<P> In 1812 Robert Stuart and six companions from the Pacific Fur Company ( the Astorians ) happened to cross the Rockies at this point , while trying to avoid Indians further north , on their return to St. Louis , Missouri from Astoria , Oregon . In 1856 Ramsay Crooks , one of the party , wrote a letter describing their journey : </P>
who discovered south pass in the oregon country
Robert Stuart and six companions from the Pacific Fur Company