John Baptiste Richard-known as Reshaw the French pronunciation of his last name-was both an adventurer and an opportunist.
Richard could also be considered Wyoming\'s first rancher..
His historical contributions were not limited to Wyoming as he was a merchant in Colorado during their gold rush and made frequent trips to Pueblo for supplies for his trading posts.
From there he had a front row seat for the Westward migration.
Despite this failure Richard continued to see the money-making possibilities of a toll bridge and rebuilt near present day Casper.
He built the first bridge to span the North Platte River, which washed away in high water.
Richard owned several trading posts and was not above illegally trading whiskey with Indians.
He was a fearless adrenaline junkie, always on the edge of danger in his many personifications.
The early American West was changing fast, and Richard jumped on opportunities before most men even realized they existed.
John Baptiste Richard-known as Reshaw the French pronunciation of his last name-was both an adventurer and an opportunist
