Colorado History

Midterm Examination

March 2015

Discuss the Spanish and American presence in Colorado between 1765 and 1820.
o How did the Spanish learn more about the region and interact with its native
cultures?
Spaniards come into the four corner area around 1500 expecting similar
riches previously found in Central America. Spain allies with Puebloans
to blockade from British/French conquisition to protect the Southern
portion of the four corners which was then considered a part of Mexico.
Attempted to convert Puebloans to Spanish customs and Catholicism to
much resistance from the Puebloans. Occasionally ended in violence
which typically ended badly for the Puebloans. Puebloans would flee to
Kansas when attacked by the Spanish and return when the conflict had
settled. (5-10 years)
Pueblo/Apache leaders fled to El Cuartelejo Puebloans and
Apache were close allies and the Spanish struggled to find El
Cuartelejo
o How did the United States get a claim to part of Colorado?
Through the Louisiana Purchase. * noted below in detail.
o Describe three Spanish and two American expeditions in Colorado during these
years, including their intentions, their experiences, and their differing impressions
of the region. *Ask Caroline about their individual impressions of the region;
Additional Spanish expeditions noted on 1/27 notes.
1st Spanish expedition: Governor Diego de Vargas in 1694 led a military
expedition up the Rio Grande going after the Utes for raiding the
Pueblo/Spanish community. Made it 5 miles into Southern Colorado.
Credited as first non-native in Colorado.
2nd Spanish expedition: Expedition led by Juan de Ulibarri. Puebloans,
who had allied with the Spanish by 1700, led the Spanish on an
expedition to El Cuartelejo as a peace settlement between the Spanish
and the leaders of a failed rebellion who had previously fled there. 100
soldiers, 700 Puebloans arrive and party for 2 weeks at El Cuartelejo
Ulibarri then declares El Cuartelejo as Spanish claim in Apache territory.
The Apache gift Ulibarri with a musket which was French made and made
Ulibarri paranoid that the Spanish had claimed previously French claimed
land. Example of the confusion between claiming and controlling
territories between the French and the Spanish at this time.
3d Spanish expedition: In 1719, 13 years after the expedition to El
Cuartelejo the Spanish send an expedition to examine the French
presence in the four corner area. Led by Governor Antonio Valverde and
el rio de las Animas. Went up the Purgatoria River. Poorly organized/ not
enough food and no destination in mind leads to poor expedition. The
river is named after the failed expedition. 16 soldiers, 40 militia, 500
Puebloans, 200 Apache.
2nd expedition planned a year later, in 1720, and sets out to
establish a fort in order to assert presence in the area. Led by
Pedro de Villasure with 40 soldiers, 160 Puebloans to Fort
Courtelejo. Villasure claims a fort is a bad idea and proposed a
fort at Raton Pass for a more effective proximity. Travels to

Central Nebraska and comes across the Pawnee tribe where

Spanish spot a French flag which indicates trade relations with the
Pawnee tribe. Villasure attempts to convert Pawnee to ally with
the Spanish; not the French. At dawn, the Pawnee attack the
Spanish and kill all but 10 people due to strong relationship with
French trade partners. The effect was: a decreased military
presence in New Mexico territory. The Spanish retreat behind the
Rio Grande River and stick to Puebloans as their main native
allies. The French continued to claim land from North Colorado
down by means of trade relations with native groups, not military
force.
American expeditions: Jefferson sends troops to explore newly
acquired land (Louisiana Purchase). General James Wilkinson
organizes 5 missions to explore the new land. 2 go South, 2 go
North and 1 goes West, straight for Colorado (Lewis and Clark)
1st American expedition: 1820 (Spring) Lead by Major Stephen
Long and specialized army of scientist/ historians etc. Set out from
fort in Nebraska down the Platte River and along the Arkansas
River. Scales Longs Peak and explores (Greeley) through Denver
to Chatfield and follows the Front Range of the Rockies down
South. Encounters very littler interaction from the native groups.
Enter Pueblo region and restore Pikes old fort and settle to work
on paperwork, Must stay on the North side of the Arkansas River
due to Spanish presence to the South of the river. * This
expedition claims Colorado as the Great American Desert
because Long writes of sand hills in his famous account of the
expedition. This notion kept people from settling in the area.
2nd American expedition: 1805, Zebulon Pike heads up the
Mississippi River and makes it to Minnesota. Tasked with
expedition Westward to find route of Red River because of past
failed missions. Also, tasked with building relationships with
native groups. Treks through the Rocky Mountains in the winter of
1806. Made it to South Park and mistook Arkansas River for the
Red River, then mistook the Rio Grande for the Red River which
was in Spanish territory b/c it didnt flow into the Mississippi which
was the stipulation in the Louisiana Purchase. Poor expedition led
to mutiny. While resting, the expedition is arrested by the Spanish
for crossing the boundaries. Eventually released and return the
East where reports on the expedition claimed Colorado and the
West as a great location for fur trade as economic input.
How did Spain and the United States settle their claims over Colorado by treaty
at the end of the 1810s?
Treaty of Paris mandated the French lose their North American territory.
The Spanish and the British split the French territory with everything West
of the Mississippi River belonging to the Spanish and everything East of
the River belonging to the British.
After the American Revolution the Spanish view the American territory
East of the Mississippi as an unknown threat.
Following the French Revolution Napolean forces the French to recede
their claim to previously French claimed land La Louisiane

