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Gc 978.8 H14h v.2 1186742
M. L.
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
-
U
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01066 9460
UM Jelen
HISTORY
OF THE
STATE OF COLORADO
EMBRACING ACCOUNTS OF THE
PRE-HISTORIC RACES AND THEIR REMAINS; THE EARLIEST SPANISH, FRENCH AND AMERICAN EXPLORATIONS ; THE LIVES OF THE PRIMITIVE HUNTERS, TRAP- PERS AND TRADERS; THE COMMERCE OF THE PRAIRIES; THE FIRST AMERICAN SETTLEMENTS FOUNDED; THE ORIGINAL DISCOVERIES OF GOLD IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS; THE DEVELOPMENT OF CITIES AND TOWNS, WITH THE VARIOUS PHASES OF INDUSTRIAL AND POLITICAL TRANSITION, FROM 1858 TO 1890.
IN FOUR VOLUMES.
ILLUSTRATED.
the 978.8 1+ 14 h U . 2.
VOLUME II.
BY FRANK HALL, FOR THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN HISTORICAL COMPANY.
CHICAGO : THE BLAKELY PRINTING COMPANY, 1890.
Entered According to Act of Congress, in the Year 1890, by THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN HISTORICAL CO., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.
INTRODUCTORY.
1186742
When the initial volume of our history was given to the public in June, 1889, it was believed to be possible to issue the second in Sep- tember following. Subsequent researches, however, consumed more time and involved greater labor than had been anticipated, hence it was not completed and published until March, 1890. It was a part of the plan also, to epitomize therein the more important chronicles of some, at least, of the counties, cities and towns originally organized under the Territorial government, continuing the same until the series should be completed, and while this purpose has not been abandoned, its execution is necessarily deferred by the demands of the general history of the Territory and State. Although the annals of several counties have been collated, it was found impracticable to present them here, therefore they are reserved for the succeeding volume.
The first three chapters of this work are devoted to an extremely interesting outline of the geological formation of the land we occupy, prepared by Mr. R. C. Hills of Denver. Although abridged to the narrowest limits consistent with its magnitude, and only designed as a sketch of the more essential features of this great subject, much valuable information is tersely conveyed respecting the primordial conditions of this portion of our continent, beginning with remote ages when the earth was but an incandescent fluid globe, and tracing the marvelous series of
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INTRODUCTORY.
mighty evolutions thence to the formation of primitive rocks, down to the emergence of the first dry land when the stupendous ranges of the Rocky Mountains, that are now the wonder and delight of all observers, appeared only in the form of a few small islands lifted above the waters of the vast Palæozoic ocean, onward epoch by epoch, to the stage in which we find them, with extensive notations of the birth of floral and faunal life and their development and decay. The treatise throughout evinces the care of a patient, learned and devoted student, and that the best lights of modern science have been thrown upon it. With the facts before us it is a matter of astonishment that he has been able to compress so much within the limit assigned. Though only the essential details have been extracted from the accumulated evidence, the sketch is remarkably comprehensive and interesting.
In the second chapter a subject that is of greater import, in a com- mercial sense, than any other with which the masses have to deal,-the character and distribution of our coal deposits,-is very clearly defined. In this branch of inquiry Mr. Hills has attained great proficiency through years of close application thereto, hence his deductions may be accepted as the best that have been, or can be formulated in the current stage of development. While he has reduced the enormous areas reported by more hasty examiners to be underlaid with coal, to less than 20,000 square miles of ascertained and workable seams, by the tabulated esti- mates which follow, based upon studious examination of the fields described, we are advised that the supply is practically inexhaustible.
Here, again, he is the first to attempt an approximation of the available tonnage of coal from the more prominent beds, and though accuracy is not claimed, a basis for calculation is thereby afforded, and the reader given an intelligent comprehension of the immense resources of superior fuel stored away in the plains and mountains, for present
V
INTRODUCTORY.
and future generations, as has been done by otner well informed geol- ogists for Pennsylvania, Alabama, Illinois, Missouri and other coal bearing States. Taken in connection with his observations preceding and following these tables, we have, in place of wild guesswork, and irresponsible statements, a trustworthy guide that may be followed to rational conclusions.
The chapter which treats of the organization and work of the con- vention that framed the fundamental law of Colorado, and laid the basis of Statehood, was prepared by Judge H. P. H. Bromwell, because it was deemed advisable in view of some recent attacks in our legislative bodies upon certain provisions of that instrument, coupled with a demand for a new convention and a revised charter, to have that subject discussed, and clearly explained, by one thoroughly conversant with the manner of its construction, the men who framed it, and the influences which actuated them in the performance of their duties. It being the earnest desire of all the surviving members consulted, that Mr. Bromwell should be selected, because of his prominence in the convention, and their con- fidence in his desire and ability to give it due and proper consideration for permanent record, he was persuaded to undertake it. The result fully justifies the wisdom of their choice.
During the compilation of this volume, I have been favored with a large collection of historical notes from manifold sources, some of them valuable contributions to the annals of the country, and while the greater part relate to events occurring in the first years of settlement and may be classed as reminiscences, they cannot well be omitted without detracting from the original design of our labors, which is to embrace everything worthy of record in the chronicles of our State and its people. Hence, a place will somewhere be made for them, and also for much other data of a similar character yet to be gathered from counties and
vi
INTRODUCTORY.
towns, from which the present and coming generations may be apprised of the struggles and adventures of the men who planted the seeds of civilization here, and how they did it. A few such narratives will be found in the succeeding pages.
And when the best that remain shall have been garnered, may we not anticipate that some one more skilled in literature and romance, will arise and weave them into thrilling song and story, as Joaquin Miller and Bret Harte have done for the Sierras and for California ? Unknown, perhaps, to many who may give these annals attentive reading, we have in our midst one who is pre-eminently endowed with all the qualifications for such a work, if he would undertake it,-Mr. Lewis B. France, who has already published some of the most charming tales of the parks and mountain trails that it has been our pleasure to read, and has in his portfolio unpublished writings in which the public would find still deeper enjoyment. With so much material at command, and with his superior faculty for tracing with infinite delicacy of pathos and humor the lights and shadows of romantic pioneer life, and withal capable of producing scenes of wondrous beauty, they could be made a delight to all dwellers in our land, and to thousands who have only witnessed its rugged outlines. Colorado should be the center and home of Western art, poetry and romance, for nowhere else is there to be found superior attractions of life or environment. Mr. John Howland, Mrs. J. A. Chain, Thomas Moran, Elkins and other artists have furnished some superb pictures ; Mr. Powers a few specimens of fine sculpture ; let us also have some skillful writers of poetry and fiction as supplements to art. Mr. France, "Fitz Mac," Patience Stapleton and a few others have published just enough to indicate their fine capabilities in this direction, but there is a demand for more, which it is hoped will be speedily supplied.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
AN OUTLINE OF COLORADO GEOLOGICAL HISTORY-CONDITION OF THE CONTINENT AT THE TIME OF FIRST EMERGENCE-MATERIAL OF THE EARLIEST DRY LAND IN COLORADO, AND ITS PROBABLE ORIGIN-ARCHÆAN ERA-LIFE OF THE ARCHÆEAN-PALEOZOIC ERA-PRIMORDIAL ROCKS IN COLORADO-PROBABLE LIFE OF THE PRIMORDIAL PERIOD-OTHER SILURIAN ROCKS-DEVONIAN ROCKS- CARBONIFEROUS AND PERMIAN ROCKS-ABSENCE OF COAL IN THE CARBON- IFEROUS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS-LIFE OF THE CARBONIFEROUS-APPALA- CHIAN REVOLUTION-MESOZOIC ERA-TRIASSIC ROCKS IN COLORADO-JURASSIC ROCKS-ATLANTOSAURUS BEDS-LOWER CRETACEOUS OF TEXAS-DAKOTA CRE- TACEOUS IN COLORADO-MARINE CRETACEOUS-LARAMIE EPOCH. - I7
CHAPTER II.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS-LARAMIE EPOCH-EXTENT OF THE COAL MEASURES IN COLORADO-GRAND RIVER FIELD-YAMPA FIELD-LA PLATA FIELD-RATON FIELD -NORTHERN COLORADO FIELD-NORTH PARK FIELD-CANON CITY, SOUTH PARK, AND TONGUE MESA DISTRICTS-ESTIMATION OF THE AREA OF THE SEVERAL COAL FIELDS-ESTIMATION OF THE PROBABLE TONNAGE OF AVAILABLE COAL IN THE COMBINED COLORADO FIELDS-PHYSICAL CONDITIONS ATTENDING THE CLOSE OF THE LARAMIE EPOCH-LIFE OF THE LARAMIE. - 41
CHAPTER III.
