Reshaw: The Life and Times of John Baptiste Richard

The Life and Times of John Bapiste Richard by Jefferson Glass Winner Wyoming Historical Society Book AwardWinner Western Writers of America Best First Nonfiction Book Spur Award John Baptiste Richard known as Reshaw the French pronunciation of his last name was both an adventurer and an opportunist. The early American West was changing fast, and Richard jumped on opportunities before most men even realized they existed.He was a fearless adrenaline junkie, always on the edge of danger in his many personifications. Richard owned several trading posts and was not above illegally trading whiskey with Indians. He built the first bridge to span the North Platte River, which washed away in high water. Despite this failure Richard continued to see the money-making possibilities of a toll bridge and rebuilt near present day Casper. From there he had a front row seat for the Westward migration. His historical contributions were not limited to Wyoming as he was a merchant in Colorado during their