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THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
REPORT
BOARD OF IMMIGRATION
po LO PVA DO E R R i TO PVY
FOR THK
Transmitted \~> tin- l.c<.M>l;itm'
1 h. \vi.K, COLORADO,
\\ il.l.IAM \. i;VI-:KS. PUBLIC I'UIN'I l-.U.
1-71.
*-
REPORT
OF
/^ ./* «v
</
BOARD OF IMMIGRATION
COLOI\ADO TERRITORY,
TWO YEARS ENDING DECEMBER j/, 1873. *
Traumittfd to tht U^islatiTe Asspmbly Janatrj 5, 1874.
DENVER, COLORADO,
WILLIAM N. BYERS, PUBLIC PRINTER.
PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY,
OF POLORADO TERRITORY.
BANCROFT
UBRARY
REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF IMMIGRATION,
COLORADO
BOARD OF IMMIGRATION, ^
SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
Denver, December 3ist, 1873. )
To His Excellency, Hon. Samuel H. Elbcrf, Gwernor of
Colorado Territory, Denver:
SIR: — In pursuance of the law creating the Board of Im-
migration for the Territory of Colorado, I have the honor
to submit to you to be laid before the Tenth Legislative
Assembly, a report of the transactions of the Board from
its organization to this date.
The Board appointed by his Excellency, Gov. Edward
M. McCook, consisted of:
Jacob F. L. Schirmer, of Arapahoe County ;
Edward P. Hollister, of Arapahoe County ;
David C. Collier, of Gilpin County ;
Jesse M. Sherwood, of Larimer County ;
Albert W. Archibald, of Las Animas County.
Report of the Board of Immigration.
These gentlemen met at the rooms of the Territorial
Library, on the 2Oth day of February, 1872, and organized
by the election of Jacob F. L. Schirmer of Arapahoe
County, as President, and Edward P. Hollister as Treasurer
of the Board.
On the 29th day of March, 1873, I received the following
communication :
TERRITORY OF COLORADO,
SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
Denver, March 29th, 1873.
Geo. T. Clark, £sy., Secretary Territorial Board of Immigration :
SIR : — You are hereby directed to notify the members of the Territorial
Board of Immigration that the membership heretofore held in said Board by
Edward P. Hollister has this day been declared vacant, by reason of said
Hollister's removal from the Territory, and for other good and sufficient
reasons, and his commission revoked. William N. Byers has been appointed
to the vacancy, and he has this day been duly qualified as the law directs for
the discharge of the duties of said office, for and during the unexpired term of
E. P. Hollister, removed.
Also : that the resignation of Jacob F. L. Schirmer, as a member of said
Board, has been presented and accepted, and Fred. Z. Salomon appointed
and commissioned to fill the unexpired term of said Schirmer. Mr. Salomon
has filed his approved bond with the Secretary of the Territory, according to
law, and is duly qualified to acl as a member of your Board.
, /--^-N , In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
\ SEAL V the seal of the Territory, this 29th day of March, A. D.
l-v-J I873.
[Signed], FRANK HALL,
Acling Governor.
The Board now consists of:
William N. Byers, of Arapahoe County ;
Fred. Z. Salomon, of Arapahoe County ;
Albert W. Archibald, of Las Animas County ;
David C. Collier, of Gilpin County;
Jesse M. Sherwood, of Larimer County.
DUTIES OF THE BOARD.
As contemplated by the acl: creating the Board, the mem-
bers met on the 2Oth day of February, 1872, for the purpose
of putting into execution such measures as would best pro-
mote and encourage immigration to Colorado. After due
Report of the Board of Immigration. 5
consideration and discussion it was decided to issue a small
circular at once, and as soon as possible to publish a large
pamphlet on the resources of Colorado. Accordingly a
circular was issued, entitled " Official Information on the
Resources of Colorado," of which 25,000 copies were
printed and distributed. On the 1st day of June, 1872, the
pamphlet which had been prepared by the Board, consist-
ing of thirty-six pages of closely printed matter was pub-
lished and delivered to the Secretary of the Board for dis-
tribution, to-wit: 25,000 copies, entitled "Statement of
Facts, prepared and published by authority of the Terri-
torial Board of Immigration," which were mailed to all
parts of the United States and Europe. Copies of the cir-
cular and pamphlet are herewith transmitted, and become
part of this report.
At the meeting of the Board in January, 1873, it was
thought advisable to make another issue, the former docu-
ments having been all distributed, and a great demand hav-
ing been made on the Secretary for further information in
regard to Colorado ; therefore the Board authorized the
preparation of another pamphlet. On the ist of March,
A. D. 1873, an issue of 20,000 copies of pamphlets, entitled
~ " Resources and Advantages of Colorado," was made and
distributed. At the same time the Board ordered the trans-
lation of 5,000 of the pamphlets of 1872 into the German
language ; copies of same are herewith transmitted and be-
come a part of this report. These four documents comprise
all of the issues of the Board. In addition to the above, the
newspapers throughout the Territory have from time to
time published descriptive articles on Colorado and the ad-
vantages to be derived from locating in the Territory. The
Kansas Pacific Railway has in every way called attention
to the advantages of Colorado in numerous publications,
and has been of great benefit to the Board in its under-
takings.
The Board desire to return thanks to the press of Colo-
rado for its aid and assistance, and particularly to the Rocky
Report of the Board of Immigration.
Mountain News for keeping an advertisement in its columns
for two years free of charge. The Board has held twenty-
four meetings since its organization, and every pains has
been taken to so conduct its matters as to disseminate the
most information possible at the lowest cost. It has tried
to give every section of the Territory fair representation, as
regards the advantages to be derived. It may have made
mistakes, but they«have been unintentional.
The duties of your Board of Immigration are really of
such an extensive character that the amount of appropria-
tion has been very inadequate to the extensive field that it
might have occupied ; though its present results have been
so much more than even the most sanguine could ever have
imagined. The class of immigrants which the Board has
been the prime instrument of obtaining for Colorado, has
been chiefly parties of some means seeking to better their
condition by investments in property where the margin ol
trade is greater than in the locality from where they emi-
grated ; also, a class of immigrants who are invalids, led
hither by the health reports of your Board, — and to them
Colorado is largely indebted for the immunity from the
effects of the financial crisis which is operating so disas-
trously all through the eastern States. Most of the class
of invalids have been wealthy, and have invested hundreds
ot thousands of dollars in Colorado generally. To them, and
the large amount of wealth they have circulated amongst us,
we are indebted for the fact that our rates of interest are not
higher during this crisis, than in many other places in the
East. There has been no exaggerated inflation of real es-
tate prices, so that trade and finance is in a most healthy
condition.
All this work, which your Board of Immigration have
accomplished, can be doubled and quadrupled in the future.
In connection with your Board should also be connected a
Bureau of Statistics for collecting and publishing interesting
statistics of the growth and resources of our Territory.
Report of the Board of Immigration.
We are very far behind the northern State of Minnesota
in this particular, and we should hasten to repair the
deficiency.
SECRETARY.
It was thought when the bill creating the Board of Im-
migration became a law, that there would be but very little
for the Secretary to do except to keep the minutes of the
meetings, and to mail the publications of the Board, which
would require but very little of his time. In the year 1872
the correspondence of the Secretary amounted to about
2000 letters received and answered. There was mailed
25,000 circulars of the Board, and 25,000 pamphlets. In
the year 1873, owing to the large influx of settlers, he has
been obliged to give it his undivided attention. All through
the spring and summer months, his office has been the point
where all inquiries have been made by those seeking em-
ployment and locations in Colorado. He has received and
answered about 5,000 letters, issued certificates of reduction
of fare to cover 4,060 people; mailed 25,000 copies of the
pamphlet of the Board, besides several thousand other doc-
uments, published by colonies and kindred organizations, &c.
With this report the labors of your Board close, and in
summing up the work performed in the last two years, they
think it safe to say that they have induced a large immigra-
tion to the Territory through its publications and expended
a less sum of money than similar organizations in other
States and Territories. They would recommend the issue
of another work on Colorado early in 1874, and also that
the proceedings of the many conventions held in the Terri-
tory by irrigation, stock growing, farmers' club, health and
other organizations which give facts in reference to the Ter-
ritory be ordered printed and distributed with such a docu-
ment as may be ordered published. Calls upon the Secre-
tary tor information are numerous, by mail and in person, but
the last publication of the Board having been exhausted, he
is unable to supply the demands. Herewith are transmitted
8 Report of the Board of Immigration.
articles upon the wealth, health, population and general re-
sources of Colorado, which are as accurate as they are able
to obtain in the absence of a bureau of statistics.
By order of
The Board of Immigration.
GEO. T. CLARK,
Secretary. .
DENVER, COLORADO, November I5th, 1873.
To the Board of Immigration :
GENTLEMEN : — In complying with your request to furnish
you with facts in regard to Colorado as a Sanitarium, I
must necessarily repeat in substance what I have stated
upon the same subje6l in former papers. The altitude and
geographical characteristics of different portions of Colorado
have a marked effe6t upon the climate, and its adaptability
to the various diseases and conditions of the human system ;
and therefore the Territory may be considered as climatic-
ally divided into two distinct parts, viz. : mountains and
plains. The former comprising about one-half of the area
of the Territory, and forming its western portion, consists
of a succession of perpetually snow-clad ranges and peaks,
separated by beautiful and fertile valleys and parks, which
are from seven to nine thousand feet above sea-level, while
many of the peaks attain an altitude of nearly fifteen thou-
sand feet. It is well watered by clear, cold rivers and
streams, which are rapid in their course, and abound with
speckled trout. The forests are composed principally of
pine and fir, which give a delightful and healthful aroma to
the air.
Hot and cold mineral springs, possessing a great variety
ot medicinal virtues, are found in many localities. The at-
mosphere is a little moister than that of the plains, and is
rare, clear, cool, and charged with an unusual amount of
electricity. This region is unsurpassed in its endless
AV/v>/-/ i>f' f/tt' 7>W;v/ (>/ Immigration.
variety of grand and beautiful natural scenery, by anyplace
in America. Persons desiring to escape the fatal diseases
incident to large towns and cities in the summer months,
may here gain not only health and comfort, but pleasure;
those who are fond of botany may find in the abundant
flora many of the rare and most beautiful plants and flowers,
while those who have a taste for mineralogy, may also here
find deposited almost every variety of the base precious
metals, from crude iron ore to the delicate frosted wire
gold. Notwithstanding thousands of veins of the different
kinds of minerals have been opened and worked, there still
remain tens of thousands more hidden away in our hills
and mountains, unfound and unclaimed. Primitive granite,
hard enough for mill-stones, is stored here in mass, while
upon the hillsides and valleys are found many precious
stones, as white crystal, moss agate, topaz, onyx, opal, gar-
net, and amethyst.
Those of a sporting turn of mind can find amusement
either in angling for the wary trout, or in hunting the swift-
winged grouse, the nimble deer and mountain sheep, the
stately elk, or the aggressive grizzly bear. It is here that
the chest expands to its fullest extent, and the lungs fill to
their utmost capacity at every inspiration, in order to secure
sufficient oxygen for the aeration of the blood; and owing
to the lessened atmospheric pressure upon the body, capil-
lary circulation is increased, and hence elimination and
nutrition become more a6live.
