On This day in New Mexico history by Michael SwickardIn 1847, first territorial governor Charles Bent was assassinated during the Taos Revolt, an insurrection by Mexicans and Native Americans. He had been appointed first territorial governor in September 1846. Though his office was in Santa Fe, Bent maintained his residence and store in Taos.
Born in Charleston, WV he attended West Point. Leaving the army, he and younger brother William in 1828 took a wagon train of goods from St. Louis to Santa Fe. They we able develop mercantile contacts over the Santa Fe Trail establishing a series of "forts" to facilitate trade with the Plains Indians, including Bent's Fort outside La Junta, CO, It has been restored and is now a National Historic Site.
Just four months after being appointed governor He was assassinated. The women in the Bent home escaped to safety through a hole in the parlor wall. Bent and renowned frontier scout
Christopher "Kit" Carson married sisters. Maria Ignacia Bent outlived her husband by thirty-six years. The Bent house is now a museum.Governor Bent Elementary School in NE Albuquerque is named in his honor.
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