Saguache in Saguache County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Otto Mears Park

Photographed by Tom Bosse, May 30, 2018

1. Otto Mears Park Marker

Inscription. This park is dedicated to Otto Mears, Russian-born Colorado Pioneer, know as “The Pathfinder of the San Juan”, who came to the San Luis Valley in 1865. In Saguache (A Ute Indian word meaning “blue earth”), Otto Mears was married in 1870, establishing his home across from this park. He built a toll road over Poncha Pass, the first one in the area; ran freighting teams; established mining camps; published two newspapers and constructed railways. He was for a time treasurer of Saguache County. As a commissioner he helped to build the state capitol, and suggested covering the dome with gold leaf. As a friend of Ouray, Mears induced the Utes to cede the “mining triangle” of the San Juan to the government.

This tablet is the property of the State of Colorado

Erected 1959 by State Historical Society of Colorado, Mrs. J.N. Hall Foundation and the Saquache Kiwanis Club.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the History Colorado series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.

Location. 38° 5.106′ N, 106° 8.527′ W. Marker is in Saguache, Colorado, in Saguache County. It is on 8th Street (State Highway

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285) north of Pitkin Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saguache CO 81149, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Colorado’s Continental Divide,

in the San Juan Mountains,

and in the San Luis Valley.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Saguache (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Spanish Trail North Branch (within shouting distance of this marker); George W. Hazard Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line).

Also see . . . Otto Mears. (Submitted on July 15, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Tom Bosse, May 30, 2018

2. Otto Mears Park Marker

3. Otto Mears

Credits. This page was last revised on March 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 649 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 15, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.