Marcelino Baca
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Marcelino Baca (c. 1808 – 21 February 1862) was a 19th-century Mexican fur trader who helped to establish the fur trade in the American Southwest.
Baca was born in Taos, New Mexico to Mexican parents, a background which he allegedly despised.[1]
Trapper career
Baca spent around 9 years trapping on the Upper Missouri. By 1835, he was trapping with Jim Bridger in the Rocky Mountains.[2] In February 1837, Baca was shot in the heel by a Blackfoot while protecting a trappers fort, but survived the incident.[3]
Post–trapping
After the decline of beaver trapping in the middle of the century, Baca settled down with his family near El Pueblo and began cattle ranching. His ranch was the victim of various raids and attacks from local tribes, including the Utes and Apaches.[4][5]
Baca was hired as a guide to accompany Edward Griffin Beckwith to Fort Massachusetts.[6]
