Oral history interview with Richard Wetherill II
Collection
Identifier: MSS-817-BC
Scope and Content
The collection consists of 11 audio cds and 1 typed volume containing transcribed excerpts of the interview. The interview was conducted from December 1-4, 1977 by Richard Sandlin; the transcription was completed in January 1978. Richard Wetherill's wife, Morton, contributed to the interview, recounting stories that Richard's mother, Marietta.
The purpose of the interview was to document, via first hand recollections, life at the Wetherill's Chaco Canyon trading post. Although Richard II did not know his father very well, he did remember details surrounding his father's murder. Childhood and family recollections, including excavation at Chaco, trading with the Indians, and life after Richard was murdered are highlights of the interview. The interview gives insight into the Wetherill family, relationships with the Navajo, and life in the Southwest during the early-mid 20th century.
The purpose of the interview was to document, via first hand recollections, life at the Wetherill's Chaco Canyon trading post. Although Richard II did not know his father very well, he did remember details surrounding his father's murder. Childhood and family recollections, including excavation at Chaco, trading with the Indians, and life after Richard was murdered are highlights of the interview. The interview gives insight into the Wetherill family, relationships with the Navajo, and life in the Southwest during the early-mid 20th century.
Dates
- 1977 December 1-4
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or duplication.
Biographical Information
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.
Source: Wetherill, a History of Discovery
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.
Source: Wetherill, a History of Discovery
Extent
1 box (.17 cu. ft. including 11 audio CDs and 1 volume of transcribed excerpts)
Abstract
The collection consists of an audio interview with Richard Wetherill II, conducted by Richard Sandlin in December 1977. The interview gives insight into the Wetherill family, relationships with the Navajo, and life in the Southwest during the early-mid 20th century.
Separated Material
Master CDs are located in B3.
- Title
- Finding Aid of the Oral history interview with Richard Wetherill II, 1977 December 1-4
- Status
- Edited Full Draft
- Author
- B. Silbergleit
- Date
- © 2009
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu