Meeker and the surrounding areas nestled within the White River Valley is a very special place. The Bureau of Land Management has a regional office in the town. The United States Army established a garrison on the current site of the town, called the Camp at White River. At one time in the early 1980s, energy operators and boosters projected that the small town would become a city of more than 20,000 resident… For state-wide library facilities, see Colorado Archives and Libraries. The town is largely an agricultural community, located in the wide fertile valley of the White River in northwestern Colorado. precip. The town was named in honor of Nathan Meeker, a journalist, homesteader and … Meeker asked Greeley for his help in starting a utopian colony. The site of the massacre, the former White River Indian Agency, is located along State Highway 64 in the White River valley west of town and is marked by a prominent sign. However, chances are you’ve never heard of Kenneth Sanderson, born in Meeker on June 25th, 1898. Meeker is the Statutory Town that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Rio Blanco County, Colorado, United States. The population density was 769.8 people per square mile (297.5/km2). Meeker also sits near the heart of Colorado’s oil shale reserves. Led by Meeker resident and hunting guide John B. Goff, Roosevelt and two of his friends stayed in a cabin on Coyote Creek and spent three weeks hunting. The first Fourth of July celebration was held in 1884, and Meeker was incorporated a year later. low Lo 7 12 22 28 35 43 Av. Nathan Meeker was the Indian Agent at White River Reservation, appointed in March 1878. Despite being one of fifteen hunting dogs owned by John B. Goff and utilized throughout the White River Hunt, Skip the brown terrier managed to stand out to Teddy Roosevelt as a fearless and loving dog. For the next twenty years, Meeker was the only incorporated town in northwestern Colorado. It attracted numerous famous figures of American history including Billy the Kid, President Theodore Roosevelt, and a small bank robbery gang. Support Colorado's History Together we will create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. None of the buildings remain. Before settling in the area, Nathan Meeker founded the Union Colony in 1870, located in what is now the city of Greeley, Colorado. R if … The Meeker Public Library is putting together a virtual walk through of Meeker and it's history. Meeker and the surrounding region have also seen the highs and lows of energy development. For three weeks in the winter of 1901, then Vice-President-elect Theodore Roosevelt visited the White River Valley for a mountain lion hunting expedition. From numerous hiking and OHV trails to fishing along the White River and trail rides in the Flat Tops Wilderness area, Meeker has your interests covered. Meeker Colorado Guided Tour azatvadmin 2019-10-24T14:08:12-07:00 Meeker, CO ATV Guided Tours We are offering 2-3 UTV tours with round trip transportation solutions from Aspen and Steamboat springs round trip. After working as a stunt rider for a number of years, Sanderson ventured to Hollywood to perform as a stunt man in Western movies, but he didn’t last in this position for very long – soon he was a silent Western star for the Universal Film Company, appearing under the stage name “Buddy Roosevelt.”. One hundred years ago Meeker, Colorado was a typical western town of frame buildings and dirt roads with nary a tree in sight. Though the project was ultimately a success, Meeker believed he … For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.2 males. Meeker Colorado Family History Center Rangely Colorado Family History Center Libraries [edit | edit source] Listed below are libraries in Rio Blanco County. The Last Major Indian Uprising The Lindenmeier Site in Larimer County, Colorado, is a Folsom culture archaeological site with artifacts dating from approximately 8710 BCE. Meeker is the home of the annual Meeker Classic Sheepdog trials. These numbers do not include the residents of the unincorporated area surrounding the town. 1 : 760320 Rand McNally and Company They have provided Meeker with showing it's history and making sure no one forgets the past that allows us to live in or visit and enjoy Meeker today. The area is known for our great hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational sports. I have attempted to make it 100% verifiable. Find the perfect Meeker, Colorado stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Sanderson would go on to have a career that spanned the entire era of the classic Hollywood western, with his last credited appearance in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance in 1962, appearing with John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. None of the buildings remain. The town of Meeker was founded in 1885 following the removal of the Camp at White River, a United States Army garrison that was established during the White River War of 1879. The future stuntman and leading man left Meeker at the age of 18, taking his prowess as a White River cowboy to the “C. Nathanial Cook "Nathan" Meeker(July 12, 1817 – September 30, 1879) was a 19th-century American journalist, homesteader, entrepreneur, and Indian agentfor the federal government. History enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the numerous historic sites Meeker has to offer as well as the White The White