The Beginning
Some of the state's first inhabitants roamed the Colorado Plateau, hunting animals and gathering nuts and berries about 12,000 to 20,000 years ago. The Anasazi have been living in southern Colorado since prehistoric times. By about 1 AD these people were weaving baskets to hold their food in, so historians call them Basket Makers. They came to North America to hunt mastodons, mammoths, and other gigantic creatures. When big game (large animals) became scarce, the Anasazi turned to hunting smaller game. Scientists believe these people came from Asia by crossing the Bering Land Bridge, which once connected Asia with North America. Today the majority of this land bridge lies beneath the Bering and Chukchi seas (between Alaska and Siberia).
Exploration
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado
In 1541, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado was leading an expedition north from Mexico. He may have passed through part of what is now south-eastern Colorado, while searching for gold. None was found, and the Spanish lost interest in Colorado, ignoring it for more than a hundred years.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, a large amount of eastern Colorado was claimed by both Spain and France. Neither country, however, conducted an extensive exploration of the region. Colorado east of the Rocky Mountains came into United States possession in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase; the western half remained Spanish territory.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, a large amount of eastern Colorado was claimed by both Spain and France. Neither country, however, conducted an extensive exploration of the region. Colorado east of the Rocky Mountains came into United States possession in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase; the western half remained Spanish territory.
Settlement
Kit Carson
After gold was first discovered in Colorado in 1858, Daniel C. Oakes brought out a steam sawmill and started making lumber at his site. Soon another couple settled on the side of the road which became Colorado's first territorial road. Sylvester and Elizabeth Richardson started a ranch and a small hotel on the territorial road. The ranch became known as the "Pretty Woman Ranch" becasue of Mrs. Richardson's beauty. Several years later, Sylvester Richardson led a group of pioneers further west and established the city of Gunnison. Co. Daniel C. Oakes became friends with Kit Carson and was with him when he died. Kit Carson built his last campfire about one mile north on this first territorial road.
