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4 unusual facts about Marcelino Baca


Marcelino Baca

A native of Taos, Baca first learned beaver trapping while accompanying American groups, as the Spanish government required Mexican citizens to accompany any foreign commercial operation.

After the fur trade in the American Southwest declined, Baca trapped in the northern Rocky Mountains, and eventually settled near Pueblo, Colorado.

With the advent of the American Civil War, Baca joined the New Mexico Volunteers and was killed in a battle with invading Texans on February 21, 1862.

He was one of the minority of trappers born in New Mexico who helped to establish the Southwest fur trade.



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