The incredible journey of Robert Campbell, a prominent fur trader, astute frontiersman, influential merchant, and dedicated Indian Commissioner, began in Ireland on February 4, 1804. Born the youngest son of Hugh Campbell, Sr., and his second wife, Robert faced limited inheritance prospects in his homeland, prompting his emigration to the United States in 1822, following his older brother Hugh, Jr. His ambition and sharp business acumen would soon make Robert Campbell one of St. Louis’s most respected and wealthiest citizens.
Early Ventures into the American Frontier
Despite a lack of formal education, young Robert quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for commerce, securing a position in the bustling western trade hub of St. Louis, Missouri. A significant turn in his life came with a diagnosis of tuberculosis, which led physicians to recommend an outdoor lifestyle for his health. This advice inadvertently propelled him into the heart of the American fur trade, a move that would define his early career and lay the groundwork for his future success.
In November 1825, Campbell embarked on a pivotal expedition to the Rocky Mountains, joining the legendary Jedediah Smith. This venture was backed by William H. Ashley and his burgeoning Rocky Mountain Fur Company, placing Campbell among a group of seasoned explorers and traders. His companions included notable figures such as Hiram Scott, James Beckwourth, Moses Harris, Louis Vasquez, David Jackson, and William Sublette. These formative years in the wilderness were instrumental in shaping his character and understanding the intricate dynamics of frontier life and trade.
Partnership and the Pinnacle of the Fur Trade
By 1832, Robert Campbell solidified his position in the fur trade by forming a formidable partnership with William L. Sublette, a renowned trapper. Their enterprise directly challenged the dominance of the powerful American Fur Company, marking them as serious contenders in the competitive market. The same year, Campbell participated in the historic Battle of Pierre’s Hole in present-day Idaho, a significant conflict that underscored the perils and volatile nature of the fur trade era.
A year later, in 1833, Campbell and Sublette further expanded their operations by constructing Fort William near the mouth of the Yellowstone River in what is now North Dakota. This strategically located post was established in direct competition with the nearby Fort Union, a stronghold of the American Fur Company. Fort William became a vital center for trading buffalo robes, fostering relationships with local Native American tribes, including the Assiniboine, Cree, and Gros Ventre, who were crucial suppliers for their lucrative trade.
Transitioning from Furs to a Mercantile Empire
With keen foresight, both Campbell and Sublette recognized the inevitable decline of the fur trade as early as 1835. Adaptable and pragmatic, they began a strategic shift, pivoting their focus towards dry goods and river trading. This transition marked the beginning of their diversification into more stable and long-term business ventures. In September 1836, their partnership invested in a brick building at 7 Main Street in St. Louis, Missouri, signaling their commitment to establishing a permanent mercantile base. From this point, they expanded their investments into various sectors, including banking and real estate, laying the foundation for a vast financial empire.
Robert Campbell’s personal life also flourished during this period. In February 1841, he married Virginia Kyle, and together they would have 13 children. Tragically, the era was fraught with devastating diseases such as cholera, diphtheria, and measles, and only three of their many children survived to outlive their parents, a common heartache of the 19th century.
Post-Partnership Success and Public Service
The partnership between Sublette and Campbell, though immensely successful, eventually dissolved in 1842. However, their bond of friendship endured. Sadly, William Sublette fell seriously ill and passed away in 1845, leaving Campbell to continue their shared legacy. Robert Campbell remained actively engaged in significant public affairs, attending the Fort Laramie Treaty gathering in 1851, an important event in the history of US-Native American relations. During the Mexican-American War, he played a crucial role by helping to form a regiment, which he subsequently commanded, demonstrating his leadership beyond the realm of commerce.
A St. Louis Luminary and Lasting Legacy
In 1854, the Campbells made a significant move, relocating from the bustling city center to the exclusive and elite neighborhood of Lucas Place in St. Louis. Here, Robert and Virginia continued their ascent through the social ranks, establishing themselves as prominent figures in the city’s high society. Robert Campbell solidified his reputation as one of Missouri’s wealthiest individuals, continually expanding his substantial real estate holdings, which stretched as far as El Paso, Texas, and Kansas City, Missouri. His business acumen saw him serving as president of two banks and managing the finest hotel in the city, the prestigious Southern Hotel, further cementing his influence and financial power.
Campbell’s commitment to diversifying his business interests continued throughout his life, ensuring his prosperity until his passing in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 16, 1879. His beloved wife, Virginia, followed him in death in 1882. Both were laid to rest alongside their children at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis. Their magnificent residence was bequeathed to their three surviving sons: Hugh, Hazlett, and James. These sons, shielded by their parents’ immense fortune, lived out their lives within the family home, none ever marrying, a testament to their unique circumstances.
Today, the Campbell House stands preserved as the Campbell House Museum, located at 1508 Locust Street in St. Louis. It offers a unique glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of a wealthy 19th-century St. Louis family, complete with original furnishings and decorations. The museum serves as a lasting tribute to Robert Campbell, a remarkable frontiersman and businessman whose contributions profoundly shaped the development of the American West and the thriving city of St. Louis.
