Charles Bent was born on November 11, 1799, in what is now Charleston, West Virginia. At the time, this area was considered part of Virginia. He was the son of Silas Bent, a prominent judge in the Missouri Supreme Court, and the brother of William Bent, a well-known rancher and trader. Charles was raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where he developed a strong interest in commerce and trade from a young age.
After completing his education, Charles Bent set out to make a name for himself in the world of business. In the early 1830s, he established a successful career as a fur trader, partnering with Ceran St. Vrain to form the Bent & St. Vrain Company. This business venture quickly gained prominence and allowed Bent to establish himself as a respected figure in the trade industry.
In his late twenties, Charles Bent made the bold decision to relocate to the New Mexico Territory. This move proved to be pivotal in his career, as he quickly immersed himself in the local community and established valuable connections with both Native American tribes and European settlers. In 1835, he married Maria Ignacia Jaramillo, a native of Taos, further cementing his ties to the region.
Charles Bent's leadership qualities did not go unnoticed, and in late 1846, he was appointed as the first governor of the New Mexico Territory. This was a significant milestone in his career, as he now had the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the region's governance and development. However, his tenure was short-lived, as tragedy struck just a few months later.
Unfortunately, Charles Bent's time as governor was cut short by the Taos Revolt of 1847. During this uprising, he lost his life, becoming a tragic figure in the history of the New Mexico Territory. Despite his untimely death, his legacy lived on, with one of the trading posts he frequented in La Junta, Colorado, being designated a National Historic Site in his honor.
Charles Bent's family played a significant role in shaping his life and career. His sister-in-law, Josefa Jaramillo, went on to marry the famous frontiersman and military man Kit Carson, further solidifying the family's ties to the frontier lifestyle. Charles's upbringing in a prominent and influential family undoubtedly contributed to his success as an entrepreneur and politician.
Charles Bent's life was a testament to his determination and pioneering spirit. From his early days as a fur trader to his eventual role as governor of the New Mexico Territory, he made a lasting impact on the region and left a legacy that continues to be honored to this day. Though his life was cut short, his contributions to the development of the American West will always be remembered.