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Into the Wild Frontier: Lucien Maxwell – Legend of New Mexico, April 14, 2024, INSP
On Sunday, April 14, INSP’s Into the Wild Frontier takes viewers on a journey into the life of Lucien Bonaparte Maxwell, a mountain man, rancher, scout, and farmer who became one of the largest private landowners in American history. With a focus on his encounter with a deadly clash involving the Jicarilla Apache, the episode also sheds light on his settlement in New Mexico and his ranching empire.
Born Lucien Bonaparte Maxwell in Kaskaskia, Illinois Territory, in 1818, Maxwell came from a family with a notable background. His grandfather, Pierre Menard, was a French-Canadian fur trader and the first Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Maxwell left home at 15 and gained experience in the fur trading business. He later joined the American Fur Company, where he met and befriended Kit Carson, a connection that would shape his future.
In 1844, Maxwell traveled to Taos, New Mexico, then part of Mexico, and married Luz Beaubien, daughter of Carlos Beaubien. This union tied Maxwell to the Beaubien-Miranda Land Grant, a vast but ill-defined tract of land in northeastern New Mexico. The grant, originally awarded to Beaubien and Guadalupe Miranda in 1841, spanned nearly two million acres.
Maxwell’s life took a dangerous turn when he was confronted by a band of Jicarilla Apache, but his knowledge of the land and its people helped him navigate this perilous situation. This incident underscores his understanding of the frontier and his ability to adapt to the challenges it presented.
As Maxwell’s story unfolds, viewers will learn about his settlement in Rayado, New Mexico, where he built a home with Luz and started a family. However, the threat of violence loomed as the area attracted fortune seekers after the discovery of gold on his land. This led Maxwell to sell his land and move to Fort Sumner, where he established a thriving ranching operation.
The episode will delve into Maxwell’s complex character, highlighting his generosity and hospitality as well as his ruthless side when crossed. His legacy is marked by both admiration and controversy, with some praising his entrepreneurial spirit and others questioning his treatment of those who worked for him.
Into the Wild Frontier: Lucien Maxwell – Legend of New Mexico airs on INSP at 6:00 pm on Sunday, April 14, 2024.