|
Meeker, Co. started it's beginnings in 1868 when Major John Wesley Powell, his wife, and about twenty others came to the valley and established winter quarters in this wide-open space, now called Powell Park. The first Indian Agency was established here a year later, nine miles east of the present town. Nathan Meeker arrived as the Indian agent in 1878, determined to convert the resident Ute Indians from "primitive savages" to hard-working, God-fearing farmers. When Meeker plowed up the Indian's racetrack, it was the final insult. The Indians attacked. Meeker and the ten men employed by the agency were killed, the agency burned to the ground, and the women and children captured and held hostage for 24 days. The Army arrived quickly and established the Camp on the White River, banishing the Indians to a reservation in eastern Utah. The first Fourth of July celebration was held in 1884, and Meeker was incorporated a year later. For the next twenty years, Meeker was the only incorporated town in northwestern Colorado.
Today, Meeker is a true ranching town; fishing and hunting are also big businesses here. Area guest ranches and endless outdoor adventures draw visitors to this out-of-the-way town. Although most outdoor excursions are in your hands to plan, there are some local fly-fishing guides. Several lakes are accessible from Meeker, including popular Trapper's Lake. A dramatically scenic drive is the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway; the 82-mile drive starts in Meeker and offers lots of picturesque pull-offs along the journey to Yampa.
Two local festivals are worth mentioning: Range Call, a historic Fourth of July rodeo, and the annual Sheep Dog Trials in September.
Map: Meeker
Region: Northwest Regional Information
County: Rio Blanco
Proximity to other towns: Located 182.2 miles from Boulder, 35.9 miles from Rifle, 38.5 miles from Silt, 41.3 miles from Craig, 41.4 miles from New Castle
Population: 2,300
Elevation: 6239 feet
WE WELCOME YOUR INPUT...if you have additional information or photos about this town you would like to share PLEASE LET US KNOW
Meeker Activities | Meeker Art | Meeker Associations | Meeker Businesses | Meeker Churches | Meeker Classifieds | Meeker Coupons | Meeker Events | Meeker Hotels | Meeker Movies | Meeker Museums | Meeker Music | Meeker News | Meeker Real Estate | Meeker Restaurants | Meeker Schools | Meeker Seniors | Meeker Shopping | Meeker Theater | Meeker Weddings
|
