Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-11
EARLY HISTORY OF
SOUTHWESTERN COLO.
Interesting Details Of the Discovery and Development Of
this Great Southwestern Empire. Mature Lavish
in Her Many Gifts to Man

Laying the corner stone OF the Du
range public library March ., 1907
recalls some historical facts relating
to the earliest settlement of south.
western Colorado. particularly that
large portion known as the San Juan,
taking Its name from the river of that
name, and lying west of that stream,
extending to the west and south boun-
daries of Colorado. 1t is shown in
the archives OF France that French.
men came from Santa Fe to the west
portion of what is now known as
Rio Grande county, the Summit gold
mining district in 1912. where they
operated one Or two years, all the
party, save one. being killed Dy In
| dlans, because one of them killed a
squaw whom he was trying 10 leave
when Intending to go to Santa Fe on
his return TO France. Trappers were
at the lakes now owned by the Animas
Power company. twenty-five miles
north OF Durango, as early as 1898;
coming in late in the fall to avoid
Indians and going out on the snow
In spring, using dogs to haul their
hides and furs. until they reached the
Arkansas river below Pueblo, where
United States troops were stationed.
Mesicans We're Pioneers.
The earliest settlers in Southwest
ern Colorado we're Mexicans, followed
by whites, and the first county organ
lied was Conejos (rabbit), created by
territorial legislature in 1861. approved
by governor Gilpin. Conejos EN-.
braced more than one-fourth Of ali
the territory OF Colorado until abou,
1874 when Rio Grande was carved out.
A large portion OF Conejos county was
granted to number of Msxicans In
1912, but hostile Indians retarded the
settlement Of the section. The grant
was made by Cornelio Vigil. first JUS
tice Of the Peace OF the First Demar-
cation OF Taos (Halrs history, 4th
vol) The United States acquired the
territory OF New Mexico in 1S4S and
the grants referred to we're never
claimed after that time by the parties
to whom they were given.
The first town in the southwest was
named Guadaloupe, situated on the
Conejos river. Later Conejos, on the
same river. was started by Mexicans
settling there; later another town
which took the name Guadaloupe, was
started below Conejos, but only rem
nants Of the razed adobe walls may
be seen now.
1t is claimed for him that Colonel
VIM. G. Walton and party passed
through this section, trapping, at the
Cascade lakes and at Trout lake, near
Telluride. In 1888. for st. Louis
fur company.
Mr.. Walton was In the San Juar
during the seventies and verified tc
numerous friends the statements sci
out above.
The part Lieutenant Lafayett,
Head played in the early settlement
OF this country entitled him to dis
tinction. Born at Bonneville. Mo-, a
Heads fort, erected by his family TO
defense against hostile Indians, h,
found himself a soldier under Genera
Price in 1876. stationed at Santa Fe
He was next clerk in store, an,
then In 1849, merchant at Abiqui
in 1850 he was appointed Unite
States marshal, for northern Ney
Mexico. Holding several minor office
he was finally selected agent for tn
Tabeguache Utes. which office he pei
formed for several years, until 1861
His influence did more than all other
to establish peace between Indian
and incoming settlers. He was ate
ward lieutenant governor OF Colorado
Like many other men who were idel
tifed with the early progress of tn
west he died poor.