Richens Lacy Wootton (1816-1893) - Find a Grave Memorial

Colorado Pioneer and Frontiersman. "Uncle Dick" Wootton came west in 1836. He joined the firm owned by Charles and William Bent and Ceran St. Vrain at Independence, Missouri, then went overland to Bent's Fort in southeastern Colorado near present day La Junta. For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements. For 16 years the fort provided explorers, adventurers, and the U.S. Army with supplies, wagon repairs, livestock, food, water and protection. Wootton became a scout, freighter and Indian fighter; trapped and traded in the Rocky Mountains; scouted for the US military during the Mexican War of 1846. In 1866 finally settled near Trinidad, Colorado. He was best known for the 27-mile toll road he built over Raton Pass on the Santa Fe Trail in 1865 and operated until 1878. Atchinson Topeka & Santa Fee Railroad bought him out and paid him and his wife a lifetime pension as part of the purchase price. Wootton finally moved to "town" at age 75 in 1891 when he relocated to Trinidad, Colorado.

Bio by: Fred Beisser