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In 1889 at age 3, my great-grandfather wandered off during the night when his family was moving from central Minnesota to the northern part of the state. They searched for him for a few days but figured he died or was killed by a wolf, so they moved on. Sometime later they heard about a little blond boy living in an Ojibwa village about 100 miles south, and were reunited. They always lived around the Native Americans there, and he was able to converse with the Ojibwa and Chippewa in their languages.

The Tattoos Olive and her Sister received were actually blue and the primary ingredient was a local agave plant. The Mojave didn't tattoo them as a mere "sign of respect", but the meaning runs far, far deeper than that. In Mojave Cosmology, when the Dead reach the Underworld (all people end up here), the shades of the former living are almost indistinguishable from one another. The facial tattoos the Mojave put on one another, however, remained very distinct and carried into the Underworld: It was the way that the Mojave would be able to recognize one another and live together there. Thus, the Mojave tattooing Olive and her Sister actually meant that they saw both of them as literal fellow Mojave. The Mojave actually loved the two of them, and Olive's claim in "her" memoir of her experiences (which were in fact dictated to a third party) that the Mojave were cruel and never truly accepted the Oatmans is patently false.

Famous last words of American settlers: "We should have waited a few years and taken the train.

She lost two families. 😔 That must’ve been so hard...

How has the life of Olive Oatman not been made into a movie ? Great work the Biographics team.

They were taught one of the greatest core values of life that so many Native American cultures have built and sustained themselves on for millennia: Take Care of Each Other

I lived a long time in Needles California in the Mojave Desert. The Mohave Tribe has their tribal headquarters there. Just across the Colorado River is Oatman AZ. It is named after Olive and every one in the area knows her story.

Olive Oatman was my 14th cousin thrice removed. Many years ago my grandmother gave me the book about her. I don't know if she knew we were related to Olive Oatman or not. Thank you for making this video available for people to watch about my cousin.

I lived in the high desert of California for about 10 years. You cannot imagine the beauty of it, the wide open spaces surrounded by mountain ranges that block most weather fronts from penetrating the vastness. There are white light mornings and vanilla sunsets, contrasted with other days of sunrises and sunsets painted from a vivid palette of colors. The heat of Summer contrasts with the wind and sometimes biting cold of Winter, which is followed by a brief but spectacular explosion of colors heralding Spring. Even autumn has its own loveliness, but do not expect the fall foliage of the East Coast. There is little humidity in the desert and even less rainfall. However, the late summer thunderstorms with their flashes of lightning streaking through black low-hanging clouds and followed by sometimes triple full bow rainbows can leave you mute with wonder. I miss living there, so very much.

she has this strange intimidating beauty in the few photos that remain of her. besides her physical attraction, there is something about her eyes and stare... like there is nothing that can bring her down and a sense of measured confidence... I don't know, but it's very admirable. I respect her.

I have seen her before and knew part of her story but did not know of her brothers struggle. That's real love and dedication.

Then there's the Cynthia Parker story. I think a few movies were made based on her life. In Texas there is a state park (Fort Parker) near Mexia built by her family. She was captured there by the Comanches before she was a teen. She became the mother of Comanche chief Quanah. Unlike Olive Oatman she had forgotten how to speak English and never felt comfortable away from her "adoptive" tribe.

I'm sitting here thinking how shitty my life is, then I read about people from history.

This was so interesting. I’d never heard this story before.

I was born in the Mojave Desert near the banks of th Mojave River and lived there until I was seventeen. It is truly a magical place, awesome with awe-inspiring sounds and smells and sights. I can only imagine the Mojave that Olive knew before the destruction caused by the off-road vehicles that turned a paradise into ruts and dust.

This is just prime for a major film adaptation or mini series on Olive's life. Wow, what a tale.

Thank you Simon and Shell! You guys are keeping a huge part of my sanity intact during this pandemic quarantine. Please stay safe and healthy, wherever you are. Also, PLEASE keep doing videos forever??? Cheers!

The show Hell on Wheels had a character based on her. Became fascinated with who she was. Great to see Biographics do an episode on her!

I can't begin to imagine what she must have gone through, but I do admire her fortitude and courage.

Our Māori woman still have chin tattoos “moko “ here in New Zealand 🇳🇿 😎👍 I like this story

This is one fascinating tale finally heard. Heartbreaking 'as she went to her sister's grave one last time' before leaving with her rescuer.

Members of the Oatman Family are still alive in California. All women and I am one of them. My grandfather was the last of the male Oatmans. They originally were from Holland but I don't remember the exact spelling of the name Oatman.

"this one goes to 11" You are always head and shoulders above the crowd but in this biography you were truly exceptional. Having left England college, at 28😏, for California. 20+ years on I often find intellectually fulfilling, never mind inspiring, experiences beyond my own, my grown sons and a small, very small, circle of friends. The content, rich details, your commitment to including only the facts you can verify and, honestly, your presentation which was as near to perfect as we humans can reach. Dude, you were in "the Jeopardy zone"! This sense of mental contentment, that there is no more to seek, is such an unfamiliar state for me. Thank you for your dedication, high standards and, of course, all the content on your outstanding channels. I and my boys have learned so much through this "entertainment"... inspiring!