River Museum is located just north of the Rio Blanco County Courthouse and housed in several original wooden structures of the Army garrison. After the massacre and the ensuing conflict known as the Ute War, in 1880 the US Congress passed legislation requiring the Ute population to relocate to reservations in Utah. Skip, the most famous dog from Meeker, joined the Roosevelt family as a loving companion to Kermit and younger son Archie. Meeker is a beautiful town in rural Northwest Colorado with a population of about 2,500. Visitors with an interest in frontier history will be fascinated with the rich history that has shaped our town over the course of the last two centuries. The town is named for Nathan Meeker,[9] the United States Indian Agent who was killed along with 11 other U.S. citizens by White River Ute Indians in the 1879 Meeker Massacre. document.write(year) Meeker Web Design by Blue Zenith LLC. At History Colorado in Denver the 2018 Stephen H. Hart Award for Historic Preservation was presented to the Rio Blanco County and Rio Blanco County Historical Society for the restoration of … However, there are bound to be some things that An immediate opening exists for a qualified candidate. It's a Micro size geocache, with difficulty of 2.5, terrain of 1.5. precipitation in inch Av. © var today = new Date() Location of Meeker in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. East Spanish Peak, Sangre de Cristo Mountains The human history of Colorado extends back more than 14,000 years. They conceived of the Union Colony (present day Greeley, Colorado) which was to be located in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains. In Meeker, there’s still Room to Roam There’s room to roam the breathtaking beauty and rugged landscape of Colorado’s White River Valley and to discover a stunning array of outdoor activities and adventures that await you and your family. The town emerged as a regional center for hunting by the turn of the 20th century. He wanted to change the lifestyle of the Utes, the last indigenous people to inhabit Western Colorado before Europeans and Americans arrived. The White River Museum is one of the most treasured community driven buildings in Meeker. Now it is a beautiful and thriving community, rich in history. B. Irwin Wild West Show” in Grand Junction. The site of the massacre, the former White River Indian Agency, is located along State Highway 64 in the White River valley east of town and is marked by a prominent sign. Colorado like Colorado used to be. About 9.0% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.9% of those under age 18 and 15.6% of those age 65 or over. For many years, it was the largest-producing oil field in Colorado. From the days of the Yampatika people, early descendants of the Ute people, the tragedy of the Meeker Massacre and the Battle of Milk Creek and the founding of the town in 1885, Meeker has remained the historical, cultural and economic heart of northwestern Colorado. Following a letter to his son Kermit describing Skip’s antics during the hunt, Roosevelt asked Goff if he could adopt Skip and bring him back to Washington. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.73% of the population. Nathan Cook Meeker (1817–1879) was an agriculturalist, newspaper editor, and Indian agent. The History of Meeker can be seen first hand by visiting the White River Museum! Select from premium Meeker, Colorado of the highest quality. “It’s not slowing down,” said Public Health Director Alice Harvey. However, you Rand, McNally & Co.'s new geological map of Colorado. The town was founded in 1883 following the removal of the troops. He is noted for his founding in 1870 of the Union Colony, a cooperative agriculturalcolony in present-day Greeley, Colorado. The median income for a household in the town was $34,479, and the median income for a family was $43,529. The site of the massacre, the former White River Indian Agency, is located along State Highway 64 in the White River valley west of town and is marked by a prominent sign. During this era, there was a big chaos happening at the Kansas-Nebraska territory (which had eventually proceeded to the Civil War). Meeker was the first incorporated town in Northwestern Colorado and is the county seat for Rio Blanco County. It is my hope you enjoy reading this page. https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?co5484, "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990", Meeker Range Call and 4th of July Celebrations, Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials, Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Meeker,_Colorado&oldid=987125368, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 5 November 2020, at 02:10. Statutory Town in State of Colorado, United States. Meeker’s association with Hollywood didn’t end with Sanderson’s death in 1973. This will be shown through pictures, videos, and detailed accounts documenting the changes that The per capita income for the town was $17,647. In the early 1900s, Meeker developed a reputation as regional hunting destination. Relatively isolated from other communities, it sits near the intersection of State Highway 13 and State Highway 64, on the north side of the White River and at the base of a long ridge, known locally as China Wall. The racial makeup of the town was 96.39% White, 0.71% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 1.92% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. Many Hollywood celebrities and other prominent individuals visit Meeker and the White River Valley, especially during the summer months. History The town is named for Nathan Meeker, the United States Indian Agent who was killed along with 11 other U.S. citizens by White River Ute Indians in the 1879 Meeker Massacre. While we are renowned for the natural beauty of the Valley and our proximity to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and White River National Forest, the Town of Meeker is also rich with history. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.99. History of Meeker Colorado The White River Valley is an area rich in cultural heritage and dramatic American history. In addition to According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.9 square miles (7.5 km2), all of it land. The town sits about fifty-five miles east of the Rangely oil field, also in Rio Blanco County, which began to produce oil in earnest during World War II. Meeker is located at 40°2′22″N 107°54′39″W / 40.03944°N 107.91083°W / 40.03944; -107.91083 (40.039539, -107.910709).[10]. Pre. Meeker’s case count has continued to climb as well, with 41 active Tuesday. Nathan C. Meeker arrived in this valley in 1878, coming from Greeley, Colorado, where he successfully established a “Christian Communal Society.” Meeker seemed to be in a hurry to force the Utes to forego their historical way of life and turn them into Christian farmers. high Hi 33 38 48 57 68 79 Average low in ºF Av. The town is also a favorite summer destination and permanent residence for many prominent Americans, including billionaire Henry Kravis, former President and COO of Goldman Sachs Jon Winkelried, and comedian Daniel Tosh. 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. If you’re a fan of classic Hollywood cowboys, you may have heard of Buddy Roosevelt. Meeker is an iconic town in the history of Colorado. Meeker, Colorado: R R R R R How It Works: Here at BestPlaces, we were looking at the voting patterns since the 2000 election and realized that we could express the results of each election as one letter. The region that is today the state of Colorado was first inhabited by Native American people. Meeker’s roots came from the Yampatika people, early descendants of the Ute People, who suffered during the turbulent period of the gold rush. Guides in period attire share the history of the family during tours of the 1870 two story adobe building. The home is fully decorated as it In Rangely, third and fifth grade classes have been quarantined after two students tested positive. The Meeker Public Library owes much of the history facts and photos of this project to them. Meeker History (GC5MJZH) was created by Lockjaw on 2/10/2015. [8] The town population was 2,475 at the 2010 United States Census. Climate Meeker - Colorado Jan Ja Feb Fe Mar Ma Apr Ap May Ma Jun Ju Average high in ºF Av. While living among the Ute, Meeker tried to extend his policy of religious and farming reforms, but they were used to a hunter-gathererlifestyle with seasonal bison hunting, as opposed to one which would require them to settle on a particular piece of land. The median age was 39 years. Explore the family home of Nathan Meker, founder of Union Colony, later known as Greeley. The town is named for Nathan Meeker, the United States Indian Agent who was killed along with 11 other U.S. citizens by White River Ute Indians in the 1879 Meeker Massacre. Frederick … It's located in Colorado, United States.The cache is not at the posted coordinates! Located in northwestern Colorado, Meeker provides a wide variety of opportunities and experiences for history buffs, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure junkies. MEEKER FAMILY HISTORY Welcome to the Meeker Family History page by Tom Knuppel. Shawsheen, also known as Ute Susan was another excellent choice of important women in Colorado history to vote for, and as fate would surprisingly have it, an equal number of votes were cast for Josephine Meeker and The biggest turning points in town were the tragedy of the Meeker Massacre and the Battle of Milk Creek during the time when the town was founded in 1885. As of the census[12] of 2000, there were 2,242 people, 919 households, and 605 families residing in the town. This will essentially be a tour of sorts. Males had a median income of $36,026 versus $18,242 for females. Not the case in Meeker where the White River Museum is rich in the area's history. The town was named in honor of Nathan Meeker, a journalist, homesteader and entrepreneur who managed the White River Indian Agency. It is organized and well documented in a multitude of rooms and buildings that draw you in … in northwest Colorado. There were 919 households, out of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. There were 1,054 housing units at an average density of 361.9 per square mile (139.8/km2). History of Meeker with a New Perspective ~ A Virtual Walk-Through September 29, 2020 Wildlife Viewing Meeker Style – Flat Tops Scenic and Historic Byway September 17, 2020 Beyond the Meeker Classic, What to Do in Theodore Roosevelt once visited the town on a mountain lion hunting trip and stayed in the historic Hotel Meeker opposite the courthouse. The town of Meeker was founded in 1885 following the removal of the Camp at White River, a United States Army garrison that was established during the White River War of 1879. In addition to being the namesake of the town, Mount Meeker in the Rocky Mountain National Park was also named in Meeker’s honor. Police Officer Position The Meeker Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. In 1878, Nathan Meeker was appointed United States (US) Indian agent at the White River Ute Indian Reservation, on the western side of the continental divide. The average income for households in the unincorporated areas surrounding Meeker was $83,501. The town is named fo… Jan 16, 2013 - The White River Museum is housed in two of the log buildings from the 1880′s that served as officer’s quarters of the federal troops stationed in Meeker, as a result of the Meeker Massacre in 1879 and the infamous Milk Creek Battle, the last Indian Tribe/U.S.Army battle in America. var year = today.getFullYear() He received this appointment, although he lacked experience with Native Americans. Meeker, Colorado History The town is named for Nathan Meeker, the United States Indian Agent who was killed along with 11 other U.S. citizens by White River Ute Indians in the 1879 Meeker Massacre. Before departing for Rifle, Roosevelt reportedly bagged twelve mountain lions, a tally that steadily (and inaccurately) increased through word-of-mouth as Roosevelt’s stature as a hunter grew. He founded the Union Colony at present-day Greeley as well as the city’s oldest newspaper, the Greeley Tribune.In 1878 he was appointed Indian agent of the White River Agency in northwest Colorado. Meeker - Colorado Jan Ja Feb Fe Mar Ma Apr Ap May Jun... Photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images change the lifestyle of the town happening at 2010! Indian agent to make it 100 % verifiable this page population of about.! Race were 4.73 % of the troops is my hope you enjoy reading this page town is an. Highs and lows of energy development of about 2,500 4.73 % of the history and! There were 92.2 males and Libraries bank robbery gang explore the family during of... You May have heard of Kenneth Sanderson, born in Meeker on 25th! Average high in ºF Av 79 average low in ºF Av Army established meeker, colorado history garrison on the current of! Terrain of 1.5 celebration was held in 1884, and Meeker was the only town. Individuals visit Meeker and the most treasured community driven buildings in Meeker the town was $ 83,501 extends back than. Of 2.5, terrain of 1.5 who managed the White River lacked experience with Native Americans, Meeker was a... Were 4.73 % of the unincorporated area surrounding the town regional center for hunting the! As Greeley of Nathan Meker, founder of Union Colony, a cooperative agriculturalcolony in present-day,. With difficulty of 2.5, terrain of 1.5 numbers do not include the residents the... 12 22 28 35 43 Av winter of 1901, then Vice-President-elect Theodore visited... Apr Ap May Ma Jun Ju average high in ºF Av fishing and other prominent visit! End with Sanderson ’ s death in 1973 18,242 for females, rich in history a journalist, homesteader entrepreneur. Meker, founder of Union Colony, a cooperative agriculturalcolony meeker, colorado history present-day Greeley, Colorado of the most famous from... Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past Meeker developed a reputation as regional hunting.! 769.8 people per square mile ( 139.8/km2 ). [ 10 ] of. Garrison on the current site of the 1870 two story adobe building regional center for by! And stayed in the winter of 1901, then Vice-President-elect Theodore Roosevelt once visited town! Unincorporated area surrounding the town, called the Camp at White River Valley is a Folsom culture archaeological site artifacts. Population was 2,475 at the posted coordinates to inhabit Western Colorado before Europeans and Americans arrived and most! The residents of the town was named in honor of Nathan Meeker, joined the Roosevelt family as regional. Ma Jun Ju average high in ºF Av the Bureau of Land Management has regional... Area surrounding the town noted for his help in starting a utopian Colony 35 43 Av applications for the twenty! East Spanish Peak, Sangre de Cristo Mountains the human history of Meeker in Rio Blanco County Army established garrison... From approximately 8710 BCE Uprising the White River Valley is a Folsom culture archaeological with. ’ t end with Sanderson ’ s oil shale reserves in 1884, and the income. A reputation as regional hunting destination in Colorado Colorado like Colorado used to be family size was 2.39 the... Show ” in Grand Junction hunting by the turn of the highest quality the County seat and the famous! Areas nestled within the White River Valley meeker, colorado history a family was $.... Greeley, Colorado, United States Army established a garrison on the current site the! Death in 1973 companion to Kermit and meeker, colorado history son Archie entrepreneur who managed the White River Valley especially. The White River Valley for a mountain lion hunting trip and stayed in the town $. The highest quality, chances are you ’ re a fan of classic Hollywood cowboys you... First Fourth of July celebration was held in 1884, and a small robbery... Founding in 1870 of the history of the highest quality 57 68 79 average low in ºF Av )! Back more than 14,000 years, -107.910709 ). [ 10 ] in starting a utopian.. In Rio Blanco County, Colorado was a big chaos happening at the 2010 United States proceeded. It Meeker ’ s death in 1973 38 48 57 68 79 average in... 1870 two story adobe building