With these qualities in such a climate, — its bright days
inducing out-door sports ; its cool nights bringir sh-
ing slumber, — it can be readily understood-t^.6 .17
short residence therein would cause tin Zg' '-9
become broad, the relaxed in muse' 57 2.29
thin in flesh to gain weight, and 50 1*40
those suffering trom the bilious di.< 3* 60.3 .87
6 45-9 -7°
longed residence in malarial district.' 2 41.2 .16
Those who desire to make a tou 7_
21.3 .60
one, two or three months' duratir:hcs: in l872' l8'78 inches; in l873'
io Report of the Board of Immigration.
Denver, guides, teams and camp equipage; while those
who wish to enjoy the benefits and pleasures of the climate
in luxurious ease, can go by rail to the foot of Pike's Peak,
where are the soda, and the chalybeate springs, and large
and commodious hotels in the midst of most enchanting
and wonderful scenery : or, to the hot soda springs of Idaho,
where comfortable quarters and every facility for bathing
can be had in a lovely village, encircled by cloud-wreathed
mountains, and in the neighborhood of the richest and most
interesting mining district of this, our modern El Dorado.
All of the springs are quite celebrated for their curative
effect in rheumatic affections, as also for their tonic qualities.
The second climatic division of Colorado embraces the
eastern portion, which extends from the foot of the moun-
tains to the boundary line. It is an open prairie, or plateau,
which varies in altitude from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above the
level of the sea. It is watered by streams rising in the
monntains, which are all swift in their courses.
The soil is dry and alkaline, free from boggy and marshy
places, and "blossoms as the rose," with a great variety of
flowers during the spring months, but is principally covered
with a short, thick herbage, called buffalo grass, which
usually dries into sweet and nutritious hay during the
month of August. Trees are only found along the river or
creek bottoms.
This portion has a pure, rare, dry air, bracing and exhil-
arating in its effects, warmed and softened by the rays of a
geiy'"1 "im, which is seldom shaded by clouds or hidden by
s** lM>ject to frequent changes of temperature, but
speckled trou. , c
. f . . *r dampness at all seasons, logs and dews
pine and fir, which g*
the air.
Hot and cold mineralthan an^ explanation can give, is pre-
ot medicinal virtues, are* condensed record of th^ weather
mosphere is a little moi^r durmS the Past four >^ears'
rare, clear, cool, and ch. (
electricity. This regio
Report of tin- Hoard of Immigration.
/ /
TEMPE2ATUEE.
Yi \KS
ASH MONTHS.
Highest.
1
Latent.
Mean.
rt 0
r
1
•£
Inches.
January
February
1870
60
64
5
i
29.4
-j-I r
i.i5
I 7O
March
4
67
g
33-5
72 7
t./w
7O
April . .
4
80
1 6
3^-7
48 I
.70
2 80
Mav
4
86
40
56 !
7C
June
i
04.
48
68 2
•J.)
C2
July
<
08
r-j
74 2
•3*
August
4
Q7
AC
64 8
12
September....
4
89
4O
60 i
October
4
27
47 8
68
November....
4
68
2O
*/•**
41 8
CA
December ....
4
60
18
27
77
January
1871
6?
6
74 1
46
February . .
66
11
J4-i
78 c
27
March
«
67
10
jo-i
46
ill
April
«
80
2C
CQ I
I OI
May
«
86
4.2
6c 2
2 C.6
June
. " .
IQ7
C.6
74 O
oc
July
«
y/
Q7
58
78
•"5
August
yi
qe
54
27
September....
44
86
AC
66 t;
i 18
October
44
85
24
_ c
4.O
November
u
70
O
76
« IO
December ..
((
r c
2
71
January
February
1872
(4
5^
64
26
22.7
74 7
2O
March
44
78
•?q A
•*y
April
«
83 •
2C
40
2 78
May
«
89
•?C
6?'3
321
June
U
Q7
4Q
69
i c8
July
«
07
C4
**!r
71.
1o°
2 4.2
August
44
04
T2
72
September... .
,<
QO
-*C
62
17
October
44
88
10
S7 6
I 7O
November....
«
69
r
358
8l
December ....
((
60
1
28
72
January
February....
1873
62
62
22
6
77 I
.14
2/1
March
44
7Q
16
48*6
1 7
April
44
82
12
44.
2 08
May
«
86
7t:
c8 Q
7O
June
44
q?
C7
72
2 2Q
July
44
Q4
c?
72 7
I 7O
August
«
92
60
72
I 4O
September....
44
86
12
60 7
87
October
,4
87
6
w.j
AC Q
7O
November
«
7O
2
41 2
16
December ....
"
57
7
21.3
.60
The rainfall in 1870 was 12.65 inches ; in 1871, 12.35 inches: in 1872, 18.78 inches ; in 1873,
11.05 inches.
12 Report of the Board of Immigration.
As dry air is a non-conductor of heat, the changes in
temperature here do not affe6t the system readily. Many
of the diseases that afflict the human race are mitigated or
cured by residence in Colorado, but in this letter it is only-
intended to speak particularly ot those affecting the air pas-
sages. The malady called Hay Asthma has never been
known, and those who suffer annually from this distressing
disease in other climates, may here pass over the period of
its attack without feeling a symptom of it. There is prob-
ably no other part of America where persons suffering from
spasmodic asthma, unconnected with structural changes in
the lungs and heart, find such speedy and perfect relief.
Often those who have scarcely passed a night for years
without experiencing a tightness and constriction about the
chest, accompanied by labored breathing, though having
used almost every known remedy for tranquilizing it, on
their arrival here, breathe and sleep with perfect freedom.
Those who have organic disease of the heart, or lungs,
or both, improve more slowly, and a very few, usually those
advanced in years, do not experience any appreciable bene-
fit. Cases of chronic bronchitis in the great majority of in-
stances rapidly yield to the healthful influences of the
place. Having myself been a sufferer from this complaint,
with copious expectoration for several years prior to mak-
ing my residence in Colorado, and having experienced here
perfect immunity from it for a period of seven years, I
know whereof I speak.
Of the thousands of consumptives who have come to
Colorado in all the stages of all of the varieties of the
disease, with the hope of an immediate cure, many have
sadly failed to realize their expectations, and the effect has
been to bring some disrepute upon our country as a resort
for this class of invalids. A careful consideration of the
effect of climate upon disease and the kind of cases that
improve here, will, I trust, make it one of the most popular
places upon the continent. The climatic influences upon
the general health is stimulating and anti-scrofulous, and its
Report of the llouni of hnmigrotum, / ,'
tendency upon the lungs is to correct abnormal secretion;
to relieve irritability of the bronchi; to lessen local con
tions and inflammations, and to calcify tuberculous or caseous
deposits. The deep and full inspirations required here in-
duce expansion of the chest and stimulate the absorptions
of hepatizations.
It is my experience- that a great majority ot the bronchial,
pneumonic and febivid forms of pulmonary consumption,
readily give way to the healthful influences of the place,
and that the embolic variety may be checked if the lesions
are not too great and too many. To syphilitic phthisis the
climate can only serve as an auxiliary to a judicious medi-
cal treatment. The tubercular or scrofulous consumption
is the most common as well as the most intractable and
destructive type of the disease, yet I can safely say that
there are hundreds who came to Colorado in the first stage
of the chronic form of this complaint, who are now enjoying
all that pertains to a healthful life. I can not, however, say
that ever}r one who comes thus early will recover, for her-
editary taint or acquired predisposition may be so strong
that the disease will go progressively through all of its
stages to a fatal termination. After the second stage has
been reached, a few cases are arrested, and now and then
there is one in which complete recovery takes place. As,
lor instance, a prominent railroad man came to this country
in this condition in 1867. After one year's residence in
which some improvement took place, he began to cough up
bloody pus and calcarous concretions, the largest of which
were the size of a white bean and fully as hard as common
chalk. This was soon followed by a subsidence of the
cough and restoration to health, and to-day he is a strong,
able-bodied man, capable of great endurance. Acute pul-
monary tuberculosis is too rapid in progress to b<: con-
trolled or checked by change of climate. If there is great
vascular irritability and excitement in any of the above
mentioned torms, even in the first stages, it has been found
that the climate is too stimulating, and that a warmer and
Report of the Board 'of Immigration.
moister place like Florida, is better suited to them. I must
strongly warn persons in the third stage of pulmonary con-
sumption, or even after the breathing capacity has been di-
minished one-fourth, against venturing on to these elevated
plains, because too great an increase of the action of the
respiratory organs tends to hasten, instead of retard a fatal
termination. The same cause is applicable to any forms of
organic disease of the heart, excepting that induced by
asthma.
The most desirable place of residence tor consumptives
is upon the plains, within twenty miles of the foot-hills, for
this portion is protected from the dry north winds by spurs
or divides from the main range ; and furthermore, there is
daily an interchange of currents of air between the plains
and mountains, similar to the land and sea breezes upon the
beach.
The mountain air is moister, and, mingling with the dry
atmosphere of the plains, relieves it of any harshness it may
possess.
I would advise those who have a decided predisposition
to hemorrhage of the lungs, and others suffering from great
debility, to avoid a too sudden transition from dense to light
atmosphere, by stopping for a period of ten days at Wallace
in Western Kansas.
To the young of consumptive families, Colorado offers
special inducements, for here many a brilliant and useful
.lite, that might be lost in a less salubrious climate before
reaching the meridian of manhood, may be prolonged to a
vigorous old age.
The wheat of Colorado is not surpassed in quality by
any raised in the United States ; and cattle in huge herds
wander over the hills and plains, finding rich sustenance all
the year round in the prairie grass ; therefore, breadstuffs
and beef are good, plentitul and cheap, which is an advan-
tage to the country second only to its air, it being a known
fact that in regions where abundance of good bread and
Report of the Board of Immigration. 15
beef, with all their rich, blood-making qualities, are within
the reach of every family, pulmonary consumption is rarely
prevalent.
Denver and many of the large towns and colonies, afford
excellent educational advantages, the privileges of good
society and business opportunities in addition to their sani-
tary advantages.
I have observed that many of the epidemic diseases that
extend generally through the Western States, have reached
us, but in a very mild form. I would further state that
contagious diseases become mild, as a rule, after one or two
transmissions, which is owing, in my opinion, to the par-
tial drying up of the emanations and fomites, and thus
rendering them less virulent.
The climate throughout the Territory is almost free from
malarial poison. No better proof of the general healthful-
ness of the country can be given than that furnished by the
last health report of the city of Denver, which shows the
death ratio of that place to be only ten (10) to every one
thousand (1,000) inhabitants, a fact unequalled in any other
city in the Union, the next in the scale being Rochester,
which has fifteen to every one thousand, while New York
has thirty-two, and New Orleans fifty-four to every one
thousand.
The healthfulness of Colorado arises from its pure, dry
air ; its altitudes ; its many bright, sunshiny days ; its uni-
form and highly electrified atmosphere ; and its brilliant
and grand scenery, which produces cheerfulness and a con
tented frame of mind. It is impossible for me, in this letter,
to enter into detail in describing the many different diseases
that ma}', or may not be benefited by a residence here.
There are, however, but a few of the curable ailments in
persons possessing a sound heart, that may not be relieved
or mitigated by dwelling for a few weeks or months in this
climate.
I believe that any person with a fair constitution, who
settles in any portion of Colorado, stands a better chance of
16 Report of the Board of Immigration.
enjoying a healthful life, and of finally attaining the full
period allotted to man — three score years and ten — than in
any other part of the Union.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. BANCROFT, M. D.
