FORT GARLAND — On Monday, July 24 at 7 p.m. in the Mess Hall at Fort Garland Museum, Harriet Freiberger will discuss her book, “Lucian Maxwell: Villain or Visionary.” 

In the mid 1800s thousands of gold seekers raced to California with dreams of striking it rich, Lucian Maxwell chose a different route to riches: land. Maxwell was a rancher and entrepreneur who at one point owned almost two million acres in northeastern New Mexico, making him one of the largest private landowners in United States history. 

By the time he was a millionaire, gold was found on his land and he sold out to speculators.  What followed were murders, thievery and squabbles over title to land grants. 

Harriet Freiberger lived down river from the town where Lucien Maxwell grew up. Her biography of Lucien Maxwell builds a case for history’s verdict: villain or visionary. 

This is a free event, donations appreciated. For more information contact Fort Garland Museum at 719-379-3512.