Mariano Medina Author:Zethyl Gates Born in Taos, New Mexico, in 1812, Mariano Medina was a friend of Kit Carson, Jim Bridger, and Louis Vasquez. Like these other legendary mountain men, he made his living as a trapper until the decline of the "hide trade." He then put his knowledge of the wilderness at the service of John Charles Fremont in his exploration of the West and served ... more »as a guide on Captain Randolph Barnes Marcy's hair-raising winter trek across the Rockies during the Mormon War.
With the days of trapping and exploration behind him, Medina settled on the Big Thompson near present day Loveland, Colorado. Starting with a toll bridge, he eventually built a fort and trading post. "Marianne's Crossing" soon became a favorite stopping place for the growing numbers of Western travelers.
The book details virtually everything that is known about this important Colorado pioneer and his colorful family. Written in a lively style and well researched, the book is an important contribution to early Colorado history, and to the history of Spanish speaking people in the state in particular.« less