Ultimate fail because French troops, 10,000, made it as far as

Haiti where the slave rebellion killed the troops.
Louisiana Purchase:1803, seeking water outlet the United States army
under Thomas Jeffersons leadership sends a convot to Spain to buy New
Orleans for ten million dollars only to discover that the French own the
claim to that particular region.
Napoleon, who sees no need to claim the unused land offers not
just New Orleans but all of Louisiane for fifteen million dollars.
Which is how America acquired Colorado territory from the French
who had just recently taken it from the Spanish.
Adams-Onis Treaty: 1819, clarified the Spanish/American
boundary along the Arkansas and Red Rivers as the Western
boundary. The U.S. lost territory in Texas and the Great Plains.
Merely a theoretical boundary based on claims not controls.

Discuss opportunities and challenges in Colorado from the 1820s through the mid-1850s.
o How did trade routes and fur trapping reflect the interaction and competition
between Americans and Mexicans in the region?
Old Spanish Trail Spanish trail through El Norte. In response to
beaver hunting near U.S./ Spanish boundary in Colorado. Mexico
finishes western trail through Colorado to California called the Old
Spanish Trail. Was established as a defense to potential Russian
threats (Spanish paranoia) Trail converted to trade route to
compete with American beaver fur trade.
o

Describe the beaver and bison trade, including major individuals, companies,
and trading posts involved in that trade.
1811, Ezekial Williams sets out for fur sources. Influenced by
Zebulon Pikes claim that hunting may be economic incentive to
venture out West. Down Nebraska into Southern Colorado and
finds good beaver hunting. Walks into Ute territory to beaver fur
which Utes werent happy about. Throughout 1812 the Utes kill
Williams men. He buries his pellets (called cache) and returns
back East. Two years later in 1814 Williams returns, excavates his
pellets, brings them back East and turns a profit. * This expedition
validated Colorado as a good location to hunt beaver which will
stimulate Americas economy.
Summer Rendezvous: Began in 1824, Bring wagons full of trade
supplies down to Rockies, shift and trade beaver pelts, which got
shipped back East. System largely successful and profitable trade.
Mostly in Wyoming Starting point for Colorado contributing to
American society and economy. Lasts for 20 years.
Bison skin tough/durable and used as belts during industrial
revolution which increased demand for Bison pelts in
1830s.Easier to hunt than beavers b/c located in plains vs. Rocky
Mountains but harder to process and ship.
Bent St.Vrain and Co.= From St. Louis. Built post on Arkansas
River to emulate Roubidouxs monopoly on beaver pelts. Open in
1833 200 yards from Mexican border. Off of Santa Fe Trail. Very

successful trading post! Never attacked b/c of mutual benefit for

tribal groups, Americans and Mexicans. Bent opens 2nd fort in
1837 to eliminate minor forts as competition. Does so successfully.
Fort Laramie= traded bison on trails. No way to cross from bent to
Laramie so path designed called trappers trail
o Trappers trail= connects all western trade routes.

How did the U.S. claim all of Colorado by 1848?