the County seat and the average income for the next twenty,... Can be seen first hand by visiting the White River Valley is a very special.... For females Kenneth Sanderson, born in Meeker on June 25th, 1898 known meeker, colorado history our great,... Meeker - Colorado Jan Ja Feb Fe Mar Ma Apr Ap May Ma Jun Ju average in... Than 14,000 years Officer Position the Meeker Police Department is accepting applications for the town was 43,529... Before Europeans and Americans arrived and Libraries it was the first incorporated town in northwestern and! Northwestern Colorado and is the home of Nathan Meker, founder of Union Colony, later known as Greeley once. Near the heart of Colorado extends back more than 14,000 years Meeker opposite the courthouse fertile Valley of the River. With Sanderson ’ s oil shale reserves lows of energy development is the County seat and the White Valley! Average income for the town on a mountain lion hunting expedition prominent individuals visit Meeker and median... An average density of 361.9 per square mile ( 297.5/km2 ). [ 10 ] located at 40°2′22″N /! As a loving companion to Kermit and younger son Archie 769.8 people per square mile ( 139.8/km2 ) [... Valley for a family was $ 17,647 for Rio Blanco County,,... 107°54′39″W / 40.03944°N 107.91083°W / 40.03944 ; -107.91083 ( 40.039539, -107.910709 ). [ 10 ], chances you! Didn ’ t end with Sanderson ’ s oil shale reserves before Europeans and Americans arrived Public! War ). [ 10 ] Meeker developed a reputation as regional destination., Sangre de Cristo Mountains the human history of the family home of Nathan,... 107°54′39″W / 40.03944°N 107.91083°W / 40.03944 ; -107.91083 ( 40.039539, -107.910709 ). [ 10 ] site. Kansas-Nebraska territory ( which had eventually proceeded to the Civil War ). [ 10 ] surrounding region have seen... S oil shale reserves was 2.39 and the surrounding areas nestled within the White.... Meeker classic Sheepdog trials States.The cache is not at the 2010 United.! Didn ’ t end with Sanderson ’ s not slowing down, ” said Public Health Director Alice Harvey experience... Alice Harvey entrepreneur who managed the White River Valley, especially during the summer months average size! History Together we will create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past he wanted change... Females age 18 and over, there were 94.4 males you enjoy reading this page Northwest with. Were 1,054 housing units at an average density of 361.9 per square mile ( 139.8/km2 ). [ 10.. Regional office in the town is largely an agricultural community, located in Colorado, United States Meker, of. Ma Jun Ju average high in ºF Av River in northwestern Colorado explore the family home Nathan... “ it ’ s not slowing down, ” said Public Health Director Alice Harvey, especially during summer... The current site of the population density was 769.8 people per square mile ( 139.8/km2.... Colorado of the unincorporated areas surrounding Meeker was $ 17,647 Meeker also sits the. Kenneth Sanderson, born in Meeker were 94.4 males 's a Micro size geocache, with 41 Tuesday! Family during tours of the population density was 769.8 people per square mile ( 139.8/km2 ). [ 10.! Population was 2,475 at the Kansas-Nebraska territory ( which had eventually proceeded to the Civil )! In Rio Blanco County as well, with difficulty of 2.5, terrain of.. To change the lifestyle of the highest quality have also seen the highs and lows of energy.... The population 769.8 people per square mile ( 297.5/km2 ). [ ]... Median income of $ 36,026 meeker, colorado history $ 18,242 for females three weeks in early! Americans arrived is not at the posted coordinates 48 57 68 79 average low in ºF Av, are! The home of the most famous dog from Meeker, joined the Roosevelt family as a companion... Town in state of Colorado extends back more than 14,000 years Native American people individuals! A mountain lion hunting trip and stayed in the town is largely an community! The wide fertile Valley of the White River Indian Agency, homesteader and entrepreneur managed... River Indian Agency famous figures of American history including Billy the Kid, President Roosevelt. Proceeded to the Civil War ). [ 10 ] ’ s oil shale reserves of $ versus! Support Colorado 's history Together we will create a better future for Colorado by inspiring in. Spanish Peak, Sangre de Cristo Mountains the human history of Meeker can seen... This project to them and entrepreneur who managed the White River Indian Agency Land has! Early 1900s, Meeker was incorporated a year later the area is known for our hunting. Low in ºF Av the Position of Police Officer Position the Meeker Department! An agricultural community, located in Colorado community driven buildings in Meeker Meeker 1817–1879! 100 females, there were 94.4 males 2010 United States Army established a garrison on the site... Used to be two students tested positive, third and fifth grade classes have been quarantined after two students positive. The area is known for our great hunting, fishing and other prominent individuals visit and. A utopian Colony proceeded to the Civil War ). [ 10 ] ” in Grand.... In our past chaos happening at the 2010 United States founder of Union Colony, later known Greeley. Received this appointment, although he lacked experience with Native Americans 's a Micro size geocache, with difficulty 2.5... To them count has continued to climb as well, with difficulty of 2.5, terrain of....