Simon, your voice entrances me! I listen to your shows every morning on the drive to work. You’ve completely replaced radio talk shows for me! Keep it up!!!❤️❤️❤️

I think this is my favorite bio yet. I had heard of Olive, but thanks for fleshing the story out, Simon.

What an absolutely amazing story. I several times in my life have seen the old Daguerreotype of the "tattooed While Girl" and would have never guessed she had the intense life that she did. Not ever. Thank you for bringing these details to life, delivered with both a refreshing, intense wit and a natural, splendid Anglo accent. Love your uploads, keep up the dazzling work.

One of your best videos.I visited the town of Oatman several years ago and became fascinated by the story of Olive and her family.

Any hell on wheels fans in here ???

Best bio you've produced that I've watched in a long time.

"Wow" that is all i can say. Great story Thank you for all you do to bring us this program.

Very much like “I’ll be right back” in a horror film, hearing “let’s take a shortcut” never seems to end well.

I clicked on this by mistake as i put my phone on the side as i went to brush my teeth. Engrossed immediately. Wow what a brave women

That was fascinating

that was the most fascinating video you've done so far! LOVED IT.

Great job of Narration and Info., Simon! Always look forward to your videos!

This reminds me of the book Follow The River. These stories are devastating and yet so inspiring. Hard times..

The author of the book I read about Olive Oatman believed she was happy with the Mohave.I concluded she was a person who was able to adapt to what ever circumstances she found herself in, hence the reason she was able to comfortably return to "civilised" life.

I just love the work you do. They are so interesting and well explained. Please keep it up.

You always go deeper into the subject. Thanks!

For anyone wondering, Olive is buried in Sherman, Texas. You can freely visit the cemetery. It is about an hour North of Dallas. The cemetery is located just West of Hwy 75, near downtown.

Great storytelling and back history. I've been to Oatman, Arizona and even bought & read the book about their story. Such times they endured.

Very interesting and educational, well presented. great job, keep up the good work!

Thank you. That was very interesting. I grew up seeing her picture in history books but never read anything so detailed like your documentary.

I loved hell on wheels and had no idea that there was any historical truth to that character!

A book also worth checking out: 'Scalp Dance: Indian Warfare on the High Plains, 1865-1879' Based on first hand accounts and drawn from primary sources of the settling of the American West.

I've heard this story so many times. But it's just something about they way Simon presented it, which struck me of how profound her story is. 10/10 👌👌

She looks like she's about to snap half the life out of the cosmos.

She was the real "Stands With a Fist".

I first heard this story last night on travel channel mysteries at the museum. Your video was much more in depth and informative. 👍🏾

Simon you are great!! I love the work that you and your team do - I look for all of your videos on all of your channels. You're a natural presenter and teacher. Keep up the good work! (But why Prague?)

1:35 - Chapter 1 - The road to hell is paved with good intentions 4:40 - Chapter 2 - Just a few names among the dead 10:10 - Mid roll ads 11:50 - Chapter 3 - From slave to treasure 15:55 - Chapter 4 - The desperate search of a heartbroken brother

One of my residents a 90 year old lady has a picture of Olive on her wall. Similar to the one at 14:30

What a total warrior. I am in awe of her experience.

Simon!! This is my first BIO Graphics video viewing and I'm pleasantly surprised to find out it's hosted by you! 😄

Also, this is one of the more poetic of all the scripts I've watched you read Mr. Whistler! Macabre as it may be, I am enjoying this gruesome entertainment.

Mohave Chief to Francisco: "This is not the girl you are looking for. We can go about our business. Move along."

What's ironic is I recently began binge watching Hell on Wheels for second time, there's a character in the series based upon Olive Oatman. I didn't realize this character was inspired by an actual historical figure.

I'm born and raised in Arizona. I live in Mohave County not far from Oatman, AZ. Love the video! Thanks Simon!

Wow ! Thanks for filling in the gaps of this story that I've heard many times . Most interesting 😉

Thanks, I knew a bit about Olive Oatman since one of my favorite dinning places when we were out and about was the Olive Oatman Hotel in Oatman Arizona, they have the best "Navajo Taco's" I have ever chowed down on, and those burro's that inhabit Oatman about half the day are more then entertainment, they are a reason to take the drive up the Oatman Highway, a part of the old Route 66 that meanders over mountain and through the deserts of the Southwestern part of these United States. GOD HOW I MISS ARIZONA! this will probably be chiseled into my headstone when it is planted in the grave yard, perhaps in the not to distant future. Thanks for a look into the history of one of my favorite characters of the old west. Oh by the way, the Olive Oatman Hotel used to be a favorite of many of the movie stars of old, and is said to be haunted by a piano player who lived back in the day. The decor is fabulous, I drooled at the old rolling block Remington rifle that hangs on the wall above my favorite booth in the Olive Oatman!

I’ve been looking for olive for months now and this just so happens to pop into my recommendations

Wow! What an unbelievably tragic, yet at same time, uplifting story! I'd never heard of this before either.