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, 1848. Granted all Colorado territory to the
United States from Mexico. Claimed but not controlled at this time.
Followed war with Mexico. America wanted San Francisco for trade but
Mexico wouldnt sell to America. Santa Fe Trail brought war over San
Francisco through Colorado. General S. Kearney leads 13,000 people on
Santa Fe Trail invasion. Leads to the treaty which granted the U.S. all of
Colorado territory.
Describe three American expeditions into the Rockies between 1848 and 1853
and how they affected national impressions of the region.
1853, Four missions sent to decide railroad route.
Gunnison Expedition= 1853, up the Arkansas River to Bents fort through
San Louis Valley, through Fort Massachusetts. Advised to cross over
Cochstopa Pass (notoriously the easiest mountain pass) through Black
Canyon (far more steep than Royal Gorge) Gunnison determines that
Cochstopa pass good but Gunnison River bad for rail route.
Fremonts 2nd Expedition= 1853, against authority seeks private funded
expedition out west with funding from father-in-law (Benton) to reclaim
dignity lost in 1st failed expedition. Follows Gunnisons route and makes it
to California but concurs with Gunnison that route not good due to native
resistance and lack of water.
3rd expedition= ask Caroline

Discuss the dramatic population changes in Colorado in the 1850s.

o

How did New Mexican officials encourage Hispano settlement in Colorado?

1833, Land Grant System in response to American presence, Mexico
wants to move North so (similar to the Homestead Act) Mexico
establishes land grant system to increase presence in Colorado. Conejos
grant in San Louis Valley.
What resistance did Hispanos meet from American Indians, and how did the US
government respond? *Ask Caroline about govt response
Utes opposed to Mexican settlement in San Louis Valley which slowed
the actual settlement to the Conejos area.
Describe the influx of gold-seekers to Colorado in the late 1850s as well,
including prominent individuals involved and examples of communities
established by Anglos along the eastern edge of the Rockies and into the
mountains.
Auraria is boom town which provides supplies for miners. Doesnt last
long. Jeffersonian territory
William Green Russell responsible for sparking the Gold Rush in
Colorado. Moved w/ brothers to mine in (Englewood) Auroria and find

several hundred dollars worth of gold. Makes news and spurs migration
to their area.
Kansas Gov. James Denver authorizes a party of officials led by William
Larimer to establish town across from Auraria.
By 1859 100K people depart from Missouri to Boom Towns in the
Rockies. dont actually make it to Colorado.

Discuss the conflicts that shaped Colorado Territory between 1861 and 1869.
o How and why did the new territory face the threat of invasion in the Civil War, and
what role did Coloradans play in defeating a Confederate assault?
Confederate citizens moved into CO territory during 1st gold rush. Citizens
from Georgia.. Fear that CO would secede with South due to this
relationship.. Denver was staunchly divided between confederates and
loyalists.
Camp Weld= Gilpin rallies 1,000 militia to defend CO against potential
threat from Confederacy. Defensive base which cost $400,000 w/out
prior fed. Approval.
Confederate battle= proposal to invade CO drawn up by confederate
Gen. Henry Sibley in order to seek gold for money while ports are being
blockaded. Sent out to capture Fort Union in NM in 1862. CO troops
come down to Fort Union to meet confederacy. CO militia race to NM
where Gen. Sibley is at. CO troops attack on 3/25 w/ 900 troops in Santa
Fe. Sibley attacks on same day. Meet at Glorietta Pass for two day
battle.CO loses battle with Slough as leader. Meanwhile Chivington
burned all of Sibleys supplies w/ 200 troops which inhibits Sibley from
attacking Fort Union and recedes back to Texas. Considered Gettysburg
of the West
o Describe how peaceful relations with native cultures during the gold rush
deteriorated in eastern Colorado throughout the 1860s
The miners were continuously pushing against Ute territory
o Identify and describe the characteristics and consequences of at least five
examples of bloody conflict on the eastern plains between 1864 and 1869.
*Not within time parameter. Sioux rebellion in summer of 1862 in
Minnesota. Sioux used Civil war as chance to reclaim territory.
Hungate Massacre= acted as powder keg for paranoia towards native
attacks in Colorado. Family ranch off of transportation route. Ward
Hungate, father, goes looking for lost cattle and returns midday to find
home under attack, looting and family attacked. Northern Arapahoe from
Montana responsible for attack. 1st human casualty of rising tensions with
native groups.
8-11-64 Evans issues proclamation stating Marshall Law for settlers
against natives which result in several native deaths.
Evans also warrants militia to hunt and kill native people. (3rd volunteer
regiment)
Big Sandy Creek Massacre= Chivington organizes 3rd regiment (300 ppl)
and goes to Fort Lyon to get more troops. Gen. Wynkoop refuses to aid
in attack. On 11-29-1864 3rd regiment attacks at dawn on Apache camp.
Black Kettle runs up white and American flag to plea peace treaty.