CENOZOIC ERA-THE TERTIARY PERIOD-GREAT FRESH-WATER LAKES OF THE TER- TIARY-EOCENE EPOCH, STAGES AND LIFE-DISTURBANCES AT THE CLOSE OF THE EOCENE-OLIGOCENE OF THE FLORISSANT BASIN-MIOCENE EPOCH, STAGES AND LIFE-END OF THE CONTINENTAL REVOLUTION-PLIOCENE EPOCH AND LIFE- TOTAL ELEVATION OF THE LAND-QUATERNARY PERIOD-THE EPOCHS REPRE- SENTED IN COLORADO-LIFE OF THE QUATERNARY-POSSIBLE EXISTENCE OF MAN
vii
viii
CONTENTS.
IN COLORADO DURING THIS PERIOD-EVOLUTION OF LIFE THROUGH THE CENO- ZOIC ERA-ERUPTIVE ROCKS AND PAST IGNEOUS ACTIVITY-ORE-DEPOSITS OF COLORADO-CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE FORMATION OF ORE-BODIES-THEORET- ICAL CONSIDERATIONS-GEOLOGY OF SOME COLORADO MINING DISTRICTS-IRON ORES-OIL-SHALES AND MARBLE-MINERALS-CONCLUDING REMARKS. - 64
CHAPTER IV.
1872-SUCCESS OF THE NARROW GAUGE EXPERIMENT-THE DENVER PACIFIC CONSOLI- DATED WITH THE KANSAS PACIFIC - OUR FIRST RAILWAY WAR-A YEAR OF RAILWAY PROJECTS-CENTRAL CITY ANTICIPATES A GOLDEN FUTURE-COMPLETION OF THE COLORADO CENTRAL TO BLACK HAWK -BUILDING OF THE ARKANSAS VALLEY RAILROAD TO PUEBLO-W. B. STRONG'S VISION OF A GREAT SOUTHERN METROPOLIS-THE DENVER AND SOUTH PARK RAILWAY-NARROW GAUGE CON- VENTION IN ST. LOUIS-OLD STAGING DAYS IN COLORADO-J. HARVEY JONES AND HIS STAGE DRIVERS-MOVED BACK BY THE IRON HORSE-BANKING AND INTEREST RATES-EXTRAVAGANCE GIVES WAY TO ECONOMY. - 91
CHAPTER V.
1872-FOUNDING OF MANUFACTURES IN DENVER-JOHN W. SMITH'S WOOLEN MILL- SINKING AN ARTESIAN WELL-THE DENVER HORSE RAILWAY-THE DENVER WATER COMPANY-CONTRACTS WITH THE CITY-BEET SUGAR -- ATTEMPTS TO ESTABLISH ITS MANUFACTURE-WHY THEY FAILED-ORGANIZATION OF FREE MASONS AND ODD-FELLOWS-THEIR STRUGGLES TO SECURE A FOOTHOLD-RESURRECTION OF THE STATE MOVEMENT-J. B. CHAFFEE'S WORK IN CONGRESS-MEASURES PASSED
III FOR THE BENEFIT OF COLORADO. -
CHAPTER VI.
