Meeker in Rio Blanco County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Founding of Meeker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 25, 2016
1. Founding of Meeker Marker
Following the Meeker Massacre, Gen. Wesley Merritt established at this site his Camp on White River, 1879. After withdrawal of the garrison in August, 1883, the town of Meeker was founded by the following pioneers: George S. Allsebrook, Charles S. Attix, Thomas Baker, William H. Clark, John C. Davis, Charles Dunbar, Samuel Fairfield, W. Harry Goff, A.J. Gregory, Henry J. Hay, George S. Hazen, J.W. Hugus, James Kendall, James L. McHatton, Newton Major, Frank E. Sheridan, G. Dana Thayer, Eddie P. Wilber, Mrs. S.C. Wright.
property of the State of Colorado
Erected by
The State Historical Society of Colorado
from the William A. Braiden Foundation, and by
The Chamber of Commerce and Citizens of Meeker.
1949
Erected 1949 by State Historical Society of Colorado, Chamber of Commerce and Citizens of Meeker.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the History Colorado series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location. 40° 2.264′ N, 107° 54.805′ W. Marker is in Meeker, Colorado, in Rio Blanco
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Western Slope. 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: History of Meeker & the White River Valley (within shouting distance of this marker); Nathan C. Meeker (approx. 4 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Basic History of Meeker. History of Meeker website entry:
The town of Meeker was founded in 1885. It was named Meeker because it was the last resting place of the infamous Nathan C. Meeker. Meeker had moved from Ohio to Greeley, Colorado and then became employed as an Indian Agent in the Spring of 1878. (Submitted on January 28, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. History of Camp on White River. FortWiki entry:
Established 14 Oct 1879 in response to the Meeker Massacre. About 1,500 soldiers were assembled to control the Ute Indians who were responsible for the Meeker Massacre. The arrival of the troops controlled the situation. Congress passed the Ute Removal Act in 1880 and the Utes were removed from their Colorado lands in 1881 and sent to Utah. The post was abandoned on 7 Aug 1883. (Submitted on January 2, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 25, 2016
2. Founding of Meeker Marker
3. Camp on White River Cemetery. Find A Grave website entry:
The Camp on White River (also known as Cantonment on White River) was a U.S. Army Camp established in 1879 in present day Meeker, Rio Blanco County, Colorado. It was abandoned in 1883. An old officers quarters of the camp presently houses the White River Museum and the Rio Blanco County courthouse occupies land that was the post parade grounds. (Submitted on January 2, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 25, 2016
3. Founding of Meeker Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 25, 2016
4. Rio Blanco County Courthouse (south / front elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 549 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 4. submitted on January 2, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
