USA > Colorado > History of the State of Colorado, Volume III > Part 53
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The inceptive period of the railroad itself furnishes a fragment of history that belongs to this sketch of Huerfano County. Upon reaching its temporary terminus at La Veta, the chief engineer, Colonel W. H. Greenwood, was ordered to make an exam- ination of La Veta Pass, with the view of discovering a route through which trains could be taken over the Sierra Madre Range of mountains to the head waters of the Sangre de Cristo Creek, and thence down to the San Luis Valley. Colonel Greenwood after a few days' examination returned, and as an engineer, pronounced the pass im- practicable for railroad purposes. The then managing director, Ex-Governor A. C. Hunt sent immediately for General Palmer, then president of the company, and they together went over the ground, and upon a sheet of foolscap paper drew a preliminary profile of the route that was thought to be an available one. This " historic paper " was derisively christened at the office of the engineers' department, "Hunt's Goose Egg." However, Colonel Greenwood received his discharge from the employ of the company, and engineer McMurtrie was commissioned to make further examinations of the work before them, and finally succeeded in establishing the present grade of the line through the pass.
This enterprise was rendered more difficult by the fact that the engineers of the world had not yet undertaken to solve the problem of the ascent and descent of the crest of the continent at will, as they since have done successfully. Mr. McMurtrie deserves proper recognition among the pioneers in railroad engineering, who have
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bravely faced the obstacles that fell in their way and surmounted then: with a fortitude that knew no such word as fail.
The view of the crest of this beautiful mountain pass as seen from the cars in the early morning hours as the train rises above the clouds in its tortuous ascent, has all the sublimity of an original thought, as it bursts upon the mental vision from an Infinite source.
Prior to the arrival of this road within the limits of the county, coal, iron, building stone and many other classes of raw material of a like substantial character, which are found in abundance and variety everywhere within its limits, were considered of no value from a commercial standpoint. The development of these natural resources is yet in its infancy as compared to what may reasonably be expected of them in the near future, and yet there are more men who now find employment in these industries than there were, originally, voters in the county. The change has transformed the wild waste of pasturage into a scene of activity unknown in early days. A careful student of the rapid development of this county-that has just awakened from a sleep of a quarter of a century-will find a potent cause in her varied scenery, natural resources and salubrious climate.
Agriculture and Stock Growing .- The yield of farm produce is equal to the average standard of other counties. Corn, wheat, barley, potatoes, etc., are raised exclusively by irrigation, which limits the amount to the number of acres of land that can be profitably watered. Alfalfa, a species of clover similar in many respects to other varieties that are grown in the Eastern States, but superior in prolific growth and nutriment, is one of the prominent crops. Horses, cattle, hogs and poultry are equally well sustained by its use alone, and this plant is fast becoming the main reliance of the farmers for winter feed for animals. Other grasses are produced in abundance, and shipped to various markets. Beets, pumpkins, squashes, watermelons and tomatoes thrive and yield well with good cultivation, formning a remunerative crop. There is no plant that grows in the temperate zone that cannot be produced here. The vast ranges over which flocks and herds once roamed in great numbers, the property of a few wealthy stock companies, are being divided up by custom, and stock raising, instead of being the dominant factor, is now an auxiliary to the resources of the farmer, in smaller herds and of greater profit to the commonwealth. A few fine herds of imported breeds of stock have commenced the work of regenerating this element of wealth in the county from its ancient and ill cared for condition. Hogs as yet are only raised for home consumption, but with the use of alfalfa as a pasturage, they can profitably be grown here in competition with other and more advanced fields. The results obtained in the older communities that have every convenience at their command, cannot, how- ever, be expected here for some time to come.
A large field is open here for dairymen. The increasing demand for butter, cheese and milk, occasioned by the development of the coal beds, affords a ready market for every product of this nature.