1872-HISTORY OF THE GREAT DIAMOND SWINDLE-UNIVERSAL EXCITEMENT-HOW THE PLOT WAS ENGINEERED-THRILLING REPORTS OF WONDERFUL DISCOVERIES -GEMS WORTH MILLIONS-DISCOVERY OF A MYSTERIOUS CITY-DIAMOND STOCKS IN SAN FRANCISCO-GOVERNOR GILPIN'S LECTURE ON THE SUBJECT-JEWELS BY THE CART LOAD-CLARENCE KING EXPOSES THE FRAUD-FOREIGN BRILLIANTS PLANTED IN SUMMIT COUNTY, COLORADO-WHERE AND HOW THEY WERE OBTAINED-INTENSE INDIGNATION-PHIL ARNOLD PROPOSES TO OPEN COURT WITH A HENRY RIFLE-GAMBLERS AND GAMBLING. - - -
126
ix
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VII.
1872-REVIEW OF THE YEAR-MURDER OF GEORGE BONACINA BY THEODORE MEIERS -CAPTURE, TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF MEIERS-MURDER OF JOSIAH COPELAND BY VAN HORN- RIOTOUS ATTEMPTS TO LYNCH THE PRISONER-HEROISM OF SHERIFF COZENS-LEGAL EXECUTIONS DOWN TO 1888-THE FIRST ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR M'COOK-APPOINTMENT OF GOVERNOR ELBERT-ARRIVAL OF PRES- IDENT GRANT-M'COOK'S SCHEME TO OUST ELBERT-REMOVAL OF FEDERAL OFFICERS-A GREAT POLITICAL UPHEAVAL-DETAILS OF THE CONSPIRACY- INVOLVEMENT OF D. H. MOFFAT, CHAFFEE AND ELBERT-THE LAS ANIMAS LAND GRANT.
146
CHAPTER VIII.
1873-1874-INSTALLATION OF THE NEW REGIME-EXPOSURE OF M'COOK'S CON- TRACTS FOR SUPPLYING THE INDIANS-STRANGE APPROVAL OF A DIVORCE BILL- ATTEMPTED REMOVAL OF TERRITORIAL OFFICERS-APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES BRAZEE AND STONE-INDICTMENTS AND SUITS AGAINST MOFFAT, STANTON AND COOK, AND THE RESULT-ELBERT'S GREAT IRRIGATING CONVENTION-PLAN FOR RECLAIMING ARID LANDS-M'COOK'S SECOND ADMINISTRATION-THE PRESIDENT RECOMMENDS THE ADMISSION OF COLORADO-INTRODUCTION OF BILLS TO THAT END-BLACK FRIDAY AND THE PANIC OF 1873-EFFECT ON DENVER BANKS. 166
CHAPTER IX.
HAYDEN'S GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS IN THE WEST-TREATY WITH UTE INDIANS-SUR- RENDER OF THE SAN JUAN MINING REGION-MESSAGE OF CHIEF OURAY TO GOVERNOR ELBERT-BAKER'S EXPEDITION AND HIS THRILLING ADVENTURES- LATER EXPLORATIONS FROM ARIZONA-SETTLEMENT OF THE SAN JUAN COUNTRY IN 1872-FOUNDING OF LAKE CITY. 187
CHAPTER X.
1873-74-FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE TERRITORY IN 1873-YIELDS OF AGRI- CULTURE-BANKS AND BANKERS-POLITICAL DISSENSIONS-NOMINATION OF JUDGE BROMWELL AND T. M. PATTERSON FOR CONGRESS-THE SACRIFICE OF BROMWELL AND THE ELECTION OF PATTERSON-PROPERTY VALUES IN 1874-DESTRUCTIVE VISITATIONS BY LOCUSTS-EXTENT OF THEIR RAVAGES-DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN THE BLACK HILLS-STAMPEDE TO THAT COUNTRY IN DEFIANCE OF TROOPS AND ORDERS. 207
X
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XI.
