“Uncle Dick” Wootton – American Frontiersman
Richens Lacy "Uncle Dick" Wootton, a name synonymous with the rugged spirit of the American frontier, embodies the quintessential mountain man, trapper, guide, and entrepreneur of the 19th century. Born on May 6, 1816, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, Wootton’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of adventure, resilience, and a deep connection to the untamed landscapes of the West. His story is a testament to the era of westward expansion and the individuals who shaped its course.
Wootton’s early years provided a foundation for his future life of exploration and self-reliance. At the age of seven, his family made the move to Kentucky, where he spent his formative years immersed in the rural life of the time. This period instilled in him a strong work ethic and a familiarity with the land that would serve him well in the decades to come. By the time he reached 17, Wootton was ready for a change of scenery and greater opportunities. He ventured to Mississippi, where he spent two years working on his uncle’s cotton plantation, an experience that undoubtedly broadened his horizons and prepared him for the challenges ahead.
In 1836, Wootton embarked on a pivotal journey to Independence, Missouri, a bustling hub for westward expansion. This marked the true beginning of his frontier life. Independence served as a jumping-off point for countless pioneers, traders, and adventurers heading into the vast unknown territories of the American West. Recognizing the potential for employment, he secured a position with Bent, St. Vrain & Co., a prominent trading company that played a crucial role in the commerce of the Santa Fe Trail.
Working for Bent, St. Vrain & Co. led Wootton to Bent’s Fort, a vital outpost strategically located near present-day La Junta, Colorado. This fort was more than just a trading post; it was a lifeline for those traversing the Santa Fe Trail, providing essential supplies, wagon repairs, livestock, food, water, and a sense of security in a harsh and unforgiving environment. As the only major permanent white settlement between Missouri and the Mexican settlements, Bent’s Fort served as a melting pot of cultures and a hub of activity, attracting explorers, pioneers, U.S. Army personnel, and various Native American tribes.
Shortly after arriving at Bent’s Fort, Uncle Dick Wootton was entrusted with a significant assignment. The Bent, St. Vrain & Co. dispatched him north with a group of approximately 13 men and several wagonloads of goods destined for trade with the Sioux Indians. This initial foray into trading with Native American tribes proved to be a formative experience for Wootton, sparking a passion for the life of a mountain man. He embraced this new path, dedicating himself to trapping and trading among various tribes, including the Ute, Cheyenne, Sioux, Arapaho, and Comanche. His travels took him across the vast expanse of the Rocky Mountains, reaching as far west as Washington state and later southwest to California and Arizona.
The life of a mountain man in the early 19th century was arduous and fraught with peril, demanding exceptional skills in navigation, hunting, and self-defense. Wootton, with his innate resourcefulness and adaptability, thrived in this challenging environment. He learned to navigate by the stars, track game through the wilderness, and negotiate with different Native American tribes, forging alliances and building relationships that would prove invaluable throughout his life. His intimate knowledge of the land and its inhabitants made him a sought-after guide and advisor.
However, as the 1840s approached, the fur trade began to decline, signaling a shift in the economic landscape of the West. Recognizing the changing times, Uncle Dick Wootton returned to Bent’s Fort, where he took on new roles as a hunter, scout, and freighter. His expertise in tracking and hunting game made him an invaluable asset to the fort, ensuring a steady supply of food for its inhabitants. During the Mexican-American War of 1846, Wootton’s skills were further utilized as he served as a scout for the U.S. Military, providing crucial intelligence and guidance through unfamiliar terrain.
One of Wootton’s primary duties at Bent’s Fort was to hunt buffalo, a vital source of sustenance for the fort’s inhabitants. However, the relentless hunting of buffalo for their hides led to a drastic decline in their numbers, pushing them to the brink of extinction. This ecological crisis deeply impacted the Native American tribes who depended on the buffalo for their survival and marked a turning point in the history of the American West.
Undeterred by the changing circumstances, Wootton displayed his entrepreneurial spirit by venturing into buffalo ranching near Pueblo, Colorado. He raised both buffalo and cattle, demonstrating his ability to adapt to new economic opportunities. After three years, he drove his herd east along the Santa Fe Trail to Kansas City, Missouri, where he sold them for a substantial profit. This successful venture further solidified his reputation as a resourceful and astute businessman.
In 1865, Uncle Dick Wootton made a significant move, settling near Trinidad, Colorado. He leased land from Lucien Maxwell, the owner of the vast Maxwell Land Grant, and secured franchises from the territorial legislatures of Colorado and New Mexico to construct a 27-mile toll road over Raton Pass in New Mexico. This ambitious project was a testament to his vision and his commitment to improving transportation and commerce in the region.
Employing Ute Indians to build the road, Wootton oversaw the arduous task of cutting down hillsides, blasting and removing rocks, building bridges, and grading the trail. This undertaking dramatically improved a notoriously difficult stretch of the Santa Fe Trail, making it safer and more accessible for travelers and traders. In addition to the road, he built a hotel and established a tollgate in front of his home, charging $1.50 for each wagon and 25 cents for each horseman. Notably, he allowed Native Americans to use the road free of charge, reflecting his respect for their rights and his commitment to fair treatment.
Wootton’s home also served as a stagecoach stop for the Barlow and Sanderson Stagecoach Company, providing meals and rest for weary passengers. The stage line, while facilitating travel and communication, also attracted bandits who preyed on the express stagecoaches. Wootton’s hotel became a popular gathering place for freighting teams and a hub of social activity for the local communities of Trinidad and El Moro, where dances were held weekly.
In 1878, the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railroad acquired the right of way over Raton Pass, marking the end of Wootton’s toll road operation. As part of the purchase agreement, the railroad granted him and his wife a lifetime pass and pension, recognizing his contributions to the development of the region. In 1879, at the age of 75, Uncle Dick Wootton retired to Trinidad, Colorado, where he remained until his death in 1893.
Throughout his eventful life, Wootton married four times and fathered 20 children, demonstrating his vitality and commitment to family. He outlived all but one of his wives and 17 of his children, a testament to the hardships and uncertainties of life on the frontier.
After Wootton’s passing, his wife continued to receive the pass and pension from the Santa Fe Railroad. In 1925, the railroad doubled the payment, and in 1930, it increased again to $75. Following Mrs. Wootton’s death, an invalid daughter, Miss Fidelis, received $25 per month for the duration of her life, a testament to the railroad’s continued commitment to Wootton’s legacy.
Richens Lacy “Uncle Dick” Wootton’s life embodies the spirit of the American West. From his early days as a trapper and trader to his later ventures as a rancher and toll road operator, Wootton consistently demonstrated his adaptability, resourcefulness, and unwavering determination. His contributions to the Santa Fe Trail and the development of the region cemented his place in history as a true American frontiersman. His story serves as a reminder of the individuals who shaped the West and the challenges and triumphs they faced in the pursuit of a better life. The story of Uncle Dick Wootton is the story of the American West.