Julesburg in Sedgwick County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Water - Lifeblood of the West
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, July 19, 2024
1. Water - Lifeblood of the West Marker
Look to the north. The tree-lined banks of the South Platte River weren't always this way. During the 1800's, grazing bison, flooding and prairie fires kept the riverbanks open. People moving west followed the course of the river and developed settlements along the way. Today's productive farmlands are a result of irrigation using river water channeled through Jumbo Reservoir, 19 miles to the west.
Necessity the Mother of Invention
Successful living on the prairie meant adapting to the often harsh conditions of the land. Plains Indians migrated with the changing seasons to follow animals they used to make food, clothing and-tools. Early settlers who lived a day or more away from settlements quickly learned the necessity of doing for themselves.
"Grow what you need. Fix what gets broken. Make your own."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 40° 57.97′ N, 102° 15.073′ W. Marker is in Julesburg, Colorado, in Sedgwick County. It can be reached from no nearby street.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Eastern Plains. It is also in the American Mountain West, on the Great Plains, and specifically on the High Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A Moving Experience (here, next to this marker); Pony Express, Telegraph and Railroad (here, next to this marker); The Pony Express Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Overland City (Julesburg) Pony Express Riders (within shouting distance of this marker); Prairie Home Companions (approx. 0.6 miles away); Devil’s Dive (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Town that Wouldn't Die (approx. 1˝ miles away); Fourth Julesburg (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Julesburg.
Other markers no longer nearby. Colorado's Wildlife Story
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, July 19, 2024
2. Water - Lifeblood of the West Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 224 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 2, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
