MEEKER | The historic marker that points to the location of the Meeker Incident in 1879 sits about three miles west of Meeker at a pull-off on the south side of the highway just across from the turnoff to Strawberry Creek/County Rd. 7. If you’re driving fast and not looking for it, you might miss it, but travelers who’ve stopped have posted about the signage on social media in the past.
As part of the effort to update and improve information and education through better signage in the area, the Rio Blanco County Historical Society (RBCHS) designed and purchased a new sign for the marker. That aluminum sign, 6 ft. wide by 4 ft. tall, was installed in mid-May, screwed over the top of the old sign with four large screws and washers. Sometime after May 21, the sign was illegally removed by unknown parties. Removal would have required tools, time and intention.
RBCHS Executive Director Teresia Reed commented on social media: “For years, we have debated over the sign at the White River Agency Site. The original sign was installed, we believe, in the 1950’s. It was pretty tired, hard to read, and in need of updating from a cultural perspective. Updating historic markers has been one of the Sesquisemiquincentennial Initiatives, so we put it in our plan.
The new sign, visible from the road, was reviewed by members of the Ute Tribe, History Colorado, and community members before it was ordered. The language was considered to be in keeping with an honest interpretation of the site. We raised the funds to update the sign through lots of Root Beer Floats and hard work.”
Reed added: “ We would like to believe that in our town, people do the right thing. We are asking that you do the right thing now and return the sign. We have filed a police report. The sign has a value that could result in a significant charge. We will continue to do all that we can to get the sign back.”
Above left is the original signage at the historic marker for the Meeker Incident in 1879 three miles west of Meeker on Hwy. 64, At right is the updated sign, purchased and installed by the Rio Blanco County Historical Society. The new sign was stolen from the location shortly after installation.
