Ceran St. Vrain
(May 5, 1802 - October 28, 1870 )
Born near present day St. Louis, Missouri, Ceran St. Vrain started his trapping and trading career at the age of 22.
He went to Taos, New Mexico, trapped near the North Platte River in Colorado, then entered into a partnership with George Bent. The resulting enterprise was known as the Bent-St. Vrain Company. Earning more than $40,000 annually, this alliance became one of the greatest establishments in frontier history.
The Bent St. Vrain Company built an elaborate adobe fort on the eastern Colorado plains. Along the Santa Fe Trail, this was the only privately owned fortification in the west and it became the premier trading center and rendezvous point.
Ceran St. Vrain was known and respected as far north as the Snake River and as far south as Chihuahua. When notables came to the fort, it was the "charming and gentlemanly" Ceran who entertained the visitors.
During the Taos Rebellion, St. Vrain organized a force that was instrumental in suppressing the revolt. He became part owner of a land grant which totaled over four million acres.
Eventually, Ceran settle in Mora, New Mexico where he built a flour mill and began publishing the "Santa Fe Gazette" newspaper.
When Ceran St. Vrain died, his funeral was attended by more than 2,000 people and given full military honors.
Ceran St. Vrain is buried in the family cemetery south of the high school in Mora, New Mexico.
Information compiled by Steve Grimm
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