BIG PHIL THE CANNIBAL
Legends of cannibals and ravenous mountain men have long colored Western frontier lore. Most people are familiar with the 1846–47 Donner Party tragedy in the Sierra Nevada, and many have heard of “Liver-Eating” Johnston and Alferd Packer, the “Colorado Cannibal.” But few are aware of one of the more despicable figures ever to lurk in the Rocky Mountain West.
Eastern-born Charles Gardner was best known as “Big Phil,” a nickname referring to his massive frame (6 foot 6 and 230 pounds) and the fact he was from Philadelphia. During his westering life he picked up several other monikers, including “Mountain Phil” and