The honey bee does well in this county, because of the many plants that afford food for this useful insect, while alfalfa, which is grown in every part of the county, invites the busy friend of men to gather honey during every hour of sunshine. There
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are now only one hundred and fifty hives in the county, which were mostly introduced by enterprising farmers as an experiment. Their success is phenomenal.
Fruit Growing .- A number of years since, a few small experimental orchards of apple, pear and a few other kinds of trees were planted by some of the more intelligent and enterprising settlers. The fruitage of these primary efforts induced many others to set out orchards of greater extent, which are now giving excellent promise. There is but little doubt that with proper care this branch of horticulture will prove a valuable industry. The native fruits of the county indicate a better showing than many other counties in the State had at the outset, as an encouragement to their present high standing. The wild plum exists in great variety. Fox grapes and currants flourish luxuriantly upon the banks of almost every stream, while the mountains are covered with the wild raspberry and strawberry, indigenous to the altitude. It cannot be expected that the best results will be obtained until the nurserymen thoroughly understand what the county most needs, but the success of the few trees that are now in a bearing condition is encouraging, and will lead to still better results in good time.
A very light frost usually falls between the 15th and 20th of September, but does not injure fruit.
Tobacco .- It is believed that a superior grade of tobacco can be cultivated, not only in Huerfano, but at many other points in Colorado. This has been experimentally demonstrated by the officers of the State Agricultural College at Fort Collins. All the tobacco that was used by the Mexican inhabitants in the region of country south of the Arkansas River for three centuries prior to the arrival of the first American traders and trappers, was of home production. It was, however, as a rule of the lower grade, the effect of rude cultivation and natural degeneration of the plant.
Water Supply .- Two considerable streams and their tributaries supply Huerfano County with water-first the Cuchara River, that takes its rise near the southern boun- dary of the county between the two great Spanish Peaks and the Sierra Madre range, flows in a northeasterly direction and joins the Huerfano River near where the two streams pass the northern county line; second, the Huerfano River and its tributaries rising in the mountains that surround Huerfano Park, flowing in almost an easterly direction until it escapes its mountainous fastnesses, then gently curves to the north to find its junction with the Cuchara, whence they follow a single channel and pour their waters into the Arkansas River.
As yet the system of irrigation is through private ditches owned by the farmers, who also own the land and are governed by a water commissioner appointed under the laws of the State, who distributes the water as the statutes regulating such matters direct.
The town of Walsenburg is supplied by an incorporated water company which owns two large reservoirs and conducts the water to its destination through iron pipes at a grade sufficient to elevate it to the top of the highest houses, thus obviating the necessity of engines in case of a conflagration.
The town of La Veta has fine pure water obtained from the adjacent stream; good wells may be had by digging from fifteen to twenty feet in depth. Aside from the two principal streams mentioned the other water courses are small, and the supply with- out artificial storage is not equal to the demand. Within the past few years much
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thought has been bestowed upon the subject, and will probably result in making pro- vision to store the meltage of snows in winter for practical use in the summer months when this element is most needed. The perfection of a feasible scheme to this end will give additional activity to horticultural and agricultural interests. The number of acres of land that are now irrigated as shown by the assessor's report, is 14,600, not including pasture lands that are occasionally benefited by artificial moisture.
The two valleys and their adjuncts that have been referred to, have at their lowest point an altitude of about 5,000 feet above the level of the sea; each rises with a gradual trend to an altitude of 8,000 feet before the ascent of the mountains begins, and lie in their beginning about forty miles south of the city of Pueblo.
The usual annual rainfall-taking a period of twenty years from which to find the data-is about eight superficial inches. At times it far exceeds this amount, and is quite evenly distributed. The peculiar topography of the country as it lies facing the eastern sun, with its gradually altering altitude, gives a variety of soil and climate equaling that of four degrees of latitude in the Eastern States.
The area of land which might be irrigated under an improved system of water supply, is probably quadruple the number of acres now irrigated. There is but little land not included in the scope, that is covered by the high mountains, but what might be rendered productive by the use of artificial moisture.
