François Xavier Aubry facts for kids

François Xavier Aubry (born December 3, 1824 – died August 18, 1854) was a brave French-Canadian merchant and explorer. He became famous for his incredibly fast trips along the Santa Fe Trail. He also explored new routes in the Southwestern United States, especially near the 35th parallel north.

A Life of Adventure

Early Life and First Trips

François Aubry was born on December 3, 1824, in Saint-Justin, Quebec, Canada. He grew up on a farm with his parents, Joseph and Magdeleine Aubry. When he was 18, he moved to St. Louis, where he worked in a store.

Aubry soon saw how much money merchants could make by moving goods along the Santa Fe Trail. He saved his money and bought wagons and animals. In May 1846, he started his first trip on the Santa Fe Trail. He sold his goods in Santa Fe and made enough money to pay off his loans. In 1847, he moved to Independence, Missouri, and became a full-time freighter.

The "Telegraph" and "Skimmer of the Plains"

Aubry realized that being fast was key to making more money. He started making two trips a year instead of just one. This extra money helped him buy better animals. He also looked for ways to make his journeys even faster.

One time, he left Santa Fe on December 22, 1847. Despite bad weather and dangers, he reached Independence in only 14 days! This beat the old record by more than 10 days. Newspapers called him "Telegraph" Aubry because of his amazing speed. They said his effort was "bordering on the supernatural."

Aubry wanted to be even faster. In 1848, he tried to make three trips. He even brought feed for his animals because there wasn't enough grass yet. He made the return trip from Santa Fe to Independence in just 8 days and 10 hours.

For his next trip, he placed fresh horses along the route. He left Santa Fe on September 12, 1848. He arrived in Independence on September 17, after only 5 days and 16 hours! This super-fast ride won him US$5,000 in bets. People then called him the "Skimmer of the Plains."

Exploring New Routes

After his record-breaking rides, Aubry moved to Santa Fe. He explored new trade routes, including one to Chihuahua, Mexico. He also found a shorter way on the Santa Fe Trail. This new path, called the "Aubry Cutoff," saved 52 miles and offered a waterhole.

In 1852, Aubry became interested in California. He led a large group with 3,500 sheep, 100 mules, and 10 wagons of supplies. They traveled along the Rio Grande and Gila Rivers. He arrived in San Francisco after passing through Tucson and Los Angeles.

Journey Through Arizona

After selling his goods, Aubry wanted to find a direct way back to Santa Fe. His group crossed the Tejon Pass and reached the Colorado River. From there, his route is less clear, but he described cedar, pine, and deep canyons. This means he likely crossed Arizona's central mountains.

His group faced challenges from some Native American groups. On August 14, a chief pretended to be friendly. When he shook Aubry's hand, his warriors attacked with hidden clubs. Aubry's group fought back with their Colt revolvers. Almost everyone in Aubry's group was hurt, but they managed to escape. They kept fighting small battles until they reached Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico on September 6.

Discoveries and Legacy

Back in Albuquerque, Aubry told the governor about his journey. He believed a railroad could be built directly from Zuni to the Colorado River and then to California. He also spoke with Lt. Amiel Weeks Whipple, who was planning his own exploration.

Aubry's journey also led to the discovery of gold in northern Arizona. He saw Native Americans using gold for bullets near the Colorado River. It wasn't clear if they found the gold there or brought it from somewhere else.

In late 1853, Aubry planned another trip to California. He helped organize a drive of 50,000 sheep. He reached Los Angeles in January 1854 and then San Francisco. He returned to Albuquerque on August 18, 1854, with a group of 60 men.

A Sad End

Soon after arriving in Albuquerque, Aubry went to a store. There, he met Richard Hanson Weightman, a former politician and newspaper editor. Aubry and Weightman had disagreed about an article. Their argument grew into a fight. Aubry tried to use his gun, but it didn't fire. Weightman used a knife, and Aubry was badly hurt and died.

After the event, Weightman was arrested. However, during the legal proceedings, it was decided that he had acted in self-defense, and he was cleared. Aubry was buried in Santa Fe's Rosaria Cemetery.

After Aubry's death, his diary was found. In September 1854, newspapers published his travel notes. These notes sparked interest in building a railroad along the 35th parallel north. Eventually, the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad was built mostly along the route Aubry had explored.

Many places were named after François Aubry, though some are spelled "Aubrey" because of old map errors. These include Fort Aubrey in Kansas, which protected the Aubrey Cutoff. In Arizona, there was a town called Aubrey Landing near the Colorado River. Two mountains, Aubrey Peak (Hualapai Mountains) and Aubrey Peak (Rawhide Mountains), are in Mohave County. The Aubrey Valley in Yavapai County and a street in Prescott also bear his name.