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

Teresita Sandoval

(1811–1894)

Photographed by J. J. Prats, April 18, 2013

1. Teresita Sandoval Marker

Inscription. Teresita Sandoval was one of the daring souls that arrived at the Pueblo settlement in 1841. Like other women of that time, she would witness and be partner to changes in her country. She departed from her traditional life as the wife of Manuel Suazo and followed her heart and Mathew Kinkead to the Arkansas River, where her extended family endeavored to establish life at El Pueblo Trading Post (1842). Described as “pretty as a peach,” Teresita captivated another Englishman, Alexander Barclay, who wrote of “TS” in his journals. From his diary a glimpse of their grand undertakings emerges as does her role and contributions. Her life affirms that women moved between cultures, strengthened family and trade alliances, exercised rights under Mexican Law and ventured north for the freedom the frontier promised.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.

Location. 38° 16.032′ N, 104° 36.623′ W. Marker is in Pueblo, Colorado, in Pueblo County. It is at the intersection of North Union Avenue and Richmond Avenue, on the left when traveling

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north on North Union Avenue. It is on the grounds of El Pueblo History Museum, facing the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pueblo CO 81003, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Arkansas River Valley

and in the Front Range.

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 the Comanchería

and also the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Matthew Kinkead (a few steps from this marker); Evocation (within shouting distance of this marker); Pueblo Trading Post (within shouting distance of this marker); The Artist for Teresita Sandoval & Deon Duncan (within shouting distance of this marker); The Artist for Charles Autobees - Dustin Payne C/A (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Pueblo (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Artist for Marcelino Baca - Huberto Maestas (about 300 feet away); Borderland / Pueblo / Railroads / Pueblo Country (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pueblo.

Additional commentary.
1. Pueblo, Colorado article on Teresita Sandoval statue unveiling on September 24, 2011
Teresita Sandoval memorial unveiling scheduled today

Saturday, September 24, 2011 12:00 am

THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN | [email protected]

A sculpture of Teresita Sandoval, a pioneer woman who settled in the Pueblo region with her family in the

Photographed by J. J. Prats, April 18, 2013

2. Teresita Sandoval Marker

1840s, will be unveiled at a 2 p.m. ceremony today at Founders Plaza on the grounds of El Pueblo History Museum, 301 N. Union Ave.

The memorial is the second to be dedicated at the plaza. A sculpture of James Beckwourth was dedicated in May during the annual Wild Wild West Festival.

Sandoval and Beckwourth are two of seven people regarded as founders of Pueblo, who will be honored with statues. A third founder, Mathew Kinkead, will be honored early next year.

City Council approved a resolution in early May to name El Pueblo's outdoor plaza area as Founders Plaza.

Today's unveiling of the Sandoval sculpture is being held in conjunction with this weekend's Chile and Frijoles Festival. The memorial is a white cement abstract statue depicting Sandoval as a classic frontier woman. The piece was commissioned by the Urban Renewal Authority of Pueblo as part of its Arts in Public Spaces initiative.

The project was coordinated by the Urban Renewal Authority with the help of the city of Pueblo, Art and Soul Street Gallery and El Pueblo History Museum.

“We are excited to recognize another founder of Pueblo with this artwork,” Urban Renewal Executive Director John R. Batey said. “We are especially proud that this

Teresita Sandoval (1811–1894) image. Click for full size.

April 18, 2013

3. Teresita Sandoval (1811–1894)

The statue is approximately 3 feet high.

project not only helps beautify our Downtown and generate visitors, but also celebrates Pueblo’s diverse history.”

Teresita Sandoval helped to establish El Pueblo as a settlement rather than just a trading post. She and her daughters were instrumental in bringing stability to the region.

Married at the age of 14, she later left her husband and arrived with her children at the Arkansas River in 1841.

“Teresita Sandoval is a prime example of the early, rugged frontier woman,” said El Pueblo History Museum Director Deborah Espinosa. “Through her strength of character and unyielding sense of adventure, she played a key role in the taming of the American West.”

The artist for the Teresita Sandoval piece is Ted Bueno, a native of Pueblo. He taught 14 years in Pueblo School District 60 and was in administration for 21 years before retiring in 1995.

Visitors to the festival are invited to attend today's ceremony.

— Submitted February 18, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2018. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2013, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,160 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 23, 2013, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.