SOME OLD REMINISCENCES OF THE FOUNDING OF DENVER-UNCLE DICK WOOTTEN AND HIS EXPLOITS ON THE FRONTIER-GENERAL WILLIAM LARIMER-LUCIEN B. MAX- WELL-AN IDYL OF BLUE LIZARD GULCH. 226
CHAPTER XII.
REMINISCENCES CONTINUED-FRENCH EXPLORATIONS OF COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO IN 1739-40-LIVES AND CHARACTERS OF COL. A. G. BOONE, AND COL. JOHN M. FRANCISCO-TOM TOBEN'S SLAUGHTER OF THE MURDEROUS ESPINOSAS-SOME RECOLLECTIONS OF OLD ZAN HICKLIN AND THE REBELLION OF MACE'S HOLE. 246
CHAPTER XIII.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE ADMISSION OF COLORADO INTO THE UNION-THE BILL PASSES THE HOUSE-HEAVILY AMENDED IN THE SENATE-OBJECTIONS OF EASTERN PEOPLE-SHARP EDITORIAL STRICTURES ON THE COUNTRY-PERSISTENT OPPO- SITION-THE LONG FIGHT IN THE SENATE-M'COOK'S EFFORTS TO DEFEAT THE BILL-INFLUENCES OPERATING FOR AND AGAINST IT-A MIGHTY BATTLE IN THE HOUSE-MR. CHAFFEE'S SPLENDID GENERALSHIP-THE MEN WHO CARRIED THE MEASURE-M'COOK RESIGNS AND JOHN L. ROUTT IS APPOINTED GOVERNOR- AN ALLEGORICAL PICTURE-COLORADO ADMITTED-GATHERING OF POLITICAL
- 268 HOSTS. -
CHAPTER XIV.
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION-SYLLABUS OF MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED- CONDITION OF THE TERRITORY-MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF THE CONVENTION- ORGANIZATION-ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT-QUESTIONS CONSIDERED AT THE BEGINNING-CHARACTER OF THE DELEGATES-APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES AND ASSIGNMENTS OF WORK-REPORTS RENDERED-DISCUSSION OF THE MORE IMPORTANT PROVISIONS-MEMBERS WHO HAVE SINCE BEEN DISTINGUISHED OFFICERS OF STATE -AN INCIDENT WHICH DETERMINED THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1876. 288
CHAPTER XV.
AREA AND BOUNDARV LINES OF COLORADO-CHARACTER OF THE SEVERAL DIVISIONS -GEN. J. W. DENVER, AND HIS STORMY ADMINISTRATION IN KANSAS-ADOPTION OF OUR STATE CONSTITUTION-ADMISSION PROCLAIMED BY THE PRESIDENT-
xi
CONTENTS.
MEETING OF THE POLITICAL PARTIES-NOMINATIONS FOR STATE OFFICERS AND FOR CONGRESS-THE FAMOUS BELFORD-PATTERSON CONTEST-COLORADO DECIDES THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1876-EFFORTS TO DEPRIVE BELFORD OF HIS SEAT IN CONGRESS. 322
CHAPTER XVI.
BELFORD SWORN AND SEATED-THE STRUGGLE FOR THE FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS- REVIEW OF THE GREAT CONTEST IN THE HOUSE-A LONG AND REMARKABLE DISCUSSION-PATTERSON SEATED-EVENTS SUCCEEDING THE RATIFICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION-MEETING OF THE FIRST STATE LEGISLATURE-FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE NEW STATE-ELECTION OF U. S. SENATORS-SHORT BIOG- RAPHIES OF CHAFFEE AND TELLER-ELECTION OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS- FIRST FEDERAL APPOINTEES-HALLETT, DECKER AND CAMPBELL. 342
CHAPTER XVII.
