Charles Bent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Bent
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| Governor of New Mexico | |
| In office September 22, 1846 – January 19, 1847 |
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| Preceded by | Juan Bautista Vigil y Alarid |
| Succeeded by | Donaciano Vigil |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 11, 1799 Charleston, Virginia, U.S. (now West Virginia) |
| Died | January 19, 1847 (aged 47) Taos, New Mexico Territory, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Assassination |
| Resting place | Santa Fe National Cemetery |
| Spouse | Maria Ignacia Jaramillo |
| Children | Alfred, Estifina, Maria Teresina, George (died as infant), Virginia (died as infant) |
| Relatives | Silas Bent (father) Martha Kerr Bent (mother) Juliannah (sister) John (brother) Lucy (sister) Dorcas (sister) William Bent (brother) Mary (sister) George (brother) Robert (brother) Edward (brother) Silas Bent III (brother) George Bent (nephew) Owl Woman (sister-in-law) Lilburn Boggs (brother-in-law) Silas Bent IV (nephew) Henry C. Boggs (nephew) Charles Marion Russell (nephew) James Kerr (uncle) |
| Education | United States Military Academy |
Charles Bent (born November 11, 1799 – died January 19, 1847) was an American businessman and politician. He became the first civilian governor of the New Mexico Territory. This happened after the United States took control of the area during the Mexican-American War in September 1846.
Bent had been a fur trader in the region since 1828. He worked with his younger brother, William, and later with his partner Ceran St. Vrain. Although his main office was in Santa Fe, Bent lived and ran a trading post in Taos. On January 19, 1847, Charles Bent was killed by Pueblo warriors during an event known as the Taos Revolt.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Charles Louis Bent was born in Charleston, Virginia. He was the oldest of ten children. His parents were Judge Silas Bent and Martha Kerr.
His brothers and sisters included Juliannah, John, Lucy, Dorcas, William, Mary, George, Robert, Edward, and Silas.
A Career in Trade and Politics
Building a Trading Empire
After leaving the army in 1828, Charles Bent and his younger brother, William, traveled from St. Louis to Santa Fe. They used a wagon train filled with goods. In Santa Fe, they set up business connections. They then began many trading trips along the Santa Fe Trail.
In 1832, Charles Bent started a business with Ceran St. Vrain. Their company was called Bent & St. Vrain Company. Besides their store in Taos, New Mexico, they built several "forts." These were strong trading posts. They helped with trade with the Plains Indians. Famous forts included Fort Saint Vrain in Colorado and Bent's Fort on the Arkansas River. Bent's Fort has been rebuilt and is now a National Historic Site.
Becoming Governor
After the Mexican-American War, the United States took control of New Mexico. Many people living there were not happy about this new American rule. Some missed their old ties with Mexico. Others worried about losing their property. Some people also disliked Charles Bent, who became the first American governor.
In December 1846, some important families in New Mexico began planning a rebellion. Governor Bent and Colonel Sterling Price learned about this plan. Some of the rebellion's leaders were arrested. However, two important leaders managed to escape.
His Death
In January 1847, while still governor, Bent visited his home in Taos. He traveled without military protection. After he arrived, a group of Pueblo Native American attackers killed him in his home. They were acting under the orders of Mexican plotters. This event helped start the Taos Revolt.
The women and children in Bent's home were not harmed. They escaped to a neighbor's house through a hole in a wall. Charles Bent is buried in the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. In the months that followed, Colonel Price stopped the uprising. The revolt ended in July 1847. Many rebels were caught, and some were punished.
Family Life
In 1835, Charles Bent married Maria Ignacia Jaramillo. She was from Taos, New Mexico. Maria's younger sister, Josefa Jaramillo, later married the famous frontiersman Kit Carson.
Charles and Maria had five children: Alfred, Estifina, Teresina, George, and Virginia. George and Virginia died when they were infants. Alfred was killed in Taos in 1865.
Enslaved People
Charles Bent owned enslaved people, including a couple named Charlotte and Dick Green. They worked at Bent's Fort. After Charles Bent's death, his brother William Bent freed Charlotte and Dick.
Legacy
Bent Street in Taos is named after Charles Bent. It runs in front of what used to be his home. Martyr's Lane, which is behind his home, is also named for him.
The Governor Charles Bent House is now a museum. There is also an elementary school in Albuquerque named in his honor.
See also
- List of assassinated American politicians
