General John C. Fremont John Fremont was born in Savannah, GA in 1813. During the 1840's he led trailblazing expeditions across the Rocky Mountains and played a significant role in winning California from Mexico. It was during this time that he became known as the "Pathfinder." Fremont was appointed Western Department commander at the outbreak of the Civil War. He was posted to St. Louis where he angered President Lincoln by issuing an emancipation proclamation for slaves in the Missouri territory. Lincoln thought this would alienate border state residents, who he was still trying to hold on to. He relieved Fremont of command. The lack of competent commanders prompted Fremont's reappointment as commander of the Mountain Department. But a loss to Stonewall Jackson, and a falling out with his commander, General Pope resulted in relief of command again. Fremont served as Territorial Governor of Arizona between 1878 and 1883. He died in New York in 1890.