Colorado Historic Markers


North Central Colorado - The Rich Earth

Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Clear Creek, Douglas, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld Counties

Click on thumbnails to see larger images.


Begun on a Bet
Arapahoe County
In Deer Trail at Elm St. and 2nd Ave. Wooden sign is missing.
N 39°36'55.1" W 104°02'47.7" == 39.615319N 104.046581W
photos taken 5/15/2008
           
From the the Colorado Magazine, Volume 47, Number 3, Summer 1970. "Tales Told with Markers", the original sign read:
Begun on a Bet. At first, a rodeo had no chutes or fences or deadlines, just a cowboy, a horse, and the open prairie.
After long spells off by himself, one of the most lonesome, yarn-spinning, natural-born gamblers in the world - the workaday
cowboy - looked for action and found it betting he could stay atop the devil himself wrapped in horsehide if he could
be roped and saddled. Then, man and horse battled it out until one or the other gave up or gave out. One of the earliest rodeos,
the first recorded with rules and prizes, took place at Deer Trail when the Hashknife, Mill Iron, and Camp Stool outfits celebrated
the Fourth of July in 1869 trying to bust the cussedest of the biting, twisting broncos. After the daylong mixup of rawhide and
denim, the dust settled to reveal the "champion bronco buster of the plains" to be - Emilnie Gardenshire, an Englishman! Through
the years the rules have changed, but to this day rodeo remains a match between a willful cowboy and an unwilling beast. Erected
with the Deer Trail Pioneer Historical Society, 1969.

Richard S. Little
Arapahoe County
Littleton - From Santa Fe Blvd and Church St, one block west and one block south, along the Mary Carter Greenway trail next to the
South Platte River.
Originally located on Santa Fe Blvd. (US-85) just south of Church St.
N 39°36'32.1" W 105°01'23.2" == 39.608919N 105.023100W
photos taken 3/15/2008
              
From the Colorado Magazine, Volume 47, Number 3, Summer 1970. "Tales Told with Markers" article, the bronze plaque read:
Richard S. Little. Westward at the base of the hill, Richard S. Little built near a running spring the first cabin in the Littleton
area. A New England engineer, he took up a land claim here in 1860, and homesteaded in 1862. A ditch of the Capitol Hydraulic Company, which
he surveyed across this land, later powered the Rough and Ready Flour Mills erected by Little and others in 1867. On his land in 1872
he platted the town which now bears his name. He helped build its first store, hotel, church and schools. Elected to the legislature
in 1873, he promoted irrigation legislation. In 1884, he erected a substantial stone house on Rapp Avenue, where he lived with his
family until his death in 1899. Erected with the Littleton Area Historical Society, 1959.

640 Miles to Denver
Arapahoe County
At rest area on north side of I-70 3.5 miles west of Strasburg. Wooden sign replaced by 1/2002 by 4-panel sign.
maps.google.map satellite view indicates the rest area has been shut down.
N 39°44'13" W 104°23'51" == 39.736946N 104.397503W
photos taken 5/15/2008
                 
(Text from original sign.) 640 Miles to Denver. Those dangerous, discomforting days of staging to Colorado ended when the Kansas
Pacific Railroad (paralleling U.S. 40) built west to tie Denver with Kansas City and the East. Pushing their hell-on-wheels town along as
they made their way, thousands of brawling, thick-skinnned men shoveled and scraped a roadbed over the prairie, threw down roughhewn
ties - 2475 to the mile - and armed against Indian attack, ironed the road - three strokes to the spike, 25 spikes to the rail,
375 rails to the mile, 640 miles to Denver. On August 15, 1870, at 3:00 P.M., when the last rail was spiked just east of Strasburg,
for the first time it was possible to cross this continent on rail unbroken by a river crossing over temporary track laid on ice
or by ferry. On that final day, a record 10 1/4-mile gap was filled, and a 1 1/2 day ride by palace car replaced the jolting,
sleepless, week-long trip by stage and rambling two-month journey by prairie schooner over the sunburned plains. Erected with the
Comanche Crossing Historical Society, 1969.
High-Five Plains Towns - Ten Miles a Day - Bennett Country - Front Range Flight


