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 home in Taos, New Mexico. It was once the house of Charles Bent, who was the very first Governor of the New Mexico Territory for the United States. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about his life and the history of the area.
Who Was Charles Bent?
Charles Bent was an important person in New Mexico's history. In 1846, during the Mexican–American War, he was chosen to be the first American governor of the New Mexico Territory.
Before becoming governor, Bent was a very successful trader. He owned many wagon trains that traveled the famous Santa Fe Trail. He also had trading posts in places like Santa Fe and Taos.
Bent also helped build Bent's Fort in Colorado. He built it with his brother William and a partner named Ceran St. Vrain. This fort became a well-known trading spot for Native Americans and early mountain men. They would trade supplies for furs and buffalo hides there.
When the United States took control of New Mexico, some local people were unhappy with the change. In January 1847, a group of people protested at Governor Bent's home. His family had to escape through a secret hole in the wall to a neighbor's house to be safe.
Visiting the Museum
The Governor Bent House is now a private museum that you can visit. It is located at 117 Bent Street, just north of the Taos Plaza.
Inside the museum, you can see many interesting items and artifacts from that time period. You can even see the actual hole in the wall that Governor Bent's family used to escape! The museum also displays artwork by local artists.
The house itself is an old building, built around 1835. It is made of adobe bricks covered with stucco, which is a common building style in New Mexico. The Governor Bent House is recognized as an important historical site. It is listed on both the State Register of Cultural Properties and the National Register of Historic Places. Besides the museum, the building also has an art gallery and some rental spaces.
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