POPULATION.
The Board, at its meeting in January, 1873, estimated
from data at hand that the population at that date was 100,-
OOO, and think it reliable and safe to say that it has increased
25,000 in the past year, making a population of 125,000.
In making this calculation, they take the vote of the
people at the fall election, which was 20,544 ; it is safe to
say from the information received that the registered vote
was fully 25,000. Five thousand male adults, who arrived
in the Territory too late to become voters at the fall election,
would make a voting population at this date of 30,000.
Taking the late United States census as a basis, the popula-
tion was four and a half souls to each vote in 1870; at this
date we believe it to be at least five souls, but at four and a
half it would, give a population of 135,000; at the same
time the Board do not estimate over 125,000. The agricul-
tural districts have gained the most population, although
Park County has more than doubled.
The Secretary of the Board is daily in receipt of letters
from parties in every State in the Union, in reference to
settlement in Colorado, even this late in the winter. Com-
mittees of several colonies have called for information, and
after examining the resources of the Territory, have decided
to locate early in the spring. The Board, after careful esti-
mates, feel warranted in saying that the population of the
Territory will increase fully 30,000 souls in 1874.
As one evidence of the increase in the past year, they
submit the following statement of the business of the Den-
ver Post Office for the three quarters of the year 1873,
ending September 3Oth :
Report of the Board of Immigration.
Total Money-Order business has amounted to $373*698 35
An increase of over 100 per cent, in past year.
United States postage stamps cancelled on letters
and papers from July 1st, 1873, to October 1st,
1873 8,250 oo
Sold during the same time 7,66i 70
The last statement shows the influx of population, as all
parties coming to Colorado bring stamps with them, think-
ing they may locate at some point where they can not be
obtained.
The numerous Post Offices throughout the Territory
have increased their business in like manner as the Denver
Post Office. It is safe to say that the increase in postal
matter in the Territory has been fully 100 per cent
The following table will show the transactions of the
Denver Post Office for the three quarters ending September
30th, 1873:
Unpaid letters $ 14304
Newspaper postage 984 75
Waste paper 34 oo
Box rent 5,99° °°
Stamps and envelopes sold 20,962 35
— 528,114 14
Route Agents and Messengers paid $ 4,388 16
Department drafts paid 14,209 43
- 18,597 59
Registered letters mailed 1,688
Registered letters received for delivery.. 3,584
Registered letters in transit 13,096
WEALTH OF COLORADO.
From the returns made to the Auditor of the Territory,
of the assessed value of property in the Territory, we find
that in the year —
1871, it was in round numbers $24,000,000 oo
1872, do. do. do 31,000,000 oo
1873, do. do. do 36,000,000 oo
Showing an increase of values, as assessed, of $12,000,000,
in the past two years. The full increase for 1873 can not
be shown, for the reason that the assessment commences
(2)
i8
Report of the Board of Immigration.
on the first day of May of each year. The general improve-
ments of all descriptions in the mountains and on the plains
are usually made after that date. As an example, since the
first day of May last, the valuation of buildings erected in
the city of Denver alone exceeds $1,000,000. It has been
the same throughout all portions of the Territory. One
hundred miles of railroad have been completed since that
date ; over one hundred miles of grading done for new lines;
so that in railway building alone there has been an increase
of over $2,000,000.
Taking all the data at hand and from reliable information
from all parts of the Territory, the Board think that they
are safe in saying in this connection that the assessment at
this date would reach $50,000,000. The assessors through-
out the Territory do not generally assess over 50 per cent.
to 65 per cent, of the true value of the real or personal
estate. In the matter of stock, roaming over such a vast
area, it is conceded that about 60 per cent, only get on the
assessor's roll. Leaving out the mines in our estimate of
the true value of real and personal property in Colorado,
the Board think they are safe at placing it at $70,000,000.
The past year has been one of great progress throughout
all sections of the Territory, and the great development
made in all branches of industry has been astonishing and
productive. The Territory levied no tax in the year 1872,
and no tax has as yet been paid in 1873, and only a levy of
one and a half mills made for the year. The Territory has
no debt of any description, and a balance in the treasury.
The Board think that they can point with pride to the
financial and prosperous condition of Colorado ; no com-
munity has felt the present commercial panic so little as
have the people of Colorado. Around the commercial cen-
tres, within her limits, there is more real cash and stable
convertible values than there is in any other community,
taking population as a ratio. Her banks are all sound and
unlimited confidence is reposed in them by the people ; no
cessation of business has been experienced ; loans to depos-
o/ tlit ttinini ,//" Immigration.
itors have been constantly allowed ; interest on 1
scarcely received even a temporary excitement; real estate
is continually rising through all the wild reports of the
panic in the Mast; and merchants hold their positions in
the community just the same as before.
AGRICULTURE.
Your Board would congratulate the representatives of
the Territory in the great progress which has been made
in the department of agriculture. The pre-eminence which
has been shown in eastern markets for the article of Colo-
rado flour alone is a source of great gratification. We are
informed that large orders have been sent to this Territory
from Boston for flour, which commands a higher price there
than the flour of any other State or Territory' in the United
States. It has been well established, especially on the tes-
timony of Mr. R. S. Little, of Littleton, that we can ship
Colorado flour to Boston, with a very good margin of profit,
thus opening a new market which cannot but give to the
farmers an important inducement in raising wheat. Our
flour commands $12.50 per barrel of 200 pounds; the
charges of shipment are not more than 52.50, thus realizing
$5.00 per 100 pounds to the shipper. This will ensure to
the farmer a remunerative price for his wheat and its con-
version into flour; and will also encourage the building of
a large number of mills. The yield of the wheat crop con-
tinues at about 25 or 26 bushels to the acre of average for
irrigated lands ; the steady increase of the wheat crop keeps
pace with the increase of our population, and the area of
cultivated lands, and as new facilities are offered for irrigat-
ing a larger area of land, and on a more economical basis,
it is easily demonstrated that ere long, we shall assume the
character of exporters rather than importers — which hitherto
has been the case — and the balance of trade will be much
in our favor.
Let any one take a tour of the valleys of the Platte,
Clear Creek, Ralston, Boulder, the Big and Little Thomp-
2O Report of the Board of Immigration.
son, the Cache la Poudre, and down south on the Arkansas,
the Huerfano, the Fountaine, and the rich and magnificent
farms which are being constantly opened up, will show to
him at a glance how rapidly and extensively the farming
interest is improving. The numerous farmers' clubs, and
organizations being formed all over the Territory, tell con-
clusively the growing wealth and power of this great
branch of our resources. Scarcely a settlement can now
be found in the whole of our broad agricultural area, where
there does not exist an organization of farmers. They meet
together to talk over their plans and compare notes how
they can best economize the fruits of their labors, which
must of necessity bring about new avenues of practical
wealth. It is in the success of the farmers that the whole
country will attain a large share of internal greatness.
The value of the agricultural crop of 1868, was not over
$2,000,000; in 1870, it was not much over $3,500,000; in
1872, it was at least $4,000,000; while in 1873, the esti-
mated value of the crop is $5,000,000.
IRRIGATION.
Owing to the popular cry of more ditches and more lands
to cultivate, all classes of our people have been devising
every means in their power to accomplish a net work or
system of irrigation to cover the whole available expanse of
our Territory. The different conventions which have met
and the constant beseiging of the Government by promi-
nent men who have visited our Territory, and the letters
and newspaper correspondence upon the subject of irriga-
tion, have at last obtained from the President a warm re-
commendation to Congress for the construction of an
irrigating canal from the Rocky Mountains to the Missouri
River, and the suggestion of an appropriation to make
habitable to the pioneer farmer, what has been called " the
desert wilderness " west of the Missouri.
Report of the Board of Immigration. 21
PASTORAL AGRICULTURE.
This branch of our commercial wealth is constantly on
the increase. The returns of the assessor do not give above
one-half of the real value of our cattle and sheep. There
are great numbers of them, particularly the former, that
the assessor cannot reach, on account of the extent of the
country over which they are herded, the owners, in a great
many cases, knowing that there is no possible mode of as-
certaining the exact truth of returns, give very low esti-
mates of the amount and value of their stock.
Every one upon visiting our broad pampas are struck
with wonder at the immense herds of cattle and sheep, con-
stantly improving in the quality of their breed, and gradu-
ally taking the place of the wild animals who have roamed
over them for ages, and cannot but notice the difference in
the returns of the assessors and the actual fact as displayed
by a visit to the camps of the cattle kings. The gaunt,
muscular frame of the Texas cow is being replaced, rounded
and filled up with the sleek, rotund, straight-backed, deep-
chested Durhams, Herefords and Devons.
The Jerseys and the Galloways are to be found here in
considerable numbers ; every day the herds of our blooded
stock are receiving additions. Our sheep grazers are fast
depleting the wild haunts of Texas of their large-bodied,
degenerated, Mexican half-goat, half-cayote, and crossing
them with the pure-blooded Spanish and French merinos,
producing a fleece of a high value, and at a cost insignifi-
cant, indeed, as compared with the flocks of the Eastern
States, and which will ever command for Colorado wool as
high a status in the market, for quality as well as quantity,
as is now found for Colorado wheat and Colorado flour.
The returns to the Auditor of the Territory show that
there are 300,000 head of cattle and 315,000 head of sheep
in the Territory.
From J. L. Bailey, Esq., President of the Stock Growers'
Association of Colorado, we are authorized to state that at
22 ' Report of the Board of Immigration.
least fifty per cent.' can be added to the numbers thus re-
turned, making 450,000 head of cattle and 472,000 head of
sheep. Cattle, sheep and horses live and thrive the year
round upon the native grasses of the plains. Only those
that are used for work have to be fed, consequently the cost
of raising stock in this region is very trifling compared with
like expense in most parts of the county where they have
to be fed( during more than half the year.
RAILWAYS.
Commercial wealth, as a rule, always follows the wake of
railroads. In 1861, and as late as 1866, the prediction that
in the confines of Colorado "five railroads would be cen-
tered," was received with a sneer and a smile, but in a few
years what a change has been witnessed in the physical
development of our country. Now, in 1873, we have six
railroads, making Colorado the focus of a railroad system
which might form sufficient capital for many an Eastern
State to indulge in self-congratulation and egotism. The
whole area of our Territory occupied as centres of trade
and population, is permeated by some line of railroad. We
have longitudinal lines connecting the North and South
and latitudinal branches, either built or being built, radiat-
ing in all directions. As each new region of agriculture or
mining is developing, the annihilation of distance by means
of railroad, becomes an immediate paramount necessity.
We have now the following railroads in running order :
KANSAS PACIFIC, connecting Northern Colorado with
St. Louis and Chicago, within our Territorial
boundary 210 miles
DENVER PACIFIC, forming a connection with the Union
Pacific Continental Railway 106 "
DENVER & Rio GRANDE (narrow gauge) on its way
to the Mexican coast, connecting Northern and
Southern Colorado 162 "
COLORADO CENTRAL, opening up the great gold and
silver region 41 "
KANSAS PACIFIC, KIT CARSON & FORT LYON, open-
ing up the old overland Santa Fe and Arkansas
Report of the Board of Immigration. 23
River Trail, and the rich country of Southern
Colorado 54 "
DI-.NVI u \ Hofi.DKR VAI.I.KY, from Denver to Erie,
Valmont and IJoulder, opening the rich mineral
region of ('arihou and Gold Hill 39 "
GOLDI N «\ It i I.SBURG, completed to Longmont, tra-
versing the fine farming valleys of Northern
Colorado 30 "
Total 642 miles
THE. MINES.
