People and Pioneers of Colorado

Colorado has a rich and varied community of people from every corner of the world. When "Pioneers" arrived during the Gold Rush of 1858, they were greeted by First Peoples/Native Americans, Hispanic settlers, and frontier adventurers. Through both peaceful and tumultuous times, these communities have forged Coloradans.

Research Tools

Colorado Argonauts – 59ers' Directory

A directory of prospector arrivals, removals, deaths, marriages, children, property, mines, and ranches with names of old towns, mining camps, gulches, mountains, rivers, creeks, and other matters relating to the setting of their lives in the Pikes Peak Region.

Real Pioneers of Colorado

List of some 1400 names of pioneers who arrived in Colorado prior to February 26, 1861. Names organized alphabetically and include short biograhpies.

Clear Creek Pioneer Index

Index of pioneers taken from Annals of Clear Creek County, Colorado by J. S. Randall. Listing includes the pioneer's name, place and year of birth, residence or place and date of death.

Fiftyniners' Directory Colorado Argonauts 1858-1859

A Directory of their arrivals, removals, deaths, marriages, children, property, mines, and ranches, with names of old towns, mining camps, gulches, mountains, rivers, creeks, and other matters relating to the setting of their lives in the Pike's Peak Region.

Smiley's History of Denver

Published in 1901, Smiley’s History of Denver was originally compiled for the Denver Times. Jerome Smiley’s book gives a very detailed early history of Denver and the region. Beginning with the development of local geological formations, Smiley takes the reader through prehistoric inhabitants, Spanish and French exploration of the area, fur traders and trappers, early settlers, the growth of Denver, and finally Denver’s prospects for the future.

Foundation Stones

"Lest We Forget

The ox team; the covered wagon; the long trek; the hair-breadth escape from hostile Indians; the log house; the forts for defence [sic]; the many privations, these brief personal sketches will remind us of our obligation to the Old Pioneer"

Smiley's History of Denver

Published in 1901, Smiley’s History of Denver was originally compiled for the Denver Times. Jerome Smiley’s book gives a very detailed early history of Denver and the region. Beginning with the development of local geological formations, Smiley takes the reader through prehistoric inhabitants, Spanish and French exploration of the area, fur traders and trappers, early settlers, the growth of Denver, and finally Denver’s prospects for the future.

Clipping Files: Biography (WHG)

The clipping files are a large collection of articles of local interest which have been gathered from a variety of newspapers. The articles range in date from the early 1900's to the present. They are available for use on-site in the Library. The subject heading of Biography includes a list of the clippings of notables and lesser known persons.