Very cool video! On my grandpa's side of the family one of my great great (uncle or grandpa) married her cousin.

Whenever I go on road trips, I’m always thankful for being born in today’s world. It usually takes us six hours of driving to get out of Texas, I couldn’t imagine how long it would take to get out of here on wagon.

So basically they survived by the kindness of all the native women and girls.

Great Story, and so well narrated!!! Simoen whistler is a great narrator!!! And that always makes a story better!!!

Never heard this story before, so interesting. Love this channel

Please consider doing videos about Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Dennis Rader.

Ive always loved how this channel brings to light the strong and sometimes forgotten women throughout history. Longtime fan and supporter of everyones dilligent and unbiased work here on biographics. Thanks for making the lesser known more then a headstone and footnote. Keep it up 🤘

Great video, extremely interesting. Thank you. :)

I live very close to Oatman, it has a lot of history, and it's full of old west buildings. There's pictures everywhere of Olive, and all about her life. Clark Gable, spent a night of his honeymoon, at the Oatman Hotel, and you can see the room they stayed in. My family goes there often for the history, and a fun day out. ✌

At least he told us how many times to click the fast forward threw the add.

I JUST went on a Google deep dive on Olive's life last night! I'm from AZ, so she has always interested me. Thank you for this great video!

wow extremely entertaining. Your KZfaq channel is the best

I do believe I subscribed to all your channels and I do enjoy all and as usual it never fails to be interesting..

There is a short film called “The Tonto Woman” based on an Elmore Leonard short story, it was up for an academy award. It’s about one woman’s difficulty returning to her former husband after living with the Tonto tribe. Very good film.

I always died of dysentery or my wagon was flooded, damn you Oregon Trail!

Ah, that is a masterclass in the impressive high art of making the best of an impossible sponsor transition. Which is a good thing as the episode was fantastic.

NICE JOB! Thanks for the video

The character of Eva in the show Hell on Wheels was inspired by Olive Oatman.

There is actually a town in Arizona named for her. Not really is so much of a town anymore than it is a tourist attractionbut I really enjoyed going to oatman when I was in Arizona during Christmas

Thank you for the interesting story!

I really enjoyed this biography

I have driven in that area many times, I can't imagine trying to walk it or go over it in a oxen pulled wagon. The place is brutal.

Ii highly suggest you read the book Empire of the Summer Moon, a really good book. I grew up in Kansas so native American history was mandatory learning in our state.

Excellent video. Very interesting.

I was already familiar with Olive Oatman from a children's chapter book, but it was fascinating to learn more about her now. I've always been interested tales of adventure in the "wild west". I particularly enjoyed seeing the photographs of Olive!

Sounds like John Wayne's movie, The Searchers was inspired by this movie Maybe even Tommy Lee Jones's, The Missing

This story is hard to pin down because there was much fictionalization over the years. I wonder about the family supposedly going to La Jolla, California. El Camino Real, the Royal Road, was the Catholic mission system from Mission San Diego to Mission San Francisco. I noticed a sign naming Mission San Gabriel in the video. That is in/at Los Angeles. In the 1850's there was a boom in cattle prices due in part to gold mining in the north and other factors. This had to do with increased development of Spanish land grant ranchos in the La Jolla area. I married into a land grant family. El Camino Real would not have been a 'road' from Arizona to California. The Oatman massacre is memorialized in Arizona and other than the Mojave native connection I have never heard the family had California connections. The San Diego/La Jolla area was being developed. My in-laws had ranchos in the area at the time. It seems had the Oatmans made it to La Jolla, they would have stayed rather than blunder back across the desert to reach Arizona. Native Californians had a diet based on acorns so I wonder is the 'jar of hazel nuts' was a jar of acorns? There is an American species of hazel nut but it is native to eastern and central US. It has small nuts. Simon: Another pioneer story you might want to research and use is the 'Lost Meeks' who 'discovered' the Blue Bucket 'mine' while staggering across southern Oregon in a drought year. They were dying of malnutrition, some disease picked up along the way, etc., etc., etc. There isn't actually a mine. I have spent a lot of time in these areas and have done some actual research on the ground. I was told a 'secret' about the 'mine' but as I said, it was never a mine. (Probable location of the gold find, IMO, is what is now a large ranch in central Oregon.) These pioneers -- that I refer to erroneously as the Blue Bucketeers -- allegedly had NO, ZERO, ZILCH idea what raw gold looked like. Fantastic tales are told about nuggets being used for sinkers on fishing lines and even door stops.

Your voice and this story... excellent!

This is your best channel yet!!!

"Journey of death": Religious leader: Let's take that one

Journey of death 😂😂😂. Yeah let's take that trail!! It's safe

Another awesome video..ty

beautiful story. thank you

Hell on wheels lol I was so fascinated with her life after watching that show lol....so much research.....so much time spent trying to imagine what she experienced.

Speaking of my homeland, the Mojave and interesting biographics, look into Willie Boy. Not Slick Willie but Willie Boy. Was deemed the last great manhunt of the old west. Or something along that line.

I found this video very interesting! Thumbs up

Excellent! Thanks!