Boulder Canyon
Boulder County
West of Boulder on south side of CO-119 between mileposts 39 and 40, about 1.8 miles west of Broadway and Canyon in Boulder.
N 40°00'48.2" W 105°18'38.6" == 40.013377N 105.310720W
photos taken 10/12/2008
              
Open Space & Mountain Parks - Rock Climbing Roots - Hidden History - High-Tech History

Coal Field Country
Boulder County
On CO-7 (N 168th Ave) 1.5 miles west of I-25. At southwest corner of CO-7 and Sheridan Parkway.
N 39°59'59.9" W 105°00'40.9" == 39.999962N 105.011372W
photos taken 01/09/2010
              
Columbine Mine - Coal Field Country

Front Range Country
Boulder County
On northbound US-36 (Denver-Boulder Turnpike) at mile marker 42.0. 1.3 miles north of McCaslin Blvd exit.
N 39°58'01.4" W 105°11'17.3" == 39.967070N 105.188161W
photos taken 01/09/2010 - The historical marker is no longer here.
           
The Arapaho Indians - Boulder - Front Range Country - Flatiorns and Front Range Geology

Lafayette
Boulder County
In Lafayette at RtD Park-n-ride at at 1080 S Public Road (northwest corner of S Public Road and City Center Circle).
N 39°59'19.0" W 105°05'23.6" == 39.988609N 105.089897W
photos taken 01/09/2010
           
Public Transportation - The Mother of Lafayette - Lafayette - Horse to Tractor

Old Engine No. 30
Boulder County
Boulder. Near southeast corner of Broadway and Canyon, between train site and bandstand.
N 40°00'55" W 105°16'44" == 40.015177N 105.278473W
photos taken 10/12/2008 - Train engine is now gone, marker may have been moved.
              
This tablet is the property of the State of Colorado. Old Engine No. 30. Operated over the narrow guage railroad (opened in 1883),
affectionately know as "the Switzerland Trail", between Boulder, Eldora, and Ward, 1898-1919; and over the Denver and South Park and the
Rio Grande Southern until 1952. A memorial to Colorado railroad and mining pioneers. Erected by the State Historical Society of Colorado
from the Wm. A. Braiden Fund and by the Arapahoe Chapter, D.A.R. 1952

Peak to Peak Highway
Boulder County
1.5 miles east of Allenspark at the scenic overlook.
N 40°11'19.8" W 105°29'59.6" == 40.188833N 105.499889W
photos taken 4/27/2022
           
Tracks & Trails of Yesterday. Peak to Peak - Past to Present

Ryssby
Boulder County
Northeast of Boulder at 9000 N 63rd St., north of US-36 Diagonal Highway.
N 40°08'22.1" W 105°12'23.8" == 40.139480N 105.206622W
photos taken 10/12/2008
           
This tablet is the property of the State of Colorado. Rsyyby. First Swedish settlement in Colorado. Begun 1869-70. Homesteaded
claims filed, 1870. Swedish ditch constructed, 1871. Log schoolhouse built, 1875. Ryssby church, religious and social center, built 1881-82.
Erected by the State Historical Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation and by descendants and friends of the original
Swedish settlers. 1933


Berthoud Pass
Clear Creek County
US-40 north of Empire
N 39°47'54.1" W 105°46'33.6" == 39.798370N 105.775987W
Photos from 5/21/2005 and 9/20/2008 showing old and new monument at pass.

     

     
This memorial is the property of the State of Colorado. Berthoud Pass. Across the Continental Divide between South Platte
and Colorado River drainages. Altitude 11,314 feet. Discovered by Capt. E. L. Berthoud, Colorado pioneer, May 12, 1861. Surveyed
by Berthoud and Jim Bridger July, 1861. Toll road opened 1874. Improved highway opened 1923. Erected by the State Historical
Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation and by the State Highway Department and the U.S. Forest Service, 1929.

