Fred Lambert – Lawman, Poet, Painter
The American West is replete with figures whose lives transcended singular roles, individuals who embodied the spirit of a multifaceted frontier. Among these remarkable characters stands Fred Lambert, a man whose life was a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of law enforcement, artistic expression, and a deep connection to the land he called home. Born into the heart of a burgeoning New Mexico town, Fred Lambert would become known as a territorial marshal, a published poet, a talented painter, and a preserver of history.
Charles Fred "Cyclone" Lambert entered the world on a blustery winter night in 1887, within the walls of Room #31 of the famed St. James Hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico. The circumstances of his birth were as colorful as the era itself. A blizzard raged outside, and a jovial guest, none other than the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, playfully suggested the infant be named "Cyclone Dick." While his mother, Mary, wasn’t entirely convinced, she acquiesced, and Cody was honored by being named Fred’s godfather. This connection to Buffalo Bill would prove significant, as Cody later imparted his knowledge of firearms to the young Fred Lambert.
Fred’s father, Henri Lambert, was a man of considerable history himself. A former personal chef to President Abraham Lincoln, Henri established Lambert’s Inn in 1872, which subsequently evolved into the St. James Hotel. This establishment quickly gained notoriety as a hub of activity during the Old West’s most raucous period. The inn became a haven for both the famous and the infamous. Figures like Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Jesse James, Black Jack Ketchum, and Clay Allison frequented the establishment, their presence contributing to its legendary status. Growing up amidst such colorful characters, Fred absorbed the atmosphere of the Wild West.
The St. James Hotel earned a reputation for violence. During the saloon’s early years, a staggering 27 men met their end within its walls. The hotel’s notoriety was such that common expressions in Cimarron during the 1870s included, "Who was killed at Lambert’s last night?" and "It appears Lambert had himself another man for breakfast." The sheer volume of violence prompted the Lambert sons to reinforce the dining area during a 1902 remodel. They counted over 400 bullet holes in the ceiling, many of which are still visible today. A double layer of heavy wood was installed to protect those sleeping upstairs from stray bullets, a testament to the turbulent times.
Even as a youth, Fred Lambert displayed a strong work ethic and a willingness to embrace responsibility. At the age of 15, he worked as a freight wagon driver on the route between Cimarron and Taos, navigating the rugged terrain and unpredictable conditions of the New Mexico Territory. Simultaneously, he took on a position with the Indian Police, demonstrating a commitment to upholding the law.
One of Fred’s early assignments with the Indian Police involved staking out Picuris Peak near the Taos Pueblo. Along with two other deputies, Fred found himself in a confrontation with a group of outlaws suspected of trafficking moonshine. The deputies observed a train of mules and six men descending the trail, their cargo laden with whiskey. As Fred approached the group, the leader, Juan Gallegos, drew his gun. However, Fred’s reflexes were quicker. He grabbed the gun around the cylinder as the hammer fell, resulting in a severe injury to the web of his hand. Undeterred, Fred used his other hand to draw his own weapon and struck Gallegos between the eyes. Securing the upper hand, the deputies apprehended the entire gang. Fred, however, carried the scar on his hand as a permanent reminder of the encounter.
The year following this event, at the tender age of 16, Fred Lambert achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the youngest Territorial Marshal in New Mexico. This appointment marked the beginning of a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, during which he served in various capacities, always dedicated to upholding justice and maintaining order.
Early in his career, Fred benefited from the mentorship of Frank Harrington, the man responsible for shooting Black Jack Ketchum, which led to his capture. Harrington took Fred behind the stone walls of the Cimarron Jail and imparted his knowledge of firearms, honing Fred’s skills and preparing him for the challenges that lay ahead.
By the time Fred assumed the role of Sheriff of Cimarron, the town’s wild days had largely subsided. The most pressing issue he often faced was managing the drunken antics of "Bunny" Alpers, who also happened to be the mayor. Alpers had a penchant for Saturday night binges, and whenever he passed out or caused trouble at the tavern, the barkeeper would signal Fred by hanging a red railroad lantern on the porch. Fred would then load the unconscious mayor into a wheelbarrow and transport him home, depositing him in front of his residence.
Beyond his role as a lawman, Fred Lambert possessed a diverse range of interests and talents. He married a woman named Katie Hoover, and together they adopted a Navajo boy named Manuel Cruz, demonstrating their compassion and commitment to family. In addition to his law enforcement duties, Fred was an active rancher, deeply connected to the land and its resources. He also undertook the restoration of the Aztec Mill, built in 1864 by Lucien B. Maxwell of the Maxwell Land Grant. For many years, Fred operated the historic grist mill as a museum and tourist attraction, preserving a vital piece of Cimarron’s history. Today, the Cimarron Historical Society continues to operate the Aztec Mill Museum, a testament to Fred’s dedication to preservation. His efforts also led to the placement of historical markers at numerous other landmarks in Cimarron, ensuring that their stories would be remembered.
Mr. Lambert was known for his caring and thoughtful nature, and he was a man of considerable intellect. He expressed his creativity through poetry, publishing his works and contributing to several books. He also created numerous pen and ink drawings and paintings throughout his life. He published a book of his poems and pen and ink drawings titled Bygone Days Of The Old West and contributed to other books, including A Cowboy Detective and New Mexico, A Guide to the Colorful State. He also assisted in preparing a book on the history of the New Mexico Mounted Police, The Thin Gray Line, and wrote a brief introduction entitled, "A Few Words From an Old Mountie." Furthermore, he served as a consultant for other publications such as Satan’s Paradise: From Lucien Maxwell to Fred Lambert and Haunted Highways.
Fred Lambert‘s life came to a close on February 3, 1971, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the annals of the American West. He was a man who embodied the spirit of the frontier, a testament to the diverse talents and unwavering dedication of those who shaped the landscape of New Mexico and beyond.