Charlie Glass an African American Cowboy

Third from the left in this picture is Charlie Glass. Charlie was a long time resident of Moab. A ranch owner and a business man Charlie was a rarety in the west and especially Utah.

Often Utah is viewed as a very homogenous state being mostly of European descent but during the early part of the 20th century Moab had a sizable population of African Americans. Many of them came to work in the mines hauling ore out for further refining. Others like Charlie came to escape a savage life and memories from farther east.

Charlie's father had been considered an outlaw in Oaklahoma and eventually was caught. In a time when transporting prisoners was a difficult process the bounty hunters opted to kill Charlie's father and bring his head into to trial in northern Oaklahoma.

Charlie later related that his drinking habit was inspired by these events.

In a time when America was segregated Charlie stratled the line between white and black social groups. He had many friends among the white citizens of the Moab area. Yet he also loved to visit his own people who worked hard in the mines. The picture above is a rare picture of Charlie without his hat on.

Charlie was wounded in a violent skirmish with a group of Basque shephards in response to his shooting of one of their countrymen. Though Charlie survied the fight he passed away in transit to the hospital.

Charlie Glass represents a facsinating part of Moabs history. For more information on Charlie visit the museum an check out the Canyon Legacy.