William Bent was born in Missouri in 1809. He stayed in school only long enough to learn to read and write before going west to join his brother Charles in the fur trapping business.William and
Charles began trading with the Cheyenne and other Native Americans. In 1833, William, Charles, and their partner Ceran St. Vrain opened an adobe trading post on the Santa Fe Trail that came to
be known as Bent's Fort.William Bent became a trusted friend and advisor of the Cheyenne, and he became an Indian agent who understood and appreciated Native American culture. Number 6 in the
"Great Lives in Colorado History" series.Ages 8 to 10 Bilingual in English and Spanish 60 pages (English 29/Spanish 31) Paperback Trim: 5" by 8"