Practically only a small portion of the county can be irrigated, compared with the whole area. The rest must for all time to come remain simply a grazing ground for the small herds of its farmers.
Mineral Wl'aters .- A variety of mineral springs are found, the most prominent of which for their valuable medicinal qualities, are those near Walsenburg and La Veta. Steps are being taken to improve the facilities for their use by the public.
The county possesses a climate conducive to the comfort of the invalid, both summer and winter. The summers are never oppressively hot nor the winters excessively cold, with a dry, rarified atmosphere. Many persons who have been afflicted with asthma have received permanent relief here, while other classes of patients have been benefited by a short residence.
Minerals .- The minerals found here, are bituminous rock, coal in two varieties, copper, iron, fire clay, fire sand, granite, alum, gypsum, limestone in two varieties; lead, silver, gold, marble, potter's clay and New York brown stone of a superior quality. The opportunities for investment in this channel of commerce and in many other forms of raw material are abundant. The Spanish Peaks are becoming famous for their wealth in mines of silver and lead; Pass Creek for its deposits of copper, and Birming- ham for its extensive deposits of iron ore. Indeed, almost every mineral known of an economic value, is found here in a greater or less quantity.
Churches .- The history of the churches commences with the Roman Catholic Church. This region then belonging to the diocese of Rt. Rev. Bishop Lamy of Santa Fé, was settled principally by the adherents of his church that had been residents of New Mexico; as early as 1865 it was occasionally visited by the priest who was a res- ident of Trinidad. In 1873 they built a temporary church at Walsenburg, but it was destroyed by fire. Later a more substantial and commodious building was erected on the south side of the river, and suitable buildings were purchased for the purpose of
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establishing a school. This church, together with the school buildings, was soon after carried away by a great flood that occurred in the Cuchara River in 1878. They have since erected another chapel more remote from the stream, which is now under the charge of Father Gabriel Ussel, who was one of the " band of six " that came here from France under the charge of the late Rt. Rev. Bishop Machebœuf of Denver in the year 1856. His long life as a pioneer of the church well qualifies him for the position he occupies.
The denominations representing the Protestant faith in its various branches next appeared upon the stage of action, and were represented by Rev. Asbury H. Quillian, as missionary on behalf of the Methodist Church, in 1870. This denomination has two ministers constantly employed, and these hold services in every part of the county. They have also a church of respectable dimensions both at Walsenburg and La Veta. Following them the Presbyterians established themselves at Walsenburg in 1879, through the efforts of Rev. Mr. Shephard. They built their house of worship in the town of Walsenburg, and also have one in the Huerfano Park. Both of these buildings present a new and bright feature to the landscape as evidence of the present pro- gressive strides made in the county, and are of suitable dimensions to accommodate their respective communities. The Baptist Church is established at La Veta. This society has a comfortable chapel and is in a flourishing condition.
Some other denominations are here, and hold their services in buildings that have been rented for the purpose.
Summary .- History is supposed to record the scenes of the past for the benefit of future generations. To look back now beyond the confines of the present sketch of Huerfano County, would be to idly gaze upon a broad expanse of rolling prairie, varied by the sharp outline of the piñon covered foothills with a background of noble peaks, and the grand continuous range of the Sierra Madre Mountains. The scene would perhaps be dotted by a camp of Ute Indians or a band of wild animals, only to add a primitive romantic feature to the already beautiful picture.
In 1865 thirty-five English speaking people were here associated with three hundred and thirty-six voters of the native or Mexican element. These men were content with the profits of a farm or the results of a pastoral life. They were without a town, church, minister, priest, lawyer or doctor, having only one school district, and two or three little stores, each of them containing a handful of merchandise to supply the immediate demands of their patrons. The evidences of success, refinement and social standing were a good horse, saddle and bridle, and a Colt's army revolver. The highest social attainment was the Spanish fandango. The life was not without its fascinations, however, but with this the story is told. As the population increased a feverish desire set in for a change in the social status of the incoming people, which has been the occasion of more or less jealousy between the two principal branches of the human family who find a residence in Huerfano County. Still the settlement has pro- gressed until the county has in round numbers a population of seven thousand souls. There are also two thriving towns, and many of the evidences of civilization and refinement.
