Before 1880
EXPLORERS
Fur
traders and mountain men ranged throughout Western Colorado, 1821-1845. Pictured is a
boulder, inscribed in French by trader Antoine Robidoux in
1837. He had an early trading post, Fort Uncompahgre, near modern-day
Delta. Wayfarers included the Marcus Whitman party who came through the
valley in 1842. Lt. Edward Beale and Capt. John Gunnison headed two
separate exploration expeditions in 1853. The Hayden Survey teams of
1873-1876 surveyed, and named, many geologic features and peaks.
(Jack Owens Photo)