Charles Bent (November 11, 1799 – January 19, 1847) is appointed as the first Governor of the newly acquired New Mexico Territory by Governor Stephen Watts Kearny in September 1846.

Bent had been working as a fur trader in the region since 1828, with his younger brother William and later partner Ceran St. Vrain.

Though his office is in Santa Fe, Bent maintains his residence and a store in Taos.

On January 19, 1847, he is scalped and killed by Pueblo attackers during the Taos Revolt.