PROGRESS OF INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS-EXTENSIONS OF THE RIO GRANDE RAILROAD -SHORT HISTORY OF THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA & SANTA FE-COMPANIES FORMED IN PUEBLO-INCEPTION OF WAR BETWEEN THE SANTA FE AND THE RIO GRANDE -FORCIBLE SEIZURE OF THE MOUNTAIN PASSES-ENGINEER MORLEY'S FAMOUS RIDE-ARMED CONFLICT IN THE GRAND CANON -- ARREST OF M'MURTRIE AND WEITBREC-A GREAT BATTLE IN THE COURTS-LEASE OF THE RIO GRANDE TO THE SANTA FE-MANAGER STRONG'S AMBITION-RENEWAL OF THE WAR-JUDGE BOWEN'S WRITS-RIOTING ALL ALONG THE LINE-TROOPS CALLED OUT. 363
CHAPTER XVIII.
GENERAL PALMER'S CIRCULAR-CAUSES OF THE COLLISION-THE RIO GRANDE SEIZES THE ROAD-GREAT EXCITEMENT-GOVERNOR HUNT'S TRIUMPHAL MARCH-BLOOD- SHED AND CONFUSION-JUDGE HALLETT ORDERS RESTITUTION OF THE PROPERTY -FIGHTING AT PUEBLO-DE REMER'S FORTS IN THE GRAND CANON-COL. ELLS- WORTH APPOINTED RECEIVER-THE LEASE CANCELED AND PEACE RESTORED- THE UNION PACIFIC AND KANSAS PACIFIC PRO-RATE WAR-A SHORT HISTORY OF THE KANSAS PACIFIC ROAD-JAV GOULD'S INGENIOUS OPERATIONS-CHAFFEE'S SPEECH IN THE SENATE-CONSOLIDATION OF THE PACIFIC ROADS-HOW GOULD TERRORIZED THE BOSTON MEN-ABSORPTION OF THE DENVER PACIFIC. - 383
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE COLORADO CENTRAL RAILROAD-LOVELAND SEIZES THE ROAD AND SUCCESSFULLY HOLDS IT-HOW IT WAS ACCOMPLISHED-DESTRUCTIVE STORMS AND FLOODS- D. H. MOFFAT APPOINTED RECEIVER-FORCIBLE ABDUCTION OF JUDGE STONE- CARRIED INTO THE MOUNTAINS BY MASKED MEN-ALARMING RUMORS-TROOPS CALLED OUT-MOFFAT'S NARROW ESCAPE-STONE'S EXPERIENCE WITH HIS CAP- TORS-EXTENSION OF THE ROAD TO FORT COLLINS AND CHEYENNE. 406
CHAPTER XX.
PRIMITIVE RECORDS OF LAKE COUNTY-TWO GREAT EPOCHS-ORGANIZATION UNDER THE TERRITORY-GULCH MINING-DISCOVERY OF THE PRINTER BOY-ORIGINAL DISCOVERY OF CARBONATES-STEVENS AND WOOD-THE IRON SILVER MINES- OTHER IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES-THE DAWN OF LEADYILLE-GREAT MINES AND THEIR PRODUCTS-OPENING FRYER HILL-TABOR, RISCHE AND HOOK-THE ROB- ERT E. LEE-GOVERNOR ROUTT FINDS HIS FORTUNE-W. S. WARD AND THE EVENING STAR. 525
CHAPTER XXI.
LEADVILLE CONTINUED-INCREASED IMMIGRATION-ORGANIZATION OF GOVERNMENT- PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS-BUILDING OF SMELTERS-THE GRANT SMELTING COMPANY -RATES PAID FOR ORES-BEGINNING OF THE BOOM-CONDITION OF SOCIETY IN THE PLUNGING PERIOD-COLLAPSE OF THE LITTLE PITTSBURGH-EFFECT UPON THE COUNTRY-THE GREAT MINERS' STRIKE IN 1879-DECLARATION OF MARTIAL LAW
. 446 BY GOVERNOR PITKIN.
