General Stephen Watts Kearney make a great story. Eventually at odds with each other, their military actions and achievements resulted in annexation of California. But John C. Fremont stands out. Acting on what many believe were President Polk's secret orders, Fremont fomented the Bear Flag Rebellion in June 1846. On behalf of the US, he signed the Treaty of Cahuenga with Mexico, then served for a month as military governor. He also led an overland expedition west, camping at Las VegasSprings in 1844. His name is remembered today in neon as well as history books. The Fremont Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas bears his name as does Fremont Street--the main thoroughfare through the heart of casino-lined Glitter Gulch. This ...  (less)