Robert Campbell – Frontiersman to Business Man
Robert Campbell’s life stands as a testament to the transformative power of ambition, adaptability, and a keen business sense in the burgeoning landscape of 19th-century America. Born in Ireland on February 4, 1804, he was the youngest son of Hugh Campbell, Sr., and his second wife. As a younger son with limited inheritance prospects, Robert’s future in Ireland seemed uncertain. This reality propelled him to seek new opportunities across the Atlantic, following his older brother, Hugh, Jr., to the United States in 1822 at the age of 18. Little did he know that this decision would set him on a path from a humble immigrant to a prominent figure in the American West.
The early years in the United States were formative for Robert Campbell. Despite lacking formal education, Campbell quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for business. This innate ability secured him a position in the bustling western trade hub of St. Louis, Missouri. The city, a gateway to the vast American frontier, presented Campbell with both challenges and opportunities. Ironically, a diagnosis of tuberculosis led to a doctor’s advice to embrace an outdoor life, a recommendation that would significantly shape the trajectory of his career.
In November 1825, Campbell’s life took a pivotal turn when he joined Jedediah Smith on an expedition to the Rocky Mountains. This venture, backed by William H. Ashley and his Rocky Mountain Fur Company, immersed Campbell in the rugged and demanding world of the fur trade. The company included a number of experienced explorers and traders, including Hiram Scott, James Beckwourth, Moses Harris, Louis Vasquez, David Jackson, and William Sublette. These men, seasoned in the ways of the wilderness, became Campbell’s mentors and comrades, shaping his understanding of the frontier and its intricate dynamics. The Rocky Mountain expedition marked the beginning of Robert Campbell’s transformation from a novice businessman to a seasoned frontiersman.
The harsh realities of the fur trade demanded resilience, resourcefulness, and an understanding of the complex relationships between trappers, traders, and Native American tribes. Campbell thrived in this environment, demonstrating a natural ability to navigate the challenges of the wilderness and build rapport with diverse groups of people. The knowledge and experience he gained during this period proved invaluable as he began to carve his own path in the American West.
In 1832, Robert Campbell forged a significant partnership with the renowned trapper William L. Sublette. This alliance marked a bold move, directly challenging the dominance of the powerful American Fur Company. That same year, he participated in the Battle of Pierre’s Hole in present-day Idaho, a significant clash between fur trappers and Native American tribes. The partnership between Campbell and Sublette proved to be a formidable force in the fur trade.
In 1833, Campbell and Sublette established Fort William near the mouth of the Yellowstone River in present-day North Dakota. This trading post, strategically positioned to compete with the nearby Fort Union, became a hub for the exchange of goods and furs with local Native American tribes, primarily the Assiniboine, Cree, and Gros Ventre. Fort William played a crucial role in the regional fur trade, solidifying Campbell and Sublette’s reputation as shrewd and successful entrepreneurs. Robert Campbell’s involvement in establishing and managing Fort William showcased his business acumen and his ability to thrive in the competitive world of frontier commerce.
However, Campbell and Sublette were astute enough to recognize the shifting economic landscape. They understood that the fur trade, while lucrative in the short term, was ultimately a declining industry. As a result, they began to diversify their business interests, shifting their focus towards dry goods and river trading from 1835 onwards. This strategic pivot demonstrated their foresight and adaptability, ensuring their continued success as the American West evolved.
In September 1836, Campbell and Sublette further solidified their business ventures by purchasing a brick building at 7 Main Street in St. Louis, Missouri. This acquisition served as a foundation for their expanding investments in banking, real estate, and other ventures. Their diversified portfolio reflected their commitment to long-term growth and their understanding of the importance of adapting to changing market conditions.
Beyond his business ventures, Robert Campbell also cultivated a personal life. In February 1841, he married Virginia Kyle, a union that would produce 13 children. However, tragedy struck the family repeatedly as diseases such as cholera, diphtheria, and measles claimed the lives of many of their children, with only three surviving their parents. This personal hardship underscored the challenges and vulnerabilities of life in the 19th century.
In 1842, Sublette and Campbell decided to dissolve their partnership, marking the end of an era. Despite the dissolution, the two men remained close friends, a testament to the mutual respect and camaraderie they had forged during their years of collaboration. Sadly, Sublette’s life was cut short by illness in 1845.
Robert Campbell continued to play an active role in shaping the American West. He attended the Fort Laramie Treaty gathering in 1851, a significant event aimed at establishing peaceful relations between the U.S. government and various Native American tribes. During the Mexican-American War, he demonstrated his patriotism by helping to form a regiment, which he commanded.
As his wealth and influence grew, Campbell and his family moved to the exclusive Lucas Place neighborhood in St. Louis in 1854. There, Robert and Virginia continued to climb the social ladder, becoming prominent figures in the city’s elite circles. Campbell’s business empire expanded to encompass real estate holdings as far as El Paso, Texas, and Kansas City, Missouri. He also served as president of two banks and managed the Southern Hotel, one of the finest establishments in the city.
Campbell continued to diversify his business interests and prospered until his death in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 16, 1879. His wife, Virginia, passed away in 1882. Both are buried with their children at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. Their home was left to their sons Hugh, Hazlett, and James. The three lived off their parents’ fortune for their entire lives, and none married. The home is now preserved as the Campbell House Museum, complete with the original furnishings and decorations, located at 1508 Locust Street in St. Louis. The Campbell House Museum stands as a tangible reminder of Robert Campbell’s legacy and the opulent lifestyle he achieved through his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.