Clear Creek Canyon
Clear Creek County
US-6, 2 miles east of CO-119. (Original wooden sign has been replaced.)
N 39°44'06.0" W 105°21'59.4" == 39.734991N 105.366506W
photos taken 5/31/2008
           
Pat Dirt - Chinese in Colorado - Clear Creek Contributors - Clear Creek Country

Georgetown
Clear Creek County
Beside west bound I-70, at the scenic overlook above Georgetown.
N 39°41'57.4" W 105°42'39.4" == 39.699274N 105.710939W
photos taken 7/6/2008
     
Silver Plume & Georgetown - Preserving the Past - Bighorn Sheep - Georgetown, Silver Plume

Georgetown
Clear Creek County
In Georgetown, 1/2 block west of 6th and Rose.
N 39°42'21.3" W 105°41'49.4" == 39.705917N 105.697060W
photos taken 7/5/2008
           
This memorial is the property of the State of Colorado. Commemorating the historical importance of the Georgetown Mining
Region
. The Griffith Lode (2500 ft. N.E.), later a silver producer was discovered June 17, 1859, by George W. Griffith,
for whom Georgetown was named. Town site claimed June 29, 1860. The Belmont Lode (5.7 miles S.W.), first important silver
discovery in Colorado, located Sept. 14, 1864. Boom productions in 1870s and 1880s. Metal output totals $50,000,000.
Erected by the State Historical Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation and by the Georgetown Library Association, 1935.

Georgetown Loop
Clear Creek County
In Georgetown, at the end of Loop Drive near the train station, at the end of the upper parking lot by the bicycle path.
N 39°42'06.7" W 105°42'19.0" == 39.701881N 105.705271W
photos taken 7/5/2008
           
This memorial is the property of the State of Colorado. Site of the high bridge of the Georgetown Loop. Famed scenic
railroad attraction, built in 1883-84 as a branch of the Union Pacific, and later acquired by the Colorado and Southern.
Here the railroad track looped over itself. The high bridge being 75 feet above the track beneath. Daily trains bulging
with awed excursionists once climbed the loop. It was abandoned and the high trestle dismantled in 1939. Erected by the
State Historical Society of Colorado from the William A. Braiden Foundation and by the Georgetown Civic Association, 1947.

Hotel de Paris
Clear Creek County
In Georgetown, near 6th and Taos on the front wall of the Hotel de Paris.
N 39°42'21.4" W 105°41'44.9" == 39.705956N 105.695817W
photos taken 7/5/2008
           
This memorial is the property of the State of Colorado. Hotel de Paris. A Norman inn built in a great silver mining
camp by a mysterious Frenchman called Louis Depuy. Opened in 1875, richly furnished from New York and abroad. It became
nationally noted for Continental delicacies and the literary bent of its proprietor, a philosopher, social rebel and master
cook. Upon his death in 1900, Dupuy was revealed as Adolphe Francois Gerard, a French gentleman and refugee, formerly a
journalist in Paris, London and New York. Erected by the State Historical Society of Colorado and the Colonial Dames Society
in Colorado, 1954.

McClellan Opera House
Clear Creek County
In Georgetown, on the west side of 6th Street, between Taos Street and the Hotel de Paris.
N 39°42'21.5" W 105°41'45.8" == 39.705986N 105.696063W
photos taken 7/5/2008
        
This memorial is the property of the State of Colorado. McClellan Opera House. In 1868 Erskine McClellan erected on
this site a place of public gathering, McClellan Hall, which he later enlarged, calling it the McClellan Opera House. During
the years 1869-1892, the great and the near-great of the theatrical world performed here. Georgetown was a two-night stand
on both the silver and gold circuits which played the Colorado mining camps. Erected by the State Historical Society of Colorado,
Barbara and Benjamin Draper, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Colorado and the McClellan Players, 1962.


Franktown
Douglas County
In Franktown - 0.2 miles south of the US-83 / US-86 intersection. Marked by "Point of Interest" highway signs.
N 39°23'21.0" W 104°45'09.7" == 39.389176N 104.752682W
photos taken 3/26/2008
           
This tablet is the property of the State of Colorado. Franktown. Named for J. Frank Gardner, a pioneer who settled
here in 1859. First known as "California Ranch," it was a way station on the stage line between Denver and Santa Fe. In a
stockade built here, neighbors found refuge from Indians in 1864. Franktown became the first county seat of Douglas County,
in 1861. Erected by the State Historical Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J.N. Hall Foundation and by the American Pioneer
Trails Association, Dr. Margaret Long, and the children of Franktown, 1946.