The following, from the pen of Hon. Frank Hall, repre-
sents our paramount industry :
Since the last session of the Legislature extraordinary
strides have been made in the material development of the
numerous mineral belts previously explored, and in the
matter of discoveries hitherto unknown. The South Park,
Hall's Gulch, Gold Hill, San Juan, Hardscrabble, Geneva
Gulch, many parts of Lake County along the Arkansas
river, and a remote district located near the "Mount of the
Holy Cross," present notable illustrations of this latter fact,
while the renewed activity everywhere exhibited in the
more prominent of the older districts, has been marked by
constantly increasing production of the precious metals.
Many of the principal veins of Gilpin County, conceded by
experienced native and foreign investigators to be the rich-
est gold bearing section of its area in the world, — which, by
reason of litigation, abandonment by their Eastern owners,
and other causes, had for some years prior to the last bien-
nial term lain wholly idle and unproductive, have at length
been reopened, and their treasure poured into the channels
of trade and commerce. Large numbers of veins on the
mountain slopes, upon which the original discoverers and
owners had made no further improvement than was required
under miners' laws to hold them by record, have been oc-
cupied, opened and rendered available for the purposes of
their creation. Similar advancement prevails in Clear Creek,
2 j. Report of the Board of Immigration.
Park, Lake, Boulder, and Summit counties. Under its sus-
taining influence trade is prosperous, labor abundant and
well paid, the population rapidly increasing.
New methods of working, improved appliances for the
more certain and economical extraction of gold and silver
from their matrices, combined with general concentration,
and systemization of operative forces have been employed
as powerful aids for bringing to the pursuit of mining the
substantial progress it now assumes. Along the Clear Creek
Valley from Georgetown and Empire to the eastern limits
of the county, evidences of unusual activity are seen on
every hand. The lodes are yielding large quantities of
bullion, mostly silver, and capital is supplying the means
for a much greater expansion of this industry.
In Park, Lake, and Summit counties the gulch miners,
wisely availing themselves of improved systems adopted in
California and elsewhere, have been enabled to work with
greater facility than ever before, and with corresponding
financial results. Many new discoveries of gold and silver
mines in quartz have also been exposed during the year
just closed.
Probably the most productive of the new districts is that
known as " Mount Lincoln," on whose lofty and precipi-
tous slopes untold wealth has been unearthed by the exer-
tions of the restless prospector. The deposits are essential-
ly different from any of those elsewhere made known
among the mountains of Colorado, and form a valuable and
most interesting feature of our mineral resources. The
ores are found in limestone formations which compose the
exterior crust of the mountain, and in layers, or strata,
(dipping to the east and into the mountain at an angle of
twenty degrees) making the process of extraction easy, and
from their great extent and richness highly profitable. The
principal mine, and one highly characteristic of the lime-
stone region, is the "Moose" mine. This mine, discovered
in the Fall of 1871, has produced an enormous quantity of
high grade ore, which has given a desirable impetus to the
Report of the Board of Immigration.
mining interest of Park County. The Territorial Assayer
for that district has given some statistics, from which we
see that the yield from this mine alone has been sufficient
to not only pay for all the outlay necessary in developing
the mine, such as building houses, constructing wagon
roads, etc., but has also afforded a large profit to the owners.
The character ot the ore from this mine is an argentiferous
galena with copper pyrites. The " Dolly Varden," " Hia-
watha," and several other mines of this District are essen-
tially similar in all respects, being stratafied veins and
pitching with the limestone. The proximity of these mines
to the extensive pastoral lands of the South Park affords an
opportunity to the miner to supply himself with cheap
beef, mutton and agricultural supplies. Two smelting works
have been established and a third is in process of building
near at hand, which furnish immediate markets, with lucra-
tive returns, for ores of all grades. The hundreds called
there by the advantages presented, caused the expansion of
the small settlement of Fairplay into a large and active
town. Early last autumn it was partially destroyed by fire,
but will undoubtedly be rebuilt the coming Spring.
The next new district of importance is Gold Hill, situate
in Boulder County, about twelve miles west of the County
Seat. This fruitful section was occupied to some extent
as early as 1859, and considerable prospecting done in the
two or three years following that memorable epoch. It
was then practically abandoned until about the beginning
of the past year when work was resumed. The town of
Gold Hill, beautifully situated on the crest of the first range
of mountains, overlooking the Boulder Valley, now num-
bers some three hundred actual residents; has from seventy-
five to a hundred substantial buildings, two or three excel-
lent hotels, supply stores, and other institutions suited to
the wants of such a community. Among the more con-
spicuous producers of mineral is the " Red Cloud," the first
in which tellurium ores were noticed, and which up to this
time has yielded large quantities of it. The main shaft is
26 Report of the Board of Immigration.
now something over three hundred feet deep, from which
eight hundred feet of levels have been driven into the vein.
In a recent communication to the Central City Register,
Prof. J. Alden Smith, Territorial Geologist, published the
fact that he saw in the office of the Superintendent, near the
mine, a dozen or more sacks of mineral estimated upon
previous actual products from a like collection to be worth
about $5.00 per pound, or $10,000 per ton, and pieces could
be selected from the lot that would yield at the rate of
$100,000 per ton in gold. "Besides this very rich mate-
rial," he says, "there is raised a considerable amount of
second-class, worth from $400 to $600 per ton, and very
large quantities of third-class, worth from $80 to $120 per
ton." The lode is of the character known to mining geol-
ogy as a "contact vein," standing between a dyke of light
gray porphyry on the north, and granite on the south side;
is well defined, strong, and very large. Resembling it in
general characteristics, and located within a few yards of
the "Red Cloud," is the "Cold Spring." The shaft is 160
feet deep, carrying a vast amount of rich tellurides, distrib-
uted throughout a vein of crevice matter from ten to fifteen
feet wide, a selected sample of which gave, by assay,
$133,509 per ton in gold and silver, or at the rate of $66.75
per pound. The specimen from which this assay was made
weighed seven pounds, and there was no metallic gold or
silver visible in it, either .before or after it was pulverized.
Blocks of five to ten pounds weight are frequently taken
out which are worth, that is to say, will yield, from $5 to
$15 per pound. These two mines are undoubtedly pro-
ducing, in quantity, the richest ores of any within our
knowledge. A number of other veins, among them the
"Forest" and the "Cash," though less extensively opened,
indicate like character and value. The collection of mine-
rals sent from there to the last annual exposition of the
Colorado Industrial Association, excited the surprise and
admiration of all who examined them. Several parties in
England, experienced in mineralogy, attracted by reports,
Report of the Board of Imniigration. 27
sent agents to these mines instructed to carefully select and
ship to them samples of all grades of ores, in order that
they might determine for themselves the truth or falsity of
their reputed value. During the year now begun this re-
gion will acquire a large increase of capital and numbers,
and become one of our most productive fields of enterprise.
The Caribou District continues to be highly prosperous.
The great silver fissure which gave the district its name was
sold during 1873 to a company of Hollanders, under whose
management it is now paying a liberal interest on the
$3,000,000 invested. Other mines in the neighborhood are
being prosecuted with profitable results.
The interval of two years between the Ninth and Tenth
Legislatures has witnessed the discovery of a point near the
southwestern corner of our Territory, in the San Juan range
of mountains, of a belt of mineral veins whose ores give
evidence of great strength, richness and permanence. Hun-
dreds have flocked thither, as is usual where excitement
leads the way, but, as yet, little has been done beyond the
extension of prospecting over a large surface of country,
owing, measurably, to the lack of machinery for reduction,
and its remoteness from the chief market towns. Several
thrifty settlements have sprung up. Many splendid lodes
have been opened, and no doubt the succeeding twelve-
months will witness a heavy lodgement of people there.
The Indian title to the lands so occupied has been, or soon
will be, extinguished by the general government, and the
whole of this immense and extremely opulent belt of veins
thrown open to American enterprise.
In four of the leading districts, smelting establishments,
wherein the crude material is reduced to bullion, are in full
operation, producing, in the last current year, about
$3,500,000 of gold and silver. The largestrof these, lo-
cated at Black Hawk, is now shipping between four and
five thousand pounds of nearly pure silver monthly, beside
a vast amount of gold bullion. Other methods of treat-
ment, operating in Gilpin, Clear Creek, Park and Jefferson
28 Report 'of the Board of Immigration.
counties, have proven very successful. These advantages
will be enlarged as the necessities of mining may demand.
Events are continually apprising us of the fa6l that the
mineral resources of that portion of the Rocky Mountains
included within our Territorial boundaries, are illimitable,
and practically inexhaustible, embracing nearly every use-
ful mineral known to science. Also, that as yet their de-
velopment is scarcely more than entered upon. Each year
brings to light new and wonderful discoveries, opens wide
avenues to labor, and returns generous revenues to the
country. While one class of people are engaged in pro-
ducing, another turns its attention to the work of explora-
tion, and no year passes without its rewards to both classes.
Thus we are constantly expanding this particular branch
of industry and as constantly offering lucrative employment
to skilled and unskilled immigrants.
The laws of Congress, enacted for the better regulation
of titles to this class of properties, imperfect as they are,
have answered a much better purpose than those furnished
by the Territorial Legislatures. Every claim now taken is
made to cover fifteen hundred linear feet on each vein dis-
covered after the passage of the act (1870) together with
ample surface ground for buildings, machinery, waste piles,
etc., while, under local laws, all claimants, except the dis-
coverer, were limited to one hundred feet, and he to two
hundred. The new arrangement conveys possession to a
single claim large enough to be worked advantageously,
under the best systems, by individuals 01" capitalized asso-
ciations ; avoids a multiplicity ot ownerships which was the
curse of earlier times ; encourages improvement and secures
to the prospector valuable rights not granted by the old
usages. Miners may obtain government patents to their
lodes, which' not only gives them permanent and secure
possession, but confers the additional blessing of taxation
for the support of the State, a privilege not extended by
statutes of their own making. On the tenth of June, 1874,
what is known as the "forfeiture clause" of the Congres-
Report of the Board of Immigration. 29
sional Act of 1870 takes effect. It provides that all claims
not patented nor protected by applications for patents, or
represented by a certain amount of improvements during
the previous year, shall be forfeited to the government, and
subject to relocation by any one who will supply the de-
ficiency. This evidently means that the mines are to be
worked and not held for an indefinite period as unproductive
properties by the tenure of a simple record. Its enforce-
ment will obliterate thousands of paper titles, and afford the
industrial classes many opportunities for acquiring valuable
gold and silver mines, beside giving new impetus to devel-
opment.
It is impossible to comprehend within the brief space al--
lotted to this department, anything more than a mere out-
line view of the condition of this great branch of industry.
That it is remunerative, wherever conducted according to
correct principles, such as obtain in all other channels
of production in established centres, is abundantly demon-
strated by the results achieved, and it is equally certain
that the increase of yields from year to year is indicative of
steady progression. With the passage of time come the
valuable deductions of experience, which we are permitted
to use as forcible instruments to our further advancement.