CHAPTER XXII.
HARD TIMES OF 1876-'77-DAWN OF A NEW ERA IN 1878-FIRST GREAT IMMIGRATION TO LEADVILLE-EFFECT UPON THE STATE-BUILDING OF THE CLARENDON HOTEL -- DISCOVERY OF ROBINSON MINES IN SUMMIT COUNTY-TRAGIC DEATH OF LIEU- TENANT GOVERNOR ROBINSON-COMPLETION OF THE RIO GRANDE RAILROAD- DISCOVERIES IN CHAFFEE, GUNNISON AND PITKIN COUNTIES-INFLUENCE OF LEAD- VILLE ON STATE POLITICS-FOUNDING OF NEWSPAPERS-BANKS AND BANKERS- LEADVILLE AS A SMELTINGPOINT. -
465
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXIII.
1878-'79-REVIEW OF THE VEAR-RAPID DEVELOPMENT-RETIREMENT OF W. N. BYERS FROM THE "NEWS "-HIS SERVICES TO THE COUNTRY-JOHN L. DAILEY-TRANSFER OF THE "NEWS" TO W. A. H. LOVELAND-DEMOCRATIC STATE CONVENTION- PROPOSED DIVISION OF THE STATE-REPUBLICAN STATE CONVENTION-F. W. PITKIN ELECTED GOVERNOR-RETIREMENT OF SENATOR J. B. CHAFFEE-ELECTION OF N. P. HILL TO THE SENATE-SERVICES IN THAT BODY. 480
CHAPTER XXIV
INDIAN AFFAIRS-SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE ATTITUDE OF THE GOVERNMENT TOWARD ITS WARDS-VIOLATIONS OF TREATIES-FATHER MEEKER'S ATTEMPT TO CIVILIZE THE UTES, AND ITS TRAGIC ENDING-THE MASSACRE OF THORNBURG AND HIS MEN-ARRIVAL OF GEN. MERRITT-MASSACRE OF MEEKER AND HIS EMPLOYES-THE WOMEN CARRIED INTO CAPTIVITY-THEIR RESCUE BY OURAY AND GEN. ADAMS-THE INVESTIGATION-SKETCH OF THE GREAT CHIEF OURAY- HIS LIFE AND CHARACTER-CHIEF, STATESMAN AND DIPLOMAT. 494
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
VOLUME II.
PAGE.
PAGE.
H. M. TELLER
Frontispiece.
O. A. WHITTEMORE
118
LOUIS DUGAL
I70
E. P. JACOBSON
176
JOHN A. HANNA
208
GEO. W. KASSLER
2IO
A. J. WILLIAMS
228
GEORGE C. CORNING
240
HENRY CROW
260
J. D. WARD
278
J. H. PLATT
284
C. P. ELDER
292
W. E. BECK
300
CASIMERO BARELA
312
P. H. VANDIEST
324
ALVIN MARSH
330
G. W. MILLER
332
J. B. BELFORD
342
T. M. PATTERSON
350
WV. D. ANTHONY
356
OTTO MEARS
36c
D. C. DODGE
364
J. A. McMURTRIE
368
A. N. ROGERS
384
F. B. CROCKER
402
A. W. BRAZEE
417
IRON-SILVER MINE
424
H. A. W. TABOR
430
GEO. T. HOOK
436
JOHN L. ROUTT
442
EDWARD EDDY
446
W. H. JAMES.
448
J. B. GRANT
45 I
W. H. BUSH
454
JOHN ARKINS
460
JAMES BURNELL
470
JOHN L. DAILEY
480
F. W. PITKIN
486
DR. R. G. BUCKINGHAM
488
J. P. MAXWELL
492
CHAS. H. TOLL
496
xiv
310
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PALÆOZOI
HISTORY OF COLORADO.
CHAPTER I.
