Special to the HT MEEKER | July 4 holds a special place in American history. The anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is foremost among the reasons. It marked the colonies’ separation from England and the creation of a republican form of government. A brief history lesson: The United States[Read More…]
Tag: Meeker History
HISTORY LESSONS: Petrolite
Special to the HT MEEKER | There is a brown road sign south of Meeker along Highway 13. You will see the word “Petrolite,” a date, and an outline of a school building. The sign is near mile marker 29, just south of the “Hole-in-the-Wall.” It marks the site where[Read More…]
RBC HISTORICAL SOCIETY: When volunteerism becomes history
Special to the HT MEEKER | Recently, I found myself reflecting on an unexpected question: At what point does history become part of history? As a historian, I spend much of my life studying the people who came before us. Recently, another question has been weighing on my mind: At[Read More…]
LEADING THE WAY: Hilkey named 2026 parade marshal
MEEKER | When this year’s Meeker Range Call and Fourth of July Parade steps off at 10 a.m. Friday in downtown Meeker, longtime Rio Blanco County resident Ron Hilkey will be leading the way as the 2026 parade marshal. The honor comes during a milestone year for the annual celebration.[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: Electricity to Meeker
Special to the HT MEEKER | The earliest use of electricity in Meeker was the telegraph lines connecting Rawlins to the Camp on the White River. Service stopped in 1883, when the post was closed. The private company of Rawlins and White River Telegraph company was maintaining telegraph lines in[Read More…]
RBC HISTORICAL SOCIETY: When History Becomes Part of History
Special to the HT MEEKER | Recently, I found myself reflecting on an unexpected question: At what point does history become part of history? This question arose after the theft of a newly installed sign at the White River Ute Agency site near Meeker. The marker had been placed to[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: Homesteading Pt. 2
Special to the HT MEEKER | As part of the Homestead Act, there was also a process for settlers who had already taken up residence on public domain land without a prior homestead claim. In other words, they were squatters without a title of any sort. Such public domain land[Read More…]
RIO BLANCO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY – Why your story matters: Getting involved in Rio Blanco County’s future through its past
Special to the HT MEEKER | History is often thought of as something that happened long ago, tucked away in dusty books, old photographs, and museum exhibits. But after spending years working with the Rio Blanco County Historical Society and the White River Museum, I have learned something important: history[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: Homesteading Pt. 1
Special to the HT MEEKER | Since most of Rio Blanco County was considered public domain in 1883, it was available for homesteading. The Utes had relinquished the White River Reservation but not the right to hunt in the area. This treaty exception was to cause friction for many years.[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: The Leadville connection
Special to the HT MEEKER | The role of Leadville in the development of the White River Valley and Piceance was huge. Leadville and the surrounding mining areas were a giant magnet, drawing miners and entrepreneurs from back East and Europe — gold seekers and adventurers from every social stratum:[Read More…]
Meeker Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony continues a tradition of honor and remembrance
Special to the HT MEEKER | For generations, the veterans of Meeker have gathered on Memorial Day to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Long before many of us were born, local veterans stood together at the cemetery and along the banks[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: The Peterson Pool
MEEKER | In March 1935, the people of Meeker sought federal funding to construct a new pool using water from a well in Alkali Flat, east of Meeker. The well in Alkali Flat was not as warm as the one drilled by the Marlan Company in 1925, but it still[Read More…]