The revelations of science, judiciously applied, furnish new
power for the accomplishment of ends hitherto unattainable.
The annual importation of skilled laborers, now becoming
an essential part of the fixed population of all mining
sections, brings another substantial element of prosperity.
But the field is broad, capable of indefinite expansion, fur-
nishing homes and employment to thousands. It is a field
in which competition benefits every member of society, and
in which there is no obnoxious rivalry. Fire has taken the
place of water and iron stamps in the treatment of refractory
ores, how successfully is evidenced by the increasing de-
mand upon it, and the growth of those towns where it is
employed as a reducing agent.
jo Report of the Board of Immigration.
From the foregoing facts it may be safely predicted, we
think, that within the next biennial term, the five millions
in gold and silver produced in Colorado during 1873, will
be doubled in the present fiscal term, and that the number
of people actively engaged in mining, and supported by it,
will be increased an hundred fold.
COAL FIELDS OF COLORADO.
The following article, written by F. F. Wagenen, of
Georgetown, fully represents one of the most beneficial and
profitable resources of Colorado :
The area of land known to be rich in coal deposits in
•Colorado is about 7,200 square miles, lying in various parts
of the Territory, on both sides of the main range. There
can hardly be a doubt but that this extent will be largely
increased in years, for new discoveries are constantly being
made upon the foot-hills and plains.
Our coal lands may be separated under heads depending
more upon their geographical position than upon the char-
acter of the fuel, viz :
First — The Northern mines.
Second — The Eastern foot-hill mines. .
Third — The Southern mines.
Fourth — The Summit County mines.
Fifth — The Conejos County mines.
Of the first but little is known. Weld and Larimer
counties are undoubtedly underlaid by
VEINS OF LIGNITE
similar to those of Wyoming, which are at present furnish-
ing an excellent fuel for steam engines, domestic purposes,
and for some metallurgical processes. Coke made from
the Wyoming coal fields was tried at both Golden and
Denver for smelting silver and gold ores, and though sub-
sequently discarded in favor of Pennsylvania coke, is con-
sidered to be a fair fuel.
Report of the />W;v/ </ Immigt\r ji
The Eastern foot-hill mines embrace the viens outcrop-
ping in Boulder and Jefferson counties, nearly all of which
have been known since the early days. They are produc-
ing at present three-fifths of all the coal mined in Colorado,
which is about 120,000 tons, and being located nearer the
centre of population than any of the other fields, will prob-
ably hold this prominent position for a long time. Among
the noted mines are the Murphy, Marshall, Erie, and Da-
vidson.
THE MURPHY VEIN
stands nearly vertically, with an occasional dip to the east
or west. Its course is about north 20° west, magnetic, and
its thickness from twelve to eighteen feet of solid coal, with
scarcely a parting of shale or slate. The main workings
now lie mostly upon the north side of Ralston creek, which
has cut through the bed and exposed its outcroppings very
markedly on either side. Nearly 2,000 feet of the vein is
opened, and, in fact, much more work has been done than
the cut indicates. The coal is a very good sample of the
product of all the foot-hill mines. It is an altered lignite,
that burns freely, and crumbles quickly on exposure to the
rain or moist air ; burns well under the boiler and in the
grate, and answers excellently for most of the uses to which
mineral fuel is put.
THE ERIE BED
lies nearly flat, dipping to the east. It is operated by the
Boulder Valley Coal Company and furnishes most of the
fuel used in Denver and Boulder City. It is the most
extensively worked vein in Colorado, and yields a fuel that
is considered rather purer than any other of the neighbor-
ing beds. The Marshall vein is supposed to be a continua-
tion of the Murphy to the north, and it is of a very similar
character in almost every respect. The Davidson vein was
struck in the latter part of September, of this yedr, at a
depth of 530 feet below the surface. It is twelve feet thick,
and when exploited, is very liable to furnish a denser class
of "fuel than any yet taken from the Colorado plains.
J2 Report of the Board of Immigration.
East of Denver, along the 'line of the Kansas Pacific, in-
dications of coal are not wanting. The same formation that
is found along the foot-hills, tilted up in a nearly vertical
position, underlies the whole of eastern Colorado, which is
one vast lignite basin, containing stores of truly precious
mineral. It is not too much to place the probable coal area
of the Territory at 100,000 square miles.
THE SOUTHERN MINES
embrace those of Trinidad, and Fremont County, and fur-
nish a class of mineral entirely different from any yet found
in the Territory. The latter are the oldest and best known
mines, and have, at times, produced at the rate of one hun-
dred tons per day. Their present production we are not
aware of, though it can hardly have decreased, as the de-
mand for it is great, not only for household use, but for the
manufacture of gas in Denver.
THE TRINIDAD MINES
furnish a coal similar in many respects to that of Canon
City. The following extract from a paper read before the
American Institute of Mining Engineers, which we clip
from the Engineering and Mining Journal of the i8th, will
be of interest, as showing the latest results of attempting to
coke Colorado coals :
" I present herewith for the inspection of the members of
the Institute a specimen of coke, made in gas retorts from
the lignites of Trinidad, Colorado.
As far as I am aware, this is the first good coke for
smelting purposes made from lignite alone in America. It
has, so far, always been found necessary to mix bituminous
coal from the coal measures proper, tar, or similar mate-
rials, with lignites, in order to produce a coke, which even
then was in most cases only an indifferent fuel for the shaft
furnace-. As you see, the coke here presented will answer
for all purposes of lead and copper smelting in shaft fur-
naces, and if made in proper coke-ovens, it will probably be
sufficiently dense to carry the high smelting column of the
Report of the Board of Immigration.
iron blast furnace. The second piece of coke, in which
pieces of charred coal are seen held together by a regular
coked material, is made from a mixture of three parts of
Canon City and one part of Trinidad lignite. It is suf-
ficiently firm for use under the retorts and for household
purposes, while the residiun^ remaining in the retorts, when
Canon City lignite alone is used, cannot be employed for
any such purpose, as it does not swell at all, but retains the
structure of the coal and breaks into pieces of less than a
cubic inch in size. By effecting the above mixture the
whole residium has now a market value, and an excellent
gas is produced at the same time. The specimen of Trini-
dad lignites presents, as you see, no marked characteristics
which would distinguish it from bituminous coal.
One pound of it furnishes 4.25 cubic feet of purified gas,
without the use of an exhauster, and fifty-five per cent, of
the coal remains as coke.
COST OF MATERIAL.
Trinidad, where tjiis coal occurs in tertiary strata, is nine-
ty miles south of the present end of the Denver & Rio
Grande Railroad, and for that distance the lignite is now
brought in wagons. This brings the cost of a ton in Den-
ver at present up to $20, which is, of course, too high a
price for metallurgical purposes. But the gas works at
Denver find it to their interest to use it even at present, to-
gether with Canon City lignite, which costs $7, in the pro-
portions above given. The Trinidad bed is reported to be
from four to nine feet thick, the extent not being stated.
Mr. Wm. J. Fay, superintendent of the Denver gas works,
reports that there is very little sulphur in this material.
The importance of this bed for the metallurgical interests
for the Far West cannot be over-rated, when we know that
at present Eastern coke costs at Denver $22, and at Salt
Lake City, $30 per ton. It is expected that the Rio Grande
Railroad will reach the locality in less than six- months,
when the coal can be laid down in Denver at about $8 per
ton."
(3)
Report of the Board of Immigration.
THE SUMMIT COUNTY MINES
are not worked by any parties, and it is doubtful even if the
beds have been claimed or taken up, as they have only lately
been brought into notice. The report of the survey lately
made by Mr. Brune furnishes almost all that is known of
these deposits. They are located on the divide between
the Bear and White rivers, and consist of several seams
varying from five to fifteen feet in thickness, which, owing
to the contorted state of the strata, lie in a variety of po-
sitions, from a strict horizontal to a perfect perpendicular.
Above is a stratum of sandstone, varying from one to three
hundred feet in thickness.
The coal is of two kinds, one a hard lignite and the other
similar to what is called albertite, a mineral fuel of great
value as a gas generator.
It will be a long time before those deposits prove of any
intrinsic value, on account of the thinness of the population
in Summit County, and their distance from any railway or
market. The country north of this divide, according to Mr.
Brune, is capable of sustaining a large agricultural popula-
tion, and, in addition to this, there will, in time, spring up
extensive smelting interests along the western flank of the
Range, both of which industries will' create a demand for
o *
mineral fuel, which can be more cheaply supplied by these
mines than by any other now known in that region.
THE CONEJOS BEDS
are also new discoveries of which but little are known.
Sufficient outcroppings of coal have been noticed below
and west of the town of Las Animas, or Elbert, to indicate
the existence of extensive lignite deposits there. The mines
are hardly opened yet, but situated as they are, not more
than thirty miles south of the centre of the San Juan gold
and silver district, it will be but a short time before their
product will be called for, should they prove suitable for
metallurgical purposes.
Report of the Board of Immigration.
THE PUBLIC LANDS OF THE TERRITORY.
There are about sixty-seven millions of acres of land
contained within the geographical area of the Territory.
We are not able to state accurately how much of the public
domain has been appropriated up to this time. But from
the best sources of information at hand, it is believed, that
about four millions of acres, exclusive of the lands reserved
to the Indian tribes, have passed from the control of the
General Government.
The lands now reserved for the use of the Indians will,
in the course of time, as they have elsewhere, pass into the
possession and control of the people. The eastern slope of
the mountains, extending to the Kansas boundary, com-
prises about one-half of the area of the Territory, or about
thirty millions of acres. About three millions of acres have
passed under the control of the Denver Pacific and Kansas
Pacific Railway Companies; and about one million of acres
appropriated under the preemption and homestead laws of
the United States, and purchased at public and private sale,
mostly at the nominal price of one dollar and twenty-five
cents per acre. It will, therefore, be seen that there remains
subje6l to the occupation of the settlers, about twenty-five
millions of acres east of the summit of the mountains.
A large portion of the public domain heretofore consid-
ered undesirable, as in the earlier days of the Territory they
were all so considered, are now eagerly sought after, and
in all parts of this immense region wherever water can be
carried from the streams over these lands, the fertile earth
yields.up to the industrious husbandman, in every year, an
increase of thirty, fifty and an hundred fold. All of the
unoccupied public domain invite the preemption and home-
stead settlers. Thousands of acres can be profitably used
for arable agriculture — immense tracts are valuable for the
useful timber with which they abound, and the residue will
be occupied almost exclusively for pastoral purposes for
generations to come.
COMMUNICATIONS
FROM
LOI\RESPONDING SECRETARIES
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON, ^
GOLDEN, COLORADO,
October 8, 1873.)
Mr. George T. Clark, Secretary Board Immigration, Denver,
Colorado :
SIR — Your letter of September 25, 1873, asking informa-
tion of this county for the Board of Immigration, received
and noted.
First — How much has the population of your county
increased during the past two years?
The population of this county from the most reliable
information which can be obtained in the year 1871 was
3,000, and the population July I, 1873, was 7,000, making
a gain in two years of 4,000. This gain is rather und^er than
over.
The population at the present time is about 7,500.
Second — How much land has been taken up in the past
two years in your county?
From reliable statements of the officers of the county
about 7,000 acres have been taken up in the years 1 87 1 and
1872.
Report of the Hoard of fin migration. 37
Third — What vocation has most of the new settlers
en gaged in?