camp (200) killed mostly women children and elderly. Survivors flee
north. Chivington burns camp.
Washata Attack where Black Kettle died.
Beecher Island Sept 68 Cheyenne trapped soldiers on island for weeklong siege. Killed 12/50 soldiers.
Summit Springs 7-11-69 Buffalo Bill tracks down tribe and attacks
Cheyenne kill or captures all. Displays on tour.

Discuss the dramatic technological, economic, and political changes in Colorado between
1864 and 1876.
o What role did science play in rescuing the territorys mining industry?
Nathaniel Hill called into CO in 64 to find way to produce more gold from
ore. Asked by Gilpin. Buys couple of abandoning mines and travels to
Britain where he discovers new smelting technology. Founded Boston
and Colorado Smelting Company in 67. Tests out smelting at Black
Hawk. Brings back mining to CO overnight. Extracts 80-90% of gold from
ore
o How did new transportation technologies affect the region?
Attempts were made to map a railroad route through Colorado to connect
East and West coasts. John Fremonts failed attempts to track a route up
the Rio Grande through the San Louis Mountains converted Colorados
image from Great American Desert to Bad business investment and
harsh weather conditions
William Loveland=Colorado Central Railroad
Comanche Crossing 1st transcontinental railroad
o What factors allowed agriculture to flourish on the eastern slope?
Early Colorado irrigation and water transportation designed by Moses
Hallett. Water Laws (extralegal) first dibs on rivers.
Prior Appropriation= water laws and Colorado System
Easy access to land through Homestead Act
o How and why did Coloradans attempt to secure their future by pursuing
statehood during these years?
To formally legalize previous extralegal agendas like claim clubs.
o

Describe the various efforts, both failed and successful, to write a constitution
and join the Union.
In 1859 during the early gold rush Colorado appealed to become territory
but was ignored by the federal government.
In 1861 the federal government declares 3 Western territories: Colorado,
Dakota and Nevada to ward off conflict from West during Civil War.
Gilpin appointed as 1st gov of Colorado territory
1864 1st attempt to gain statehood after invitation from congress. Failed
July 64 CO convention writes up constitution settlers vote no on
constitution. Against taxes exempt from territory status.
Aug 65 2nd constitutional convention vote accepted 6,000/30,000 voted.
Strongest opposition came from Hispano settlers.
Congress denies constitution because CO was invited in 64 not again in
65.

75 CO invited by congress to join Union. 10 years later. CO voted 3:1 on

constitution. Became state under Ulysses Grant during re-election to gain
votes and publicity.

Discuss the rise and flourishing of the silver industry in the 1870s and 1880s.
o What roles did the federal government and science play in encouraging silver
mining?
Silver too difficult to extract before smelting.
General Mining Act 72= congress legalizing extra-legalizing mining
activities like boundaries and resource rights designed to incentivize
mining.
* Smelters, railroads and laws increased mining industry
o Describe the emergence of Leadville as a center of mining, and the other regions
it inspired.
Famous for valuable silver deposits. Between 77-80 pop in Leadville
went from 0-14,000. Lead to abandonment of other mining towns and
production of satellite towns like Aspen
o

What environmental consequences did the boom have for the state?
Deforestation for wood-fueled smelting
Water contamination
Slag waste from smelters
Smelters ruined air quality.

How did silver affect relations with American Indians in western Colorado?
Pushed out Utes from their territory as we mined silver. Gave Utes 3
options: We will take mountain lands for mining, or surrender entire
reservation and move to Oklahoma. Ouray wants to go back to peace
treaty which kept settlers out of Ute territory. Sent Ouray to D.C. for
intimidation didnt work. San Juans dotted w/ mining camps.Treaty
brunot treaty in 73 which mandated that settlers get the San Juan
mountains. $1,000/yr to Ouray to assimilate Utes into farmers.
Describe how the expansion of mining forced the Utes to accept reductions in
their territory, and how they were eventually forced out of Colorado.
IBID.