James Theodore Talbot (December 25, 1825 – April 22, 1862) was an American officer and explorer during the 19th century.

When James turned eighteen, he joined John C. Frémont's expedition into the Oregon Territory, despite pressure from his family to stay in Washington.

James served as a member of the Corps of Topographical Engineers along with 38 others during the expedition, and contributed to the detailed and reliable maps created as a result.

He stayed in Vera Cruz for eight months until being reassigned to Fort Columbus on Governors Island, New York.

According to Army records, he was instructed to survey the coast of Oregon by General Persifor Frazer Smith.