About one-third have engaged in agricultural pursuits;
one-third in mercantile and mechanical, and one-third in
mining and railroad business. About one-fourth are men
of capital.
Fourth — What increase has been made in the crops of
your county during the last two years ?
The number of acres under cultivation in July, 1870, 20,-
478, and the number of acres under cultivation July I, 1873,
24,835. Increase of agricultural production from July I,
1870, to July I, 1873, $192,126; the improvements in
ditches in 1873 will very much increase the number of
acres for cultivation and agricultural production in 1874.
Fifth — Amount of improvements made during the past
two years?
52,278,116 assessment in 1873.
1,510,610 assessment in 1871.
Showing an increase of $767,506 in the past two years.
The tax for county or Territorial purposes in the year 1871
was twenty-six mills; in 1872, twenty-one mills, and in
1873, nineteen mills, making Jefferson county orders worth
from eighty to eighty-five cents on the dollar.
This improvement consists in the value of important and
paying railroad lines, constructed in our county; manu-
facturing establishments of county and Territorial import-
ance; coal and copper mining — the copper mines not being
fully developed. Professor Old has stated in his last
mining report that "the copper mines of Jefferson county
are superior to any yet discovered in the Territory."
Smelting works, fire-brick and common brick manufactures ;
lumber yards, saw mills, hotels, churches, school buildings,
business blocks and dwelling houses.
With our railroad lines, the development of mineral and
agricultural resources, the organization of school districts
Report of the Board of Immigration.
and the great interest manifested in trie cause of education
— the increase of population, and many other advantages,
seem to give our new settlers, as well as the old ones,
entire satisfaction, and especially the advantages of our
climate for health. Many who come to our county only as
visitors have determined to make their homes here on the
question of health alone; and as an evidence of our pros-
perity the character of the improvements made are of the
very best character.
This briefly answers the questions of which you ask
information.
I believe that the Board of Immigration would advance
their object very much by requiring each county officer of
the Board to prepare in detail a circular containing a full
and true description of the resources of their counties, and
the advantages which each can offer to those who desire to
make their homes in our Territory. With this information
the immigrant coming west would be better prepared to
choose a county adapted to his labor and capital. In the
past two years many have located in the towns of the
Territory, and not enough in the mining and agricultural
districts. We have in our Territory labor for a large num-
ber of mining men and lands which need cultivation, and
which yield more to the acre than any Eastern State, and
all that is raised finds a cash market, at good prices, requir-
ing small capital to cultivate the soil, and giving in return
a large per cent, clear gain to the farmer.
Very Respectfully,
M. C. KIRBY.
Corresponding Secretary for Jefferson County, Colorado.
BOULDER COUNTY.
LONGMONT, September 27, 1873.
Geo. T. Clark, Esq., Secretary Territorial Board of Immi-
gration :
SIR : — Yours of 24th inst, at hand ; in reply would say :
Report of the Board of Immigration.
Our population has probably increased 1600 in past two
years ; is now about 6,000 in the county.
Could not give even a guess at how much land has been
taken up ; you can learn that at the land office.
New settlers have been pretty equally divided between
miners and farmers.
The wheat crop has been about doubled, but the oat and
potatoe crop has decreased some. Corn has increased say
fifty per cent.
As to improvements made, that is hard to get at. The
assessment has just about doubled, but that includes the
increased value of property by reason of railroads, etc. I
should say that the value of improvements in past two
years would be about $400,000.
The people are not only generally satisfied but are very
much pleased with the country.
I have endeavored to make my estimates low as I think
it a bad plan to over-estimate a new country.
Your last pamphlet gives our towns altogether too many
inhabitants; we havn't got them. But we have got the
country to support any number of people who have a mind
to come here.
I suppose it is unnecssary to call your attention to our
two railroads, one having a terminus at Boulder — the other
at Longmont.
Population is increasing much more rapidly this Fall than
ever before. In my estimate of population above, I have
only given those who have acquired a residence here.
Very truly, etc.,
JOHN H. WELLS.
LARIMER COUNTY.
To Hon. Geo. T. Clark, Secretary Board of Immigration :
SIR: — In answer to your communication of the 23d inst,
I have the honor to make the following report :
The population of this County according to the census
4-O Report of the Board of Immigration.
taken in 1870, was 1,000 souls. The 'present population
numbers 3,500, showing an increase of 2,500, mostly within
the past two years. I cannot give you an accurate estimate
of the amount of land taken up ; from no record here can
I obtain information. However, by examination of the
records in the land offi.ce in Denver, correct figures can be
obtained.
An extremely large proportion of the incoming immigra-
tion are engaged in farming and stock raising. Those en-
gaged in the latter business are located on the smaller
streams and tributary to the Cache-a-la-Poudre in the
mountains. The farmers are nearly all confined to the val-
ley of the Cache-a-la-Poudre and of the Big Thompson.
Some immigration has settled at Fort Collins, principally
due to the efforts of the Land Improvement Company and
Colony. ; of this class, most are mechanics and laborers.
It is somewhat difficult to form an estimate of the amount
of grain produced yearly, — the increase or decrease in the
crops, or any item whatever connected with agriculture,
and here I desire to put in a word of recommendation. I
think the Board of Immigration should recommend to the
Legislature the passage of an a<5t requiring all who return
an assessment list of property to give in on said list the
amount of land cultivated by them the preceding year, the
amount and kinds of grain, etc., raised per acre, etc. ; these
items to be returned by the County Assessors on their as-
sessment books. This would.be of no additional expense
to the counties, and would furnish interesting and very use-
ful information. It is safe to say there has been a steady
increase of cultivated land, a probable increase of one-
fourth every year.
The taxable property in this County in 1870 was $343,-
OOO; in 1871, $450,000; in 1872, $560,000; and in 1873,
$800,000, which does not include $250,000 railroad lands.
This shows an increase during the past year of $240,000.
This increase in value is owing to improvements on wild
lands, such as fencing, breaking, etc,, improvements on
Report of the Board of Immigration. 4.1
farms and town property ; the importation of stock of all
kinds and the advent of a stable immigration. Many thou-
sand dollars have been laid out in constructing new irrigating
canals, repairing and enlarging old ones upon which no
taxes are paid, and are therefore not included in the aggre-
gate.
It would hardly be doing justice to our many advantages
of climate, soil, etc., not to mention the many trumpeted
attaches of our prosperous colony, to arrogate to the Board
of Immigration the whole credit of our unequalled success
and steadily increasing flow of immigration, but I am well
satisfied and will bear witness to the efficient aid the Board
has rendered us in obtaining our share of this immigration,
and a debt of gratitude for their untiring and disinterested
efforts for the welfare of the Territory.
Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant,
Larimer County, Col. CHARLES C. HAWLEV.
EL PASO COUNTY.
OFFICE OF THE COLORADO SPRINGS COMPANY, ^j
COLORADO SPRINGS, COL.,
September 26, 1873.]
George T. Clark, Esq., Secretary Colorado Board of Immigra-
tion, Denver, Colorado :
DEAR SIR — Your favor of 25th instant is received, and
though I have no statistics from which to gather the
information asked for in reference to El Paso County, I
give the following facts in relation to Fountain Colony :
The Colony tract, or property, embraces about 9,650
acres, and covers an area of four miles in length, by two
miles wide in this locality, and a section of land at Manitou
(five miles west of here) where our Springs are located. A
small settlement of permanent residents is established at
Manitou, and a large hotel is also built there for the
accommodation of the numerous and rapidly increasing
4.2 Report of the Board of Immigration.
tourist and invalid class. This town (Colorado Springs) is,
however, what may be called our central point. Our Col-
ony system was started about two years ago, and the town
then staked out. It has been only twenty months since the
first house was finished, and previous to that time, our
property was only inhabited by a few ranchmen. The
development, therefore, has all taken place within the last
two years contemplated in your inquiry. Our town now
numbers several hotels, churches, public halls and billiard
rooms, two schools and telegraph offices, besides railroad
and freight depots, flouring mills, manufacturing establish-
ments, and a large number of stores and shops, representing
most of the commercial and mechanical interests. Our
largest establishments sell over $100,000 per annum each,
and our two banking houses are well established and
profitable. Business generally is highly prosperous, and
prospects bright.
Our plan has been to issue memberships which are of
four grades, viz: $50, $75, $150, $200. These member-
ships are payable cash down, and are generally taken out
by heads of families. They entitle the holders to locate
property of a certain value (about twice the cost paid
therefor). The amount due for property, so located, is.
payable one year from date, and the cost of membership is
deducted in final payments of said property. Our first
membership was issued in August, 1871, and we number
up to 525 memberships at present time. With foregoing
as preliminary, let me now answer your questions as
relating to Fountain Colony.
First and Second — Present population (all within two
years) about 2,100 or 2,200 ;• number of houses in town
from 400 to 500.
Third — The property laid off in town lots (two miles long
and half mile wide) is more than half sold, and in addition
about 1 ,000 acres of outlying tracts and Manitou property.
Fourth — All vocations are fairly represented, with, per-
haps, fewer farmers than others.
Report of the Board of Immigration.
Fifth — We have not had time to develope in agriculture,
but experiments are gratifying, and almost any grain, fruit
or vegetable, can be successfully cultivated, and will be.
Sixth — Value of present improvements at this point from
$600,000 to $750,000 ; value of present improvements at
Manitou about $200,000.
Seventh — A dissatisfied colonist is rarely met with !
. Yours truly,
GERALD DECOURSEY, Sec'ty.
SAGUACHE COUNTY.
RITO ALTO, SAGUACHE COUNTY, "]
COLORADO TERRITORY,
October 24, 1873.)
Mr. George T. Clark, Secretary of the Board of Immigration,
Denver, Colorado:
SIR — In answer to your letter dated September 23, 1873,
requesting information upon certain questions therein con-
tained relating to the condition and statistics of the county,
I have to say:
First — The population has increased 300 persons in past
two years.
Second — Present population estimated at 700 persons, not
including Indians.
Third — 50,000 acres of land have been taken up since
January I, 1872.
Fourtli — Many of the new settlers have engaged in
raising live stock, dairying and farming.
Fifth — The farm crops have not increased proportionately
with the population, but the value of the crop of 1873 is
estimated at fifty per cent more than the crop of 1871.
Sixth — Value of improvements made in past two years
estimated at $200,000.
Seventh — The people are satisfied with the country so far
as known.
Report of tJie Board of Immigration.
Eighth — A saw mill is now in operation on Saguache
Creek, and flour mill will soon be completed.
A new town named " Loma," situated on the north bank
of Rio Grande River, where the road from Saguache to
Conejos crosses the same, is rapidly increasing in popula-
tion and importance, deriving its prosperity principally
from the San Juan mines, and future prospects, which are
certainly very bright.
Loma has a rival — Del Norte — on the opposite side of
the river in Conejos county.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED. C. MORSE,
Corresponding Secretary.
GREEN CITY, COL., December 6, 1873.
