, who was herself a noted writer and national celebrity,” McBride said. “We're confident this is going to be one of our most popular exhibits and are pleased we have the opportunity to educate people about this remarkable historical figure.”

The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, is located at 309 S. Valley View Blvd., inside the Springs Preserve. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9.95 for Nevada residents, $19.95 for out-of-state residents and free for museum members and children 18 and younger.