Franktown Country
Douglas County
In Franktown - On west side of US-83, 1.2 miles north of CO-86, in front of Pikes Peak Grange.
N 39°24'26.4" W 104°45'35.8" == 39.407333N 104.759958W
photos taken 06/10/2012
              
Russellville - History of Franktown - Franktown Country - Timber Industry

Nighthawk
Douglas County
8.7 miles northeast of Deckers via CR-67 and CR-97 (South Platte River Road). Just southwest of the corner of Pine Creek Road and CR-97.
N 39°21'21.9" W 105°10'16.8" == 39.356087N 105.171332W
photos taken 3/26/2008
           

photos taken 7/16/2017
              
Nighthawk, a gold mining town and lumber camp with a population at its height of one hundred, took its name from that
adopted by the mining district. It was platted by E.L. Rogers in 1896, on the east bank of the South Platte River near
the mouth of Pine Creek. Three hundred feet southeast of this marker a hotel, post office, general store, livery stable,
and blacksmith shop were located. Two newspapers were published in the settlement. The "Mountain Echo," from 1897 to 1899,
and the "West Creek Mining News," from 1898 to 1903. Travelers arrived by wagon and stagecoach until the Colorado and
Southern Railway built a narrow guage road to Twin Cedars Lodge in 1904. The line was abandoned in 1916. Erected by the
Colorado State Society Children of the American Revolution, the State Historical Society of Colorado, and the State Highway Dept.

Sedalia Country
Douglas County
In Sedalia - At corner of Hwy-67 (Manhart St) and Platte Ave.
N 39°26'17.1" W 104°57'43.8" == 39.438115N 104.962155W
photos taken 10/23/2010
              
Sedalia - Volunteer Firefighters - Sedalia Country - Pike National Forest

Twenty Mile House
Douglas County
In Parker - On Main Street, just east of US-83 (Parker Road).
N 39°31'07.4" W 104°45'47.7" == 39.518726N 104.763238W
photos taken 3/26/2008
              
This tablet is the property of the State of Colorado. Due west 1/4 mile stood the Twenty Mile House (twenty miles from
Denver). First house built in Parker, 1864, on the Smoky Hill Trail, an emigrant route that was dotted with unmarked graves
of pioneers. Junction of the Smoky Hill and Santa Fe Stage lines. A refuge for early settlers against Indian attacks. Hostelry
kept in turn by Nelson Doud and by James S. Parker (for whom the town of Parker is named). Erected by the State Historical
Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J.N. Hall Foundation and by the American Trails Association, Dr. Margaret Long, and school
children of Parker, 1945.


Gregory Diggings
Gilpin County
Between Central City and Black hawk, on south side of Gregory St.
N 39°48'01.1" W 105°30'01.1" == 39.800307N 105.500317W
photos taken 5/31/2008
                 
This memorial is the property of the State of Colorado. On this ground, later known as Gregory Diggings, John H. Gregory
of Georgia discovered the first gold lode in Colorado on May 6, 1859. This discovery inaugurated the permanent development of
Colorado. The district has produced $85,000,000 in gold. Erected by the State Historical Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J.N. Hall
Foundation and by state civil service employees of Colorado. 1932.


Arapahoe City
Jefferson County
Golden - On south side of 44th Ave 1/4 mile west of McIntyre St, east of Colorado Railroad Museum.
N 39°46'30.3" W 105°10'41.7" == 39.775077N 105.178253W
photos taken 02/15/2018
(Another one has been stolen. Please contact the Colorado State History Museum
if you know where this classic 1946 historical plaque was taken.)
        
photos taken 12/1/2007
        
This tablet is the property of the State of Colorado. In this immediate area once stood Arapahoe City, a pioneer placer
mining camp, the earliest town in Jefferson County. Named for the Arapaho Indians. Town company organized Nov 28, 1853. From
here went George A. Jackson and John H. Gregory to make their historic gold discoveries near Idaho Springs and Central City.
Arapahoe's population was 80 in 1860. Extensive gold dredging operations of 1904 covered part of the site. Erected by the State
Historical Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation and by students of Fairmont School, A.D. Quaintance and the
American Pioneer Trails Association. 1946.

