Alferd Packer, American prospector (b. 1842)

The name Alferd Griner Packer (born January 21, 1842, died April 23, 1907) resonates through American history, particularly in the annals of the American West, earning him the chilling moniker of "The Colorado Cannibal." A prospector by trade, and later claiming to be a professional wilderness guide, Packer's notoriety stems from his confession to cannibalism during the exceptionally harsh winter of 1874 in the unforgiving San Juan Mountains of Colorado. His story, a blend of survival, mystery, and gruesome details, has fascinated and repelled generations.

The Ill-Fated Expedition of 1874

In the frigid depths of January 1874, a group of six men, including Packer, embarked on a perilous journey through the snow-choked San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. This was an era defined by the allure of mineral riches, and many prospectors ventured into untamed territories in search of fortune, often underestimating the brutal power of nature. The five other men in Packer's party were Shannon Wilson Bell, James Humphrey, Frank Miller, George "California" Noon, and Israel Swan. Their objective was likely to reach the Ute Indian Agency at Los Piños, where supplies and a warmer climate awaited, but they chose a route through the heart of the mountains at the absolute peak of winter, an ill-advised decision that would prove fatal. As provisions dwindled and the relentless blizzards intensified, the group found themselves hopelessly lost, their situation growing more desperate with each passing day.

The Unveiling of a Gruesome Tale

Months later, in April 1874, only Alferd Packer emerged from the snow-covered wilderness, reaching the Ute Indian Agency. His initial account was vague; he claimed to have been abandoned by his party and suggested they had left him to perish. However, suspicions quickly arose due to his surprisingly robust appearance and his possession of money and belongings that were known to have belonged to his missing companions. Under questioning, Packer’s story began to unravel. His first detailed confession described a harrowing scenario where the group, facing starvation, had resorted to the forced cannibalism of their deceased comrades to survive. This grim admission suggested a collective and desperate act, born of extreme circumstances.

Yet, Packer soon recanted this narrative, offering an even more disturbing version of events. In his revised confession, he claimed that the other five men had indeed perished, but not from starvation alone. Instead, he alleged that a particular party member, Shannon Bell, had gone mad from hunger and had attacked the others, killing four of them. Packer then stated he shot Bell in self-defense, finding himself the sole survivor amidst the carnage. Over the subsequent weeks, snowbound and isolated, Packer confessed to having subsisted solely on the flesh of his deceased companions, a gruesome act he maintained was essential for his survival while stranded and during his arduous two-and-a-half-month trek out of the treacherous mountains. The discovery of the five mutilated bodies near Lake City in the summer of 1874, bearing clear signs of dismemberment and flesh removal, lent a horrifying credibility to at least parts of Packer's second, more chilling confession.

A Fugitive's Nine-Year Flight

Despite his confessions, questions lingered about Packer's shifting stories and the exact nature of the deaths. Facing arrest and further investigation, Packer managed to escape from a makeshift jail in Saguache, Colorado, in August 1874. He successfully evaded authorities for nearly a decade, living under various aliases and migrating through the American West, a ghost haunting the edges of civilization. It wasn't until March 1883, nine long years after his escape, that he was finally recognized and apprehended in Cheyenne, Wyoming, living under the name John Schwartze. His capture brought a renewed focus on the infamous Colorado cannibalism case.

Justice Served (Eventually)

Alferd Packer was brought back to Lake City, Colorado, to face justice. His first trial in April 1883 was sensational. Despite his claims of self-defense and survival against impossible odds, the jury found him guilty of premeditated murder for the death of Israel Swan, one of his companions. He was sentenced to death by hanging. However, a legal technicality emerged: the original murder indictment was based on a law that had been repealed before the crime was committed. This allowed Packer to win a retrial. In his second trial, held in 1886, the charges were reduced, and he was ultimately convicted on five counts of voluntary manslaughter – one for each of his slain companions. He received a sentence of 40 years in the Colorado State Penitentiary at Cañon City, a considerable punishment for the time. Packer served 18 years of his sentence before being paroled in 1901, a decision that sparked public debate, though by then, he was an old man, and the direct witnesses and memories of the horrific events had faded for many.

Alferd Packer's Enduring Legacy in Popular Culture

The macabre tale of Alferd Packer has, perhaps inevitably, transcended its historical context to become a fixture in American folklore and popular culture. His story has been adapted, often with significant artistic license, across various mediums. In 1980, the film The Legend of Alfred Packer offered an almost entirely fictitious biopic of his exploits, portraying a highly dramatized version of the events. More famously, in 1993, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park, released Cannibal! The Musical. This cult classic took a decidedly comedic and heavily fabricated approach to Packer’s story, transforming the gruesome events into a musical comedy that further cemented his place in cultural consciousness, albeit in a highly stylized and often absurd manner. To this day, the legend of Alferd Packer continues to be a dark, captivating footnote in the rugged history of the American West.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alferd Packer

Who was Alferd Packer?
Alferd Packer was an American prospector and self-proclaimed wilderness guide infamous for confessing to cannibalism during a desperate expedition in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado in 1874.
Why is he called "The Colorado Cannibal"?
He earned this moniker due to his confession that he consumed the flesh of his five companions to survive after they perished during a snowbound winter expedition in the Colorado mountains.
What happened during the 1874 expedition?
Packer and five other men attempted to cross the San Juan Mountains in peak winter. They became lost and stranded, leading to the deaths of his companions and Packer's subsequent survival through cannibalism, according to his confessions.
What were the different versions of Packer's story?
Initially, Packer claimed his party abandoned him. Later, he confessed the group resorted to forced cannibalism of deceased members. His final, and most detailed, confession claimed that one party member, Shannon Bell, killed the others, and Packer shot Bell in self-defense, subsequently surviving on their flesh.
Was Alferd Packer ever tried for his crimes?
Yes, after escaping for nine years, he was apprehended and tried. He was initially convicted of premeditated murder and sentenced to death, but won a retrial. He was then convicted on five counts of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 40 years in prison.
How much time did Alferd Packer serve in prison?
Alferd Packer served 18 years of his 40-year sentence before being paroled in 1901.
What is Alferd Packer's cultural legacy?
His story has been retold in books, films, and even a cult musical. Notable adaptations include the 1980 film The Legend of Alfred Packer and the 1993 musical comedy Cannibal! The Musical, both of which portray his tale with varying degrees of factual accuracy and artistic interpretation.