Summer on the Rio Grande 2018 by Valley Publishing

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“A smile is the universal welcome.” ~Max Eastman 2

Photo by John McEvoy

Rich in heritage San Luis Valley history

The days gone by are alive and well in the San Luis Valley from historic water rights and the first incorporated town in Colorado to long traditions of farming and ranching; evidence of the area’s story can be seen around every corner. The earliest known history of the San Luis Valley includes massive volcanoes and other geologic events, which created much of the beautiful and unparalleled scenery that can be found from the Creede Caldera to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Some of the evidence of these events can be found in the extensive aquifer system and rock formations, such as Wheeler Geologic Area and La Garita Natural Arch. Earliest inhabitants Long after the geologic wonders had shaped the San Luis Valley, Native American tribes, primarily Ute, but also Jicarilla Apache, Pueblo Kiowa and Comanche discovered everything the Valley has to offer in wildlife, water and other resources. Proof of those tribes’ activities, including arrowheads, pottery chips and campsite remnants, can still be found around the Valley. Petroglyphs depict life in the area before documented settlement.

Explorers Many famous explorers helped make the Valley a well-known destination for centuries. They include Juan de Oñate, Juan Maria Rivera and Juan Bautista de Anza from Spain. Another notable name associated with the early San Luis Valley was Kit Carson who commanded Fort Garland from 1866-1867. That fort can still be visited today. Missionary Rev. Francisco Torres is believed to have named the Valley after the patron saint of Seville in Spain. He is also credited with naming the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) mountain range. Zebulon Pike came to the Valley in the early 1800s and created some of the earliest known writings about the area, including a detailed description of the sand dunes.

John C. Fremont came through looking for a train route to California, and Captain John Gunnison found his journey slowed as he tried to cross the dunes.

Settlers Many settlers made their way into the Valley to live as fur traders and mountain men. They were faced with extreme weather and abundant wildlife. Settlements were created in the Valley in the 1850s. Most of the settlers turned to agriculture in the southern edge of the Valley. The first Valley town, and first town in Colorado, San Luis, was incorporated in 1851. These farmers also created the People’s Ditch, which has a propriety date of April 1852. They also continued the tradition of agriculture in the Valley, an industry that continues to thrive in the area’s abundant sunshine. San Luis de la Culebra, the area’s first permanent settlement, was established as a part of the Sangre de Cristo Grant in 1851. Native American tribes were known to attack the settlement. Fort Massachusetts was established in 1851 to protect settlers; it was here that the Mohuache Utes and Jicarilla Apaches were defeated by troops and ceded their SLV territory. Troops later found the terrain at Fort Massachusetts unsuitable and moved to Fort Garland. By 1895, the tribes had been almost completely forced out of the Valley. As more and more settlers made their way to the Valley, Conejos, Costilla and Alamosa counties were formed. Settlement started in the southern portion of the Valley with local leaders bringing groups over the trails from Santa Fe. The travelers created Guadalupe along the Conejos River, which was later renamed Conejos. Another group from New Mexico traveled north to establish La Loma de San Jose, which is part of what is currently known as Rio Grande County. These settlements grew into towns now known as Del Norte, Saguache and La Garita.

Industry Farming extended as far north and west as Wagon Wheel Gap between South Fork and Creede by the summer of 1840. Once silver and gold were discovered in the Creede area, the population boomed. The first strike was in 1889. Individuals eager to try their luck came to the area with big dreams and unbreakable will. Mining remained an important part of the local economy for many years until operation halted in the 1980s. Del Norte also owes its start to mining, as the town was platted after gold and silver were discovered at Summitville. Trains brought great change to the area when they finally arrived, including the creation of Alamosa and Monte Vista. The Valley economy was boosted immediately, as trains were able to

haul large amounts of the Valley’s resources to be sold. It also opened the Valley to those travelers who could not, or would not, have made the journey by other means. Center was thought to be at the “center” of the wide valley, and after its creation in the 1890s continued the agricultural tradition of early settlers. The area still serves as a primarily farming community. Other towns, cities and communities have sprung up in the Valley through its long history, but the origins of the area are still evident in nearly every location. Museums celebrate the unique identity of each community, as well as the shared traditions of art, agriculture and religion that have consistently unified the six counties and numerous residents of the great San Luis Valley.