Bergen Park
Jefferson County
Bergen Park - At corner of Bergen Parkway and Bergen Park Road.
N 39°41'25.2" W 105°21'38.9" == 39.690326N 105.360792W
photos taken 1/26/2008
           
This tablet is the property of the State of Colorado. Bergen Park. Thomas C. Bergen took up the first squatter's claim
here, June, 1859. On this spot he completed his first log cabin July 4, 1859. "Bergen's Ranch" became a famous way station on
the stagecoach and wagon road to the mines. This ground acquired for Denver Mountain Parks System, Oct. 13, 1915. Erected by the
State Historical Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation and by the city and county of Denver. July 4, 1934.

Capital of Colorado
Jefferson County
Golden - On building at west corner of Washington Ave and 12th St.
N 39°45'19.4" W 105°13'17.7" == 39.755385N 105.221572W
photos taken 5/31/2008
           
This tablet is the property of the State of Colorado. From 1862 to 1867 Golden was the territorial Capital of Colorado.
Legislative sessions were held in this building (erected by W.A.H. Loveland) and in others, now demolished across the street.
Golden was named for Thomas L. Golden who camped on the site in 1858. Town founded by Boston Company June 12, 1859,
incorporated Jan. 2, 1871. Placed by the State Historical Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation and by the
Mount Lookout Chapter, D.A.R. 1936.

Golden
Jefferson County
Golden - On north side of 11st St near intersection with Arapahoe St, in the parking lot for the Clear Creek Historic Park.
N 39°45'20.9" W 105°13'25.1" == 39.755797N 105.223648W
photos taken 5/31/2008
        
Golden - Mining - Table Mountains - Golden Country

Morrison
Jefferson County
Morrison - On south side of Morrison Road between C-470 and entrance to Bear Creek Lake Park.
N 39°39'12.2" W 105°10'44.7" == 39.653376N 105.179088W
photos taken 12/1/2007
        
This tablet is the property of the State of Colorado. Morrison. George Morrison (1822-1895), of Scottish ancestry and
a native of Canada, came to Colorado in the Pikes Peak gold rush of 1859. He acquired this land in 1864. He was an organizer
of the Morrison town company (1872), which helped to bring the Denver, South Park and Pacific narrow guage railroad to the
town in 1874. Placed by the State Historical Society of Colorado through the William A. Braiden Fund and by the Red Rocks Lions Club. 1954.


Cameron Pass
Larimer County
At Cameron Pass on north side of CO-14. Bronze plaque is missing from stone.
N 40°31'15.9" W 105°53'32.1" == 40.521092N 105.892242W
photos taken 8/1/2009
     
From The Colorado Magazine, Volume 47, Number 3, Summer 1970. "Tales Told with Markers" article, the bronze plaque read:
This memorial is the property of the State of Colorado. Cameron Pass. Across the Continental Divide between Cache la Poudre and
Michigan rivers. Altitude 10,285. Discovered 1870 by R.A. Cameron, founder of Fort Collins. Used as an early mail and freight route.
Improved highway opened 1926. Erected with the U.S. Forest Service, 1929.

Cameron Pass
Larimer County
At Cameron Pass on north side of CO-14, in rest area.
N 40°31'14.0" W 105°53'36.4" == 40.520543N 105.893447W
photos taken 8/1/2009
        
Auto Tourism - Forest Conservation - Cameron Pass Country - The Industrial Frontier

David Barnes
Larimer County
In Loveland. Reported locations have been 1) on southeast corner of 4th St and Cleveland Ave and 2) on northeast
corner of 5th St and Lincoln Ave, at museum. I haven't been able to find it yet.

From The Colorado Magazine, Volume 47, Number 3, Summer 1970. "Tales Told with Markers" article, the bronze plaque read:
David Barnes. In honor of David Barnes, pioneer, 1821-1884. He erected a saw mill and a quartz mill in Russell Gulch in 1859.
Built a flour mill on Bear Creek in 1863 and one at Golden in 1866. Constructed the Barnes Ditch in the Big Thompson Valley, 1872.
Upon his land the city of Loveland was founded in 1877. Erected with the Namaqua Chapter, D.A.R. 1832.

