Governor Charles Bent House facts for kids
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Governor Charles Bent House
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Governor Charles Bent House
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 Location in New Mexico
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| Location | 117 Bent Street, Taos, New Mexico |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1830 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001831 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 16, 1978 |
The Governor Bent House is a historic building in Taos, New Mexico. It was once the home of Charles Bent, who became the very first Governor of the New Mexico Territory for the United States. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about its interesting past.
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Who Was Charles Bent?
Charles Bent was an important person in the history of New Mexico. In 1846, during the Mexican–American War, he was chosen to be the governor of the New Mexico territory. This was a big change for the people living there.
For many centuries, Native American groups had lived on the land. Later, Hispanic people arrived during the time of Spanish rule and then when Mexico owned the land. When the United States took control, it created new challenges and disagreements among these different groups.
In January 1847, some people were very upset about the new American government. An angry group went to Governor Bent's home. Governor Bent was killed during this event. His wife and children were able to escape through a hole in an adobe wall to a neighbor's house.
Bent's Life Before Becoming Governor
Before he became governor, Charles Bent was a successful trader. He owned many wagon trains that traveled along the famous Santa Fe Trail. He also had trading posts in important towns like Santa Fe and Taos.
Bent also helped build Bent's Fort in Colorado with his brother William and Ceran St. Vrain. This fort became a well-known trading center. It was a place where Native Americans and early mountain men could trade supplies for things like furs and buffalo hides.
The Governor Bent House Museum
Today, the Governor Bent House is a private museum. It is open to the public and is located just north of the Taos Plaza at 117 Bent Street. When you visit, you can see items and information about the events that happened there.
Inside the museum, you can even see the actual hole in the wall that Governor Bent's family used to escape. The museum also displays artwork created by local artists.
The building itself is a good example of traditional Hispanic architecture. It was built around 1835 using adobe bricks covered with stucco. The house is recognized as an important historical site. It has been on the State Register of Cultural Properties since 1969 and the National Register of Historic Places. Besides the museum, the building also has an art gallery and some rental units.
See also