AN OUTLINE OF COLORADO GEOLOGICAL HISTORY-CONDITION OF THE CONTINENT AT THE TIME OF FIRST EMERGENCE-MATERIAL OF THE EARLIEST DRY LAND IN COLORADO, AND ITS PROBABLE ORIGIN-ARCH.EAN ERA-LIFE OF THE ARCHAAN-PALEOZOIC ERA-PRIMORDIAL ROCKS IN COLORADO-PROBABLE LIFE OF THE PRIMORDIAL PERIOD-OTHER SILURIAN ROCKS-DEVONIAN ROCKS- CARBONIFEROUS AND PERMIAN ROCKS-ABSENCE OF COAL IN THE CARBON- IFEROUS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS-LIFE OF THE CARBONIFEROUS-APPALA- CHIAN REVOLUTION-MESOZOIC ERA-TRIASSIC ROCKS IN COLORADO-JURASSIC ROCKS-ATLANTOSAURUS BEDS-LOWER CRETACEOUS OF TEXAS-DAKOTA CRE- TACEOUS IN COLORADO-MARINE CRETACEOUS-LARAMIE EPOCH.
When the mineral wealth of Colorado is considered, the impor- tance of her various metalliferous deposits, the immense reserves of her coal measures and mineral resources of lesser note, it becomes apparent how largely the operation of geological causes has contributed to the growth and prosperity of the State. Even the rugged grandeur of the Colorado panorama is but the final expression, rarely more strongly emphasized, of the effects produced by the same causes, acting through countless ages of time.
The geological history of a country, thus favored with the treas- ures of the mineral kingdom, is replete with matters of intense interest not only to the student of science, but to educated and intelligent per- sons generally ; hence, its introduction in a popular form, into these pages, requires no apology. Indeed, rather is it to be regretted, that a subject so nearly related to our industrial development, could not, con- 2 II. 17
18
HISTORY OF COLORADO.
sistent with the dimensions of this work, be afforded the space it deserves.
It would not be possible, within the limits assigned, to present more than a brief outline of what pertains to the geological record, itself necessarily incomplete, and, as in all newly settled countries, but yet imperfectly interpreted. Without reverting, in more than general terms, to the remote past, when, as we have good reason to believe, the earth was an incandescent fluid globe, or to a period still more remote when, in accordance with the nebular hypothesis, the entire solar system existed as a highly attenuated vapor, it will suffice for the present pur- pose if we follow in chronological order, the successive stages of geolog- ical development, beginning with the appearance of the first dry land in the region now embraced in the State of Colorado.
At that time the continent of North America was mainly sub- merged beneath the sea, although in a general way, its existing con- tour was already outlined in the ocean depths. The most extensive land surface was north of the great lakes. A group of islands, for the most part corresponding to the Appalachians and Adirondacks, stretched southward near the present Atlantic border; while far to the westward, more remote from the main continental area, and separated by a broad expanse of ocean, were other similar islands corresponding to the Rocky Mountains and neighboring parallel ranges. It is with the most easterly islands of this ancient western archipelago, that we are chiefly concerned ; for they formed a nearly continuous land surface, trending north and south, through the central part of Colorado; areas that were never again completely submerged, the debris resulting from their degradation being found in the sediments of all succeeding geolog- ical periods.
The material of the first dry land consisted solely of granites, gneisses or allied rocks, already highly crystalline even before their emergence from the surrounding ocean.
The granites, and associated crystalline rocks, have a world-wide distribution, being everywhere recognized as the lowest in the geolog-
19
HISTORY OF COLORADO.
ical scale, no pre-existing, or more ancient, types being anywhere exposed to view. They ought not, however, to be regarded as a part of the original, unaltered, or first-formed crust of the earth. The theory of terrestrial evolution at present accepted, as most in harmony with physical laws, requires the first-formed crust to have been a super- ficial consolidation of the original fluid mass, resulting simply from loss of heat ; hence, the earliest rocks were probably similar to known types of highly crystalline lavas,-that is, they belonged to the large class included under the general term eruptives.
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