Namaqua
Larimer County
Loveland - From US-34 / Eisenhower St, 2.7 miles west, then 0.6 miles south on Namaqua St. Next to Namaqua Park parking lot.
N 40°23'58" W 105°07'24" == 40.399448N 105.123336W
photos taken 10/12/2008
           
This memorial is the property of the State of Colorado. Namaqua. Home, trading post and fort of Mariano Modena, early
trapper, scout and pioneer. First settlement in the Big Thompson valley. Station on Overland Stage route to California in 1862.
Erected by the State Historical Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation and by the Namaqua Chapter, Daughters
of the American Revolution. 1931

Virginia Dale
Larimer County
On east side of US-287, 4.3 miles south of Colorado - Wyoming border. 13.8 miles north of Livermore.
N 40°57'26.1" W 105°21'17.0" == 40.957263N 105.354712W
photos taken 7/2/2011
                 
This memorial is the property of the State of Colorado. Three-quarters of a mile northwest from this point is the original
Virginia Dale famous stage station on the Overland Route to California, 1862 - 1867. Established by Joseph A. (Jack)
Slade and named for his wife, Virginia. Located on Cherokee Trail of 1849. Favorite campe ground for emigrants. Vice President
Colfax and party were detained here by Indian raids in 1865. Robert J. Spotswood replaced Slade. Erected by the State Historical
Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation and by the Fort Collins Pioneer Society, 1935.

Virginia Dale Country
Larimer County
On west side of US-287, at CDOT rest area 1.5 miles south of Colorado - Wyoming border.
N 40°58'50.8" W 105°23'35.8" == 40.980786N 105.393270W
photos taken 7/2/2011
           
Trails West - Virginia Dale - Virginia Dale Country - Welcome to Colorado


Denver Pacific Railway
Weld County
Just north of Nunn, on east side of US-85.
N 40°42'36" W 104°46'54" == 40.710003N 104.781670W
Photos taken 3/15/2009.
        
The Denver Pacific Railway. When the Union Pacific Railroad decided to go through Wyoming instead of through Colorado,
many people moved from the territory. Denver itself was shrinking. Former Governor John Evans rescued Colorado Territory by promoting
a connecting railroad from Denver to Cheyenne. The new railroad received no federal bond subsidy as had the Union Pacific, but
Congress provided a generous land grant to encourage investment. Grading began in 1868, and the road was completed in June, 1870.
The tracks ran through this point. Denver Pacific agents encouraged settlers to purchase land on the company's grant, and Horace
Greeley supported the idea of an agricultural colony in the pages of his New York Tribune. The Union Colony at Greeley (1870) was
one result of these efforts. In 1880 the Denver Pacific was absorbed by the Union Pacific. Erected by the State Highway Department,
by the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, and by the State Historical Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Endowment.
Built by C.S.P. 7-65.

Evans
Weld County
Evans - East side of US-85 just north of 42nd St.
N 40°22'19.5" W 104°41'43.5" == 40.372080N 104.695423W
photos taken 10/12/2008
        
        
Evans. Construction of the Denver Pacific Railroad, linking Denver and Cheyenne, stopped here for the winter of 1869,
and a town was begun. It was named Evans in honor of the second territorial governor, John Evans, builder of the Denver Pacific.
According to tradition, the first church services were held in railroad passenger coaches. The townsite was part of a 900,000 acre
land grant the railroad received from the federal government to help finance construction by selling land to settlers. The
St. Louis colony, a cooperative agricultural community, brought enough settlers to Evans to create a "boom town", which was the
Weld County seat until it lost the honor in the seventies. A stage line ran between Evans and Denver until the completion of the
railroad in 1870. Erected by the students of Evans Junior-Senior High School and by the State Historical Society of Colorado
from Mrs. J. N. Hall Endowment. Built by C.S.P.5-65. JW.-W.W.
Evans - Dearfield - Evans Country - Colonies and Crusaders

Fort Lupton
Weld County
Fort Lupton. On west side of US-85 0.3 miles north of 14th St. / CO-14 1/2.
N 40°05'54.7" W 104°48'39.5" == 40.098519N 104.810962W
photos taken 10/12/2008
              
