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…]
Tag: Meeker History
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…]
HISTORY LESSONS: Meeker Dome hot spring traces roots to 1920s oil boom
Special to the HT MEEKER | Residents of Meeker closely followed the progress — and eventual failures — of the Marland Company. Although efforts to produce oil were unsuccessful, the hot-water byproduct inspired a new idea for revenue. Hot springs elsewhere in Colorado were already drawing tourists. Why not make[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: Meeker Dome hot spring traces roots to 1920s oil boom
Special to the HT MEEKER| Many longtime residents remember the Happy Landing Pool east of Meeker along County Road 8 near the White River. It was a popular local spot for years. Research by Kay Bivens of the Rio Blanco Historical Society notes a roadside marker for that site is[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: On gardens and gardening
Special to the HT RBC | Redneck No. 1: “You gotta plant radishes. Radishes keep out the wolverines!” Redneck No. 2: “What wolverines? We don’t have any wolverines.” Redneck No. 1: “See … the radishes really work!” My wife, Tracy, has the green thumb. Mine is brown. Still, I’ve picked[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: LeCompte, Frontier Doctor — Part 2
RBC | Lydia Wells was born in Salt Lake City, Utah 1856. She planned to marry Edward P. LeCompte in May of 1880. The ceremony was postponed when the Army transferred Edward to the Camp on the White River. E.P. LeCompte was posted at the Camp on the White River[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: LeCompte, Part 1
RBC | Doctors could be adventurers too. The 1883 incorporation papers of the Meeker Townsite company include “E. P. Lecompte” as a member. I was able to track him down as Dr. Edward Palmer LeCompte. He lived in the White River Valley several years but didn’t stick around to become[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: U.M. Curtis, Pt. 2
RBC | In the aftermath of the 1879 Ute uprising, U. M. Curtis was involved with the 1880 Congressional investigation and the 1880 Ute treaty which created two Ute Agencies to distribute goods and educate the bands. Curtis was once again listed on the document as interpreter and signed as[Read More…]
