Wetherill, Richard 1898-1984

Richard Wetherill, his brother-in-law Charles Mason and Ute tribe member, Acowitz are credited with "discovering" Cliff Palace and Spruce Tree House in what is now Mesa Verde National Park in December 1888. Richard spent the rest of his life exploring Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. In 1896, he began excavating Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon; by 1898 he had made Chaco Canyon their home, establishing a trading post at Pueblo Bonito. Richard Wetherill was shot to death on June 22, 1910. Chis-chilling Begay was convicted of the murder. Richard Wetherill II, was the oldest son of Richard Wetherill and Marietta Palmer Wetherill and was 12 years old when his father was murdered. The family moved to Farmington, NM immediately after the murder, and later to Cuba, NM. Richard II died in 1984.

From the description of Oral history interview with Richard Wetherill II, 1977 December 1-4. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 317399769

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