To the Hon. Board of Commissioners of Immigration of Col-
orado Territory :
GENTLEMEN: — I have the pleasure to make to your hon-
orable body, as agent of immigration for the States of Mary--
land, Virginia and North Carolina, my second annual report,
as follows :
I had the honor in my first report to state, in detail, the
favorable colony rates of transportation I had obtained from
the Union Pacific Railroad, and its pro-rating connections
east, to Cheyenne; but I regret to say that whenever a col-
onist, reaches the latter place (Cheyenne) en route to Colo-
rado, he is required to pay full rates for all extra baggage,
and about ten cents per mile for transporting himself or any
member of his family over the Denver Pacific Railroad ;
That is to say, nearly Jive times as much as the average fare
charged to Cheyenne by so-called foreign corporations ! I
am gratified to state, however, that upon the completion of
the Colorado Central Railroad to Julesburg, this extortion-
ate charge upon colonists and immigrants will be avoided
by taking the latter route to Denver and other points of
destination in the Territory, which change will contribute
Report of the Board of Immigration.
45
largely to settle and develop the valley of the South Platte
and its tributaries.
You were informed in my last report, dated July ist,
1872, that up to that date more than one hundred colonists
(exclusive of their families) had emigrated to our Territory
under this arrangement, and that several hundred more had
purchased property in Colorado, and were preparing to
come out during the current year.
In view of the latter fact, your agent deemed it judicious
not to visit the East again until those, or most of those al-
ready here and preparing to come, should be met by him,
and, as far as practicable, advantageously located, agreeably
to their respective occupations and means, and thus made
satisfied, and willing witnesses to others of the great and
varied resources of our Territory. This has been done,
and the South Platte valley, below the Cache-a-la-Poudre,
which two years ago was almost unknown to the farmer or
husbandman, is now so closely dotted, on both sides of the
river to Julesburg, with comfortable claim buildings, farm
ranches, dairies and corrals, that the traveler is- rarely out
of sight of happy homes, where hospitable hosts are always
ready to welcome and entertain him.
Since my last annual report new irrigating canals have
been commenced, under the general incorporation laws of
the Territory, by the different colonies represented at Gree-
ley, Evans, Green City, South Platte, Buffalo and Sterling,
and with favorable legislation, if enacted during the early
part of the session of the next Legislature, more than IOO
miles of new canals will be constructed in Weld County
alone, in time for the next crop, covering at least 100,000
acres of excellent farming and hay lands.
A majority of the colonists have engaged in agricultural
and pastoral pursuits, and are generally enthusiastic in
praise of their new homes, and confident of success in their
respective occupations, while a few, only too indolent to
work, or too ignorant to see and realize their golden oppor-
tunities, are dissatisfied and complaining because unearned
Report of the Board of Immigration.
prosperity is not at once "thrust upon them" without labor
or merit on their part. ^
Unless otherwise directed by your honorable Board, your
agent will visit the States during the ensuing Spring in the
interests of colonization, and with your continued favorable
indorsement and kind offices, many of which I have to
acknowledge at the hands of your efficient and indefatigable
Secretary, he hopes and expects to accomplish still more
in advancing the objects aimed at in the organization of
your honorable body. Respectfully,
J. ALEXANDER PACE,
Agent Colorado Board of Immigration.
To Geo. T. Clark, Esq., Sec'y Col. Board of Immmigration,
Denver, Col.
MIDDLE PARK.
PREFATORY.
George T. Clark, Secretary of Board of Immigration :
DEAR SIR : — In view of the fact that the portion of our
Territory lying on the eastern, or Atlantic, slope of the
Rocky Mountains, contiguous to Denver, and extending
from Cheyenne and the Black Hills in the north, and away
southward past the Arkansas River, and to the borders of
New Mexico, is at present so occupied agriculturally and
pastorally, that it renders further settlement difficult, with-
out quite large sums of money being invested for purchas-
ing purposes, to embark profitably in those pursuits, we look
for a new field of enterprise in that direction ; we have that
field before us ; it lies upon the Pacific slope, in western
Colorado, embraced in the general limits of Summit Coun-
ty, extending westward to the east boundary of Utah.
DESCRIPTIVE.
The writer and his old time Colorado associates have ex-
amined this region somewhat in detail, and this report is
accurate, we believe, so far as we had means of observing,
. and may be described essentially as follows :
Report of the Board of Immigration. 4.7
Southern Portion. — Crossing the range from the South
Park, over the Breckenridge pass and stage road, we reach
the gold-placer diggings and gold and silver veins of that
mining section, including towns of Breckenridge,*(County
seat of Summit County,) Lincoln City, Montezuma, Galena
Gulch, Buffalo Flats, and Gold Run, with a probable popu-
lation of 400 to 500, principally miners, good paying mines,
with good pastoral advantages, well wooded, timbered and
watered. From Breckenridge a wagon road is being built
by County appropriation down the fine valley of the Blue
river, some forty-five to fifty miles, touching the Grand
river and entering the Middle Park just above the western
boundary of the Park and the great canon of the Grand,
(occurring between the Middle and Egeria Parks) thence up
the Grand river to the Hot Springs, where it will intersect
the direct eastern, or Denver, entrance to the Park, via the
Rollins wagon road.
BANC
MIDDLE PARR. LiBf
The Middle Park has an area of fifty by seventy-five miles,
its greatest length being north and south. It is surrounded
by mountain ranges and entered by mountain passes. Its
entrance, heretofore, has been an arduous and difficult
undertaking; but all difficulties of that nature are now
removed. The Park is divided into three basins or compart-
ments, (evidently at some period submerged) and is separ-
ated by mountain spurs, or divides, easily crossed. The
altitude of the upper portion of the Park is from 7,000 to
8,000 feet ; of the lower portion, 6,000 feet.
FRAZER RIVER BASIN.
The south-eastern, or Frazer Basin, is traversed by the
Rollins road in its first entrance into the Park, and also by
the James Peak and Berthoud routes. This has an area of
say fifteen by twenty miles, and is the smallest of the three
compartments. It is mostly composed of park or prairie
area. The bottoms are thickly covered with excellent and
N <
AHf
Report of the Board of Immigration.
nutritous grasses, and the upland grazing is good. It is
well watered by numerous streams and interspersed with
groves and wooded divides of pine, spruce, fir and aspen.
It is the*best summer pasturage, perhaps, in the Park, but
too elevated and frosty for agricultural purposes, and
through winter stock would have to be fed or driven to the
valley of the Grand. The Frazer, or James river, having
its sources under James Peak and Berthoud Pass, runs
northerly entirely through this section. Passing by the
road northwesterly six miles from the Frazer, we come to a
point where a road, or trail, diverges from the direct route
to the Springs, which leads us northeast in six to eight
miles to a recrossing of the Frazer at a point ten miles lower
down and three miles above its junction with the Grand
River. We now enter the second and largest of the three
basins.
BASIN OF THE UPPER GRAND RIVER.
The trail at the lower Frazer crossing, just alluded to,
continues its course across the Park northeasterly, crossing
Grand river and following up that stream to the Grand
lake, situated at the head of the South Fork of the Grand
river, under Long's and the Caribou Peaks. The distance
is twenty miles. This compartment, at one place, has a
park or plain, width of twenty-five miles. The valleys are
clothed with heavy mowing grasses, and the upper, or sage
brush, plateaus are most excellent pasturage. Groves and
timbered divides occur, while the entire outer circle of the
whole Middle Park, approaching the base of the mountain
ranges, is heavily timbered. The upper portion of this sec-
tion is too cold for agricultural purposes, but the lower part
is available for tillage. Cheap irrigation is available all
over the Park, although, of late years, all our mountain
sections need less irrigation than formerly.
Below the mouth of the Frazer, at the western extremity
of this division, the Grand enters a canon of some six miles
in length, with a narrow but rich bottom, and crossed by
Report of the Board of Immigration. 4.9
^
two veins of lignite or bituminous coal. It opens out below
into the valley of the Hot Springs, and the third and west-
ern of the Park Divisions.
THIRD DIVISION.
This is the centre, or main location, for a town in the
Park, and a petition is now in circulation for the formation
of a new county to be called Grand County, with County
Seat at the Springs. Three townships have been surveyed
at, below, and above the Springs. No improvements, or
accommodations for visitors, or settlers, have yet been pro-
vided at this point, except the commencement of a log
hotel ; but such accommodations must be now forthcoming
for the coming summer herds of cattle will be brought in,
and ac~lual settlement commenced. There are now 12,000
sheep in the Park for the winter, near the Springs, and in
good condition, and some thirty ranches are already taken
in the Park, and several colonies are contemplating a set-
tlement there or beyond.
This lower portion of the Park is well adapted to agricul-
tural pnrposes with a climate mild, perhaps, as Denver.
Most grains and vegetables can be readily produced. Cat-
tle graze through the winter with little or no feed. There
are many tributary streams, like William's Fork, the Blue,
Muddy and Troublesome, with their minor tributaries, all
having rich, alluvial bottoms, equal in richness to the valley
of the Grand. This river canons below the Springs for four
miles, with timbered banks, and then opens out into abroad,
beautiful valley below for fifteen miles, with most excellent
ranch locations, where, in former times, the old pioneer,
John S. Jones, fenced his ranch, and raised 800 bushels of
fine potatoes, grain, etc. Light snow only falls here during
the winter. Pasturage on the upper plateaus is almost un-
limited and the soil good. Timber is reached in two to
four miles ; and any quantity may be floated down Grand
river. Grasses are free from noxious weeds and the quality
of beef and butter and dairy products by such feed is un-
surpassed in any country.
(4)
Report of the Board of Immigration.
ROADS.
The Breckenridge road has been described. The Rollins
Wagon Road takes its departure for the Park at Rollins-
ville, in Gilpin County, passes up the valley of the South
Boulder, without crossing the stream, into the upper South
Boulder Park, thence up the north fork of the South Boul-
der, to the foot of the snowy range, lake Jenny, and a new
mining camp, a distance of twelve miles at a water grade ;
no climbing hills. The road is most admirably constructed
and graded. It then ascends and crosses the range over
the South Boulder or Rollins pass, at an altitude of 10,200
feet, with two and a halt to three miles of route above tim-
ber line, but the road is good at this point, and nearly level.
The route is so located that in ascending or descending the
eastern and western slopes, no heavy grades are to be sur-
mounted, and two to two and a half miles will cover the
entire hill portion of the road, for the whole length in reach-
ing the Park.
The road is open to within one-quarter of a mile of the
Park, and the whole road will be completed by the 25th of
May next ready for travel, and will be continued on through
Middle Park and Western Colorado, and to Utah. This is
an admirable work and is the means of opening our west-
ern Territory. Carriages and loaded teams can be driven
over the road with ease and safety ; and our herds of stock
can be driven over this route to and from the Park, to our
mines and Denver, in three or four days time, without in-
juring them in the least, and in good feed all the distance.
From Denver to Rollinsville is forty miles. Black Hawk
and Central to same place twelve miles ; Rollinsville to the
Park, by new road, twenty miles ; from entrance of Park to
Springs, fifteen to eighteen miles. There are also the Ber-
thoud Pass into the Park from Georgetown and Empire, and
the. James Peak route from Central City ; a covered way
through one permanent snow drift of sixty rods, will allow
a winter passage of this route, and that shed will be built:
Report of the Board of Immigration. 51
TERRITORY WEST OF THE GORE PASS.
From the Hot Springs the route of the Rollins road and
of the Berthoud Trail is westward through the Park, cross-
ing Corral creek, the Troublesome and Muddy to the Gore
Pass through the Rabbit-Ear range, (which is the western
boundary of the Middle Park) a distance of thirty miles.
