Mancos in Montezuma County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Hard Pressed
Artists: Brad and Wyatt Goodell
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 16, 2025
1. "Hard Pressed" Marker
The history of agriculture in the Four Corners includes fruit production going back to Indigenous cultures. When a new wave of settlers arrived in the late 1800s, they brought with them apple trees that were nurtured to become productive orchards.
Montezuma County apples became widely renowned, winning three gold medals at the 1904 World's Fair. Remnants of those original orchards still exist, joined by more recent plantings of numerous varieties of heritage apples which flourish in Montezuma County's rich soil and arid climate.
The production of cider is a natural partner for an orchard culture and economy. Cidermaking utilizes both prime fruit and fruit which might otherwise go unused. Blends of apples from heritage trees and wild trees growing along fence lines make superior ciders.
This mural honors those whose love for the land and whose hard work have been a cornerstone of agriculture in Southwest Colorado. It requires a collective effort of people from our unique and diverse community. We cherish our people, land, and delicious apples.
Funding provided by Malgosa, LLC
Copyright: Brad Goodell 2020
Erected 2020.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Mountain West, in Colorado Plateau, and at the Four Corners. 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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1892 Horse-Drawn Pull Grader (within shouting distance of this marker); Bauer Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Columbine Bar (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Yesterday's News (about 300 feet away); Mancos Opera House (about 400 feet away); Bauer House (about 700 feet away); Mancos High School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cedar Grove Cemetery Veterans' Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mancos.
Also see . . . Fruit History of Colorado (Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project).
Excerpt: Colorado orchards were first planted during the Golden Age of fruit development in North America. The great genetic diversity then available, combined with the uncertainties of growing fruit in Colorado, pushed early orchardists toward bold experimentation. By 1900, Colorado had four major(Submitted on November 28, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)orchard districts with renowned orchardists, hundreds of varieties, and tens of thousands of trees producing millions of dollars of crops. Pests, development, and even success doomed much of the fruit industry. Learn the story of our early fruit growers what was here, what was lost, and what you can help save.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 16, 20252. "Hard Pressed" Marker & Mural
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 16, 2025
3. "Hard Pressed" Mural
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 16, 2025
4. "Hard Pressed" Mural
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 24, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 28, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