This memorial is the property of the State of Colorado. Due west 1/4 mile is the site of Fort Lupton. Established in
1836 by Lieut. Lancaster P. Lupton. A rendezvous of the early fur trappers visited by Fremont and Kit Carson in 1843. Farming
begun here in the early forties. Overland Stage station and refuge from Indians in the sixties. Erected by the State Historical
Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation and by the Thursday Afternoon Club, citizens and pioneers of Fort Lupton. 1929

Fort Junction
Weld County
East of Longmont at southeast corner of I-25 and CO-119, at northwest corner of RTD Park-n-Ride lot on east frontage road.
N 40°09'34.6" W 104°58'38.5" == 40.159614N 104.977354W
photos taken 10/12/2008
              
This memorial is the property of the State of Colorado. Two hundred feet due east of this point stood Fort Junction,
a sod enclosure erected in 1864 by the pioneers of Boulder and St. Vrain valleys as a protection against hostile Indians.
Garrisoned by the Home Guards. Erected by the State Historical Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation and by
the Tri-Town Lions club (Frederick, Dacono and Firestone) and the Rinn community. 1939

Fort Vasquez
Weld County
South of Platteville in center of US-85 between mileposts 249 and 250. In the Fort Vasquez Museum parking lot.
Bronze marker == N 40°11'40.1" W 104°49'15.4" == 40.194473N 104.820951W
Two-panel sign == N 40°11'38.6" W 104°49'15.8" == 40.194053N 104.821044W photos taken 10/12/2008
              
(Original wooden sign replaced by new 2-panel sign.)
        
This memorial is the property of the State of Colorado. Fort Vasquez. Established in 1837 by Louis Vasquez and
Andrew W. Sublette. Maintained until 1842 as a post for trade in buffalo robes and beaver skins with Arapahoes and Cheyennes.
Rendezvous of early trappers. Emigrant station on Platte River Trail after gold rush of 1859. Erected by the State Historical
Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation and by State Civil Service Employees of Colorado. 1932
Fort Vasquez - Fort Vasquez Country

Loveland
Weld County
Just east of Weld / Larimer county line, on north side of US-34.
N 40°24'25.1" W 104°55'47.2" == 40.406983N 104.929765W
photos taken 06/29/2013
           
Loveland - Loveland Country

Majestic Plains
Weld County
Near Rockport, on west side of US-85 near Wyoming border.
N 40°53'40.0" W 104°47'44.9" == 40.894453N 104.795796W
Photos taken 3/15/2009. Sign was erected in 1956.
        
Sign originally began with:
Colorado. Welcome to our plains and mountains! Here for centuries vast herds of buffalo darkened the landscape, grazing
on the short grass. Indians hunted them for food and skins.
Sign now reads:
Majestic Plains. On these widespread plains blown clean by the wind and rains large herds of buffalo roamed and gained in
number. Then the warriors of Indian tribes hunted them for food and skins. Later white men came to trap beaver in the prairie
channels and the mountain glens. Then thousands of adventurers were lured to the peaks and canyons by the discovery of gold.
They plowed fields, built cities and founded a commonwealth. This highways travels straight south to Denver and beyond, past
ranches and then irrigated farms rich in grain and sugar beets. Eastward lie hundreds of miles of prairie now dotted with prosperous
towns. Westward rises the rampart of the Rocky Mountains crested with summits like Longs Peak, James Peak, Mount Evans and Pikes Peak,
old in story.

New Raymer
Weld County
New Raymer, on north side of CO-14, on southeast corner of CR-129 and Brock St, near rodeo area on east side of town.
N 40°36'28.7" W 103°50'24.0" == 40.607985N 103.840000W
photos taken 06/06/2009
        
Native Peoples - Settling the Grasslands - A Fragile Country - Grassland Country

Weld County Irrigation
Weld County
Ault - On northeast corner of US-85 and 2nd St, in small city park.
N 40°35'01.0" W 104°43'53.7" == 40.583620N 104.731595W
photos taken 3/15/2009
           
Weld County Irrigation - Ault Country


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Last modified: April 30, 2022