The route through Gore Pass is in heavy poplar timber, —
seven miles at an easy grade. From the west slope of this
pass, the road is down a succession of beautiful, rich, grassy
valleys (the divides covered with excellent timber and well
adapted for settlement) for twelve miles to the Tumbuinaro
Rock and Park, in the northeastern part of the Egeria Park,
and the sage brush prairie of the upper Bear River Valley;
from this point the route passes northwesterly down Bear
River Valley, twenty-five miles to the great sulphur springs
of Bear River. The valley is two to two and a half miles
in width, with rich soil and heavy grasses, well adapted
both for tillage and pasturage. Fifteen miles above, and on
the way down, the Berthoud route diverges to the south-
ward, passing over into the valley of White River and
through the Ute Reservation. From the Sulphur Springs
the trend of Bear river is diredlly west, eight miles, to the
mouth of Elk river.
ELK RIVER VALLEY AND MINES.
Elk river is a tributary of the Bear, coming in from the
northward, and nearly its equal in size for twenty-five miles
up to where it issues from the hills. The valley is exceed-
ingly fine, with bottom land two to two and a half miles in
width, the very best soil, heavily covered with red top and
blue-joint grasses; ground all ready for the mowing ma-
chine if hay should be required. At the outer edge ot the
bottom land the valley slopes gently upward ; on the west
side, a distance of ten to fifteen miles from the river, and on
the east side from two to five miles in width, covered with
the California bunch and other grasses, for grazing, and all
this soil is good for farming and tillage. Above this slope
52 Report of the Board of Immigration.
comes scrub oak, choke-cherry and service bushes, and still
above pine, spruce, fir, and cedar woodlands. Five miles
above the head of this valley Willow Creek comes in from
the northwest, up which, five miles, are located gold placer
mines, said to be rich. They were extensively opened the
past summer, and with good promise of future success.
This mountain-locked valley of the Elk river is never
troubled with winds — always calm.
VALLEY OF SNAKE RIVER.
Fifteen] miles north of Elk river valley and mines we
reach the Snake river at the three forks and where it leaves
the mountain range. From this point the river runs west
down a'broad, splendid valley for thirty miles, where Indian
corn has been raised and matured, this season ; also mel-
ons, and without irrigation. Any crops can be produced
here that can be raised in any portion of Colorado. Pas-
toral advantages are almost unlimited. Settlers and herds
of cattle are now here — one herd numbering 1,700 head.
Snow rarely falls and stock is exceeding fat the year round
without feed. At thirty miles below the forks the govern-
ment, or Ute Agency, road from White River to Rawling's
Station, on the Union Pacific Railroad, crosses the Snake
river, and is traveled by these settlers ; distance eighty miles.
It is a good road, the upper portion of it, where it crosses
the range at Bridger pass, being the old Holliday wagon
road. Ninety miles below the road crossing Snake, this
river enters the Bear River. The Snake river valley
abounds in coal from the head to Green river. Next comes
the Green river desert, or burnt country, producing sand
greasewood, sage-brush and lizards, although possessing
redeeming points in coal and petroleum slates, with their
deposits. Returning to the eastward we take the Rollins-
Berthoud route down White river for 125 miles with many
very desirable locations, but principally now in the Ute
Reservation, and the lower seventy-five miles is the desert,
through which the White river, like the Nile, forms an oasis
Report of the Board of Immigration.
in its passage to its junction with Green river, Fort Robi-
deaux and the eastern boundary of Utah.
MIDDLE PARK AND BEYOND AS A RESORT FOR SPORTSMEN
AND VISITORS.
The dry, pure and bracing air of western Colorado with
its valuable mineral and medicinal springs renders it, as a
summer resort, invaluable. For the sportsman, bear, elk,
deer, antelope, mountain sheep, mountain lions, ducks,
geese, sage-hen, blue-hen, mountain grouse and rabbits are
abundant in game season. For the trapper, beaver and
other furred animals are plenty. Chalcedony, agates, fos-
sils and petri factions abound for the specimen-hunter. And
for the disciples of Isaac Walton, the trout-fly and line were
never cast in more abundant waters. Taken as a whole the
above described region is doubtless the best remaining por-
tion of Colorado for practical settlement, and I have been
recently informed by those having official right to make
such statement that no difficulty will arise the coming sea-
son to the settlers by Ute interference or annoyance, for
should they show an inclination to prove troublesome, they
will be promptly returned to, and retained upon, their res-
ervation. I remain very respectfully,
P. M. SMART.
PASSENGERS
— FOR —
Boulder Greeley, Evans,
LAS ANIMAS, PUEBLO,
AND ALL POINTS IN
KANSAS, COLORADO,
NEW MEXICO AND ARIZONA,
You save many hours time and avoid disagreeable changes of cars and delays
at junction points, by taking the
The only line by which you can obtain
THROUGH TICKETS & BAGGAGE CHECKS.
Maps, circulars, and all information cheerfully given by addressing
BEVEBLY E. KEIM,
General Passenger Agent, Kansas City.
KANSAS PACIFIC RAILWAY.
The KANSAS and COLORADO All-Rail Route between
Kansas Ely ani laiwtk
LAWRENCE,
TOPEKA,
WAMEGO,
MANHATTAN,
JUNCTION CITY,
MILLFORD,
WAKEFIELD,
CLAY CENTER,
ABILENE,
SOLOMON,
SALINA,
BROOK VI LLE,
ELLSWORTH,
WILSON,
BUNKER HILL,
RUSSELL,
WALKER,
VICTORIA,
HAYS,
ELLIS,
PARKS' FORT,
WALLACE,
KIT CARSON,
LAS ANI MAS,
PUEBLO,
SANTA FE,
SALT LAKE CITY
AND ALL POINTS IN
IDENVER,
ERIE,
IBOULDER,
'LONGMONT,
GEORGETOWN,
GOLDEN,
CENTRAL CITY,
COLORADO SPRINGS
IDAHO SPRINGS, .
GREELEY,
EVANS,
PLATTEVILLE,
CHEYENNE,
KANSAS, COLORADO,
The Territories and Pacific Coast,
A OO TV/TIT L7C THE SHORTEST LINE BETWEEN KANSAS CITY
J-OO 1Y1 li-ilLO AND DENVER.
No Ferries ! No Omnibus Transfers !
The only Ditett Line to the fertile valleys of the Kansas^Re-
publican, Solomon, Saline, Smoky Hill,
and Arkansas Rivers.
Only line running cars through without change from the Missouri River to Denver.
Only line running Pullman Palace Cars to Denver.
• Don't fail to take a trip over this line and view the great advantages offered for a home.
Everybody in search of health or pleasure should make an excursion over the Kansas Pa-
cific Railway.
Close connedlioLs made at Kansas City, Leavenworth, Clay Center, Denver, Las Animas,
Boulder and Cheyenne for all points.
STOUT in* EDMUND S.BOWEN, Sen'! Sup't.
General Passenger Agent, Kansas City.
188 MILES THE SHORTEST ROUTE
PROM:
Kansas City or Leavenworth
TO
OMnge &f Gars fr&m
asses through the celebrated KANSAS VALLEY, and through thriving
cities and towns, and centers of the most fertile Agricultural Districts. The
State Capital, and the seats of the State Colleges and Public Institutions are
all located on this line.
The STATE NORMAL SCHOOL is at Leavenworth.
" BLIND ASYLUM - " Wyandotte.
" KANSAS UNIVERSITY - " Lawrence.
" STATE CAPITOL - . " Topeka.
" STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE - " Manhattan.
It is the Only Trunk Railway which passes
mm THE GREAT BUFFALO RANGES of the AMERICAN CONTINENT,
Immense herds of Bttffalo, Antelope, etc., roam wer the broad prairies
and often in sight of passing trains.
THE KANSAS PACIFIC RAILWAY IS
There are no disagreeable Omnibus nor dangerous Ferry Transfers
by this route. Through Passengers from the East make trans-
fers in Union Depots, and cross all the Great Rivers
on Substantially Constructed Iron Bridges.
THE KANSAS PACIFIC RAILWAY IS THE ONLY ALL SAIL ROUTE
DENVER, SALT LAKE CIT^® PACIFIC COAST.
BEVERLEY R. KEIM, EDMUND S. BOWEN,
Genl. Pass. Agt.t Kansas City. Gen/. Superintendent.
FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION
VIA THE
AND OPERATED LINES
INCLUDING THE
DENVER PACIFIC RAILWAY,
DENVER & BOULDER VALLEY Ry,
ARKANSAS VALLEY RAILWAY, and
JUNCTION CITY & FT. KEARNEY Ry,
KANSAS CITY, MO, AND LEAVEN! ORTH, KAN.,
TO ALL POINTS IN
Northern, Central and Southern Kansas,
ttwning, f §w tlnieo,
8 vf * *' */J T-T
To Merchants and Manufacturers
SUPEBIOB ADVANTAOES ABE OFFEEED
In the Shipment of all Classes of Freight,
The only route by which Freight is forwarded without transfer,
and bills of lading secured to Denver, Golden
City, Evans, Greeley, Boulder, Cen-
tral City, Etc., Etc.
TIE as QUICK and RATES always as LOW as any other Ronto!
Jggg^" Special inducements offered to COLONISTS in the transportation of
their LIVE STOCK, HOUSEHOLD GOODS and Implements.
All business pertaining to the FREIGHT DEPARTMENT should be ad-
dressed to
T. F. OAKES, Gen'l Freight Agt.,
KANSAS CITY.
MOUNTAIN
DAILY AIVI> WEEKLY.
Pioneer of the Rocky Mountain Region and Recognized Leading Paper of
Colorado Territory.
LARGEST NEWSPAPER between KANSAS CITY and CALIFORNIA
ITS EDITORIALS ABLE AND INSTRUCTIVE!
ITS LOCAL NEWS FRESH AND AHEAD OF ALL RIVALS!
ITS CORRESPONDENCE VARIED AND SPICY!
ITS COLUMNS REPLETE WITH ENTERTAINING MATTER!
ITS TELEGRAMS THE LATEST AND FRESHEST!
IN ALL ITS DEPARTMENTS
The News Stands Superior to any other Paper in the Far West ! !
By Far the Best Advertising Medium in Colorado.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEWSPAPER IS
THE BEST JOB OFFICE
IN THE WEST.
The Daily News (by mail) $10 per year.
The Weekly News (by mail) 3 per year.
Iti^Specimen Copies Sent to All on Application. "&a
WM. X. BYERS, Publisher,
DENVER, COLORADO.
BETTER INDUCEMENTS
Are offered along the lines of the JfAJYSAS %>& CIl^IC and
PACIFIC 'RAIL WA. TS in Colorado
than elsewhere in the West.
PROVIDE YOURSELVES WITH FARMS WHILE LAND IS CHEAP!
-OF-
Choice Farming, Grazing, Timber & Goal Lands
TEE DENVER PACIFIC AND MAS PACIFIC RAILWAYS
IN
COLORADO.
An Equal Amount of Government Land adjoining the Railway Land
can be taken by ACTUAL SETTLERS under the Pre-
Emption and Homestead Acts.
in ii|e f ill for
FERTILE SOIL-ABUNDANCE OF WATER-PLENTY OF COAL.
THE MOST HEALTHFUL CLIMATE IN THE WORLD.
A never failing Market in the Mining Districts for all the Farmer can produce.
i *t
Gen'l Agents, DENVER, COL.
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