Post (C) by Doris McCraw
aka Angela Raines
 |
| Colorado Front Range Image (C) Doris McCraw |
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of Colorado becoming a state.
For those who may not know, Ulysses S. Grant signed the paperwork granting statehood to Colorado. To say he was popular in this part of the West would not be taken amiss.
Grant first visited the Colorado Territory in 1875. Although the residents of the Territory began the process in 1864, and a Constitutional Convention in 1865.
1862 Map of the Colorado Territory
from the Library of Congress
Grant made three visits to Colorado, with the final visit in 1880. That year, he traveled from New Mexico Territory, through Pueblo to Colorado Springs. From there, he headed to Salida, taking a four-horse stage over Monarch Pass and down into Gunnison. There he toured the Taylor Park district, where one of my favorite mining towns, Tin Cup, is located. He returned to Salida and took the Denver & Rio Grande to Leadville via the new spur that had just been completed. (Author Ann Parker wrote a novel, "Silver Lies," that includes Grant's trip to Leaville)
As August 1, 2026, closes in, I will be telling more stories about the Colorado Territory prior to statehood and maybe a few just after that August 1, 1876, date.
For those who enjoy little-known facts, here's a link you might enjoy: 11 Things on Colorado's Journey to Statehood.
Until next time
Doris
I knew about the US anniversary, but not the state's! Fascinating, Doris, thank you.
ReplyDeleteJeff, history has so much to explore. Inquiring minds want to know. (Smile). Doris
DeleteDoris,
ReplyDeleteGOOD STUFF---as always. Colorado is indeed quite the place. A lot of history there and such magnificent country. (If only there was more water.)
Western Fictioneers wouldn't be the place it is without your presence.
Charlie Steel
Thank you, Charlie. I agree with all you say about Colorado. Its history is so rich and varied, and we do need more water.
DeleteDoris
Doris, you always have such interesting posts, and I sure appreciate them. I'm kind of late to the party, but day before yesterday, I didn't have any internet. I was pulling my hair out. LOL So I'm catching up with things now, and this was really interesting. Thanks for another wonderful piece of history brought to light!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I tend go find pieces of history and head down the trail of finding information. It's something I think I've always done. Plus, I love to share what I find just in case someone might like to know it.
DeleteI'm glad you enjoy my 'pieces' of history.
I'm also eagerly awaiting your new story!
Doris
Great as always - I didn't realize the anniversary years coincided! Something new to celebrate now!
ReplyDeleteAny excuse to celebrate history is tops in my book. I'm glad you enjoyed it. (I've used Grant's trip to Colorado in one of my stories and planning another reference. LOL)
DeleteDoris