With almost every denomination of the various religious faiths represented, and as many as thirty public schools situated in as many separate districts, that are now being
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attended by about 1,800 pupils who are instructed by competent teachers, and a school fund that is sufficient to meet the actual necessities of each community, there is no good reason why the citizens of Huerfano County should not confidently anticipate a well organized social condition in the near future. Its inhabitants now evince some taste in dress, and the habitations in which they live. The ancient adobe houses, with roofs of mud are giving way to new and brighter appearing modern structures. There are also a number of charitable institutions that have buildings of their own, recently erected.
Instead of a few wagon loads of merchandise of the class and grade best suited to the frugal wants of the early settlers, the receipts now aggregate about one million dol- lars in value of goods assorted to meet the changed conditions of the new epoch. The exports of agricultural produce, wool, hides and pelts amount to $200,000 aside from a considerable quantity that finds a market at home. The exports of coal are estimated at 750,000 tons per annum. The wages of the miners employed in this industry and the amounts paid by the various companies to their employes, puts into circulation about $750,000 a year. Thus a home market is furnished the farmers and stockgrowers of the county.
This region is becoming famous for its fossil remains of animal and vegetable life that grew in the gray ages of the past, but cannot yet boast of many pretentious homes nor of the great wealth of its citizens. Still there is no locality in the front range of mountains that face the eastern slope, which offers as many beautiful nooks and corners where a quiet life during the heated season could be enjoyed; surrounded as they are by scenery that is unexcelled in beauty and remote from the dust and turmoil of a city home.
The only relic of the ancient Spanish immigration that remains to mark the path- way of that adventurous people, is the outline of the ruins of an old fort which is sup- posed to have been at first used as the winter quarters of Coronado and his men who made the first explorations of this country. However this may be, the abandonment of these ruins dates back beyond the traditional knowledge of the oldest and best informed of the Spanish speaking race.
We append to this sketch, the biographies of three historic personages, as they are essential parts of the history of Huerfano County.
John David Albert, now the oldest living American resident of the State of Colorado, who was in the employ of the American Fur Company from the date of its organization until it was disbanded, was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in the year 1806. His father was killed in battle at New Orleans during the war between the United States and Great Britain in 1812. His mother died soon after and he found a home with his married sisters who resided at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, until 1831, when his rambling instincts took active hold upon his yet immature life.
He began his movements westward by first going to Zanesville, Ohio; thence to Cincinnati, and thence to Louisville, Kentucky. Here he found employment as a laborer upon one of the many keel boats which then carried the commerce of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. In the city of New Orleans (to use his own words) " everybody spoke the French language, the labor was performed by negroes, and he could not get along at.all." From the city of New Orleans he again embarked as deckhand upon a
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keel boat destined to the city of St. Louis, which he denominates the most laborious journey of his life.
When Mr. Albert arrived at St. Louis, he was both surprised and delighted to find that nearly one-half of the inhabitants of the city spoke his mother tongue, and he was content to remain there during the winter months of 1833, maintaining himself during the time by doing such work as he was able to find among the citizens.
The city was at the time rife with excitement over the organization of the American Fur Company, whose field of operations was to be the Rocky Mountains. Without knowing where they were, having never before heard of such a country, he enlisted in company with sixty others who were to go west as the pioneer exploring party of the fur company, they agreeing to follow this little band of hardy men with other detachments, and further supplies to meet any emergency.
This original company of men opened a route westward by the way of the Missouri River by land to the vicinity of where Kansas City now stands. They renewed their supplies of animals and such provisions as they required at this point, by purchase from a camp of Shawnee Indians that were located on the banks of the Missouri River. From here they traveled up the Kaw River, to its headwaters-using some of the members of the Shawnee camp as guides-thus far upon their yet unexplored route; crossed thence in a northerly direction to the Platte River and followed up that stream to near where the town of Julesburg now stands. At this point the party selected their first winter camping ground, which afterward became a permanent trading post for the Indians of the plains and foothills.
From this place extensive explorations were made in the following year, and some trading was done with the tribes, but the main object of this season's work of the expe- dition was to obtain a general knowledge of the mountainous region and the character of its inhabitants.
Mr. Albert has not been east of the Missouri River since the time mentioned. He once made the attempt, but when he reached Kansas City his heart failed him, and he returned to his adopted mountain home, to remain the rest of his years.
He is said to have been one of the most reliable men who found employment with the great fur company. His well established character for bravery and sound judg- ment among a class of men who were compelled to be brave, and whose avocation in life required steady nerve and unfaltering courage, made him the principal actor in many exciting scenes in the annals of Western life that were continuously attendant upon the trapper and Indian trader during the early years of the existence of the fur company.
His whole life is a drama that far exceeds in interest any fiction. A volume could be filled with interesting reminiscences of the great Rocky region, that occurred in the days when the dim gray outline of the mountains was regarded as an impas- sable barrier to the advancement of civilization.
After the abandonment of the enterprise by the American Fur Company, Mr. Albert resided for many years in the Territory of New Mexico, at times pursuing the occupation of trapper, and trader with the Indians, but most of the time he lived a quiet life as a farmer and stockgrower.
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During the war between the United States and the government of Mexico, he was one of the few Americans that escaped from Taos Valley at the time the Mexicans attempted to reoccupy the Territory in the absence of the troops of the United States. Many of the oldest American residents were brutally murdered during this infamous uprising, including Hon. Charles Bent who had a short time previously been appointed military governor of the Territory of New Mexico by General Kearney who at the time commanded the district on behalf of the United States.
The story is a vivid one of the vicissitudes of a life among a race of people who knew but little of the outer world, and could easily be led by designing men to com- mit any atrocity upon a supposed enemy.
Mr. Albert now resides in Walsenburg in Huerfano County, and at the age of eighty-four-as one who has faithfully performed his mission-now wishes to enjoy what of the comforts of life that are left to him.
Daniel Justin Hayden, a resident of the Territory and State of Colorado contin- uously since August, 1859, was born upon Reading Pike in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, in the year 1835. He came west with his widowed mother to Carthage the seat of government for Hancock County, Illinois, in the year 1840.
At this time the early Mormon Church was located on the Mississippi River at Nauvoo in the same county, and rendered life almost intolerable to the citizens of that sparsely settled country. His mother and her child again emigrated to the wilds of Western Arkansas in 1843, where she soon died, from the ill effects of a sudden change of climate.
From this time forward, although his lot was cast among a kind and warm hearted people, he was buffeted by the waves of adversity, until the fates made him a permanent resident of this State.
He commenced life in the employ of a gentleman whose business was that of driving cattle during the summer months to the States of Missouri and Illinois, and that of flatboatman upon the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers, during the winters at a compen- sation of four dollars per month. From the occupation of "boy of all work" on a flatboat, he became permanently a waterman upon the Mississippi River and her tributaries until the discovery of placer gold in the gravel beds of California induced him to change his location and manner of living, which well prepared him for the early struggles of life at the front range of the great Rockies. In common with most of the early settlers of our State he has fulfilled nearly all the proper duties of an ordinary life honorably, and is yet a hale, hearty man of fifty-five, a resident of Huerfano County. Wedded to the rocks and rills and stubborn hills of the West, he loves his mountain home as it was, and looks upon the strides of advancement made by the columns of the present incoming mass as a sad inroad upon the freedom that was once enjoyed by the pioneer of the wide, wide West.
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