Near Livermore in Larimer County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Virginia Dale
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 8, 2015
1. Virginia Dale Marker
Virginia Dale
famous stage station on the overland route to California, 1862 - 1867. Established by Joseph A. (Jack) Slade and named for his wife, Virginia. Located on the Cherokee Trail of 1849. Favorite camp ground for emigrants. Vice President Colfax and party were detained here by Indian raids in 1865. Robert J. Spotswood replaced Slade.
Erected 1935 by The State Historical Society of Colorado and the Fort Collins Pioneer Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Overland Trail series list.
Location. 40° 57.443′ N, 105° 21.277′ W. Marker is near Livermore, Colorado, in Larimer County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 287 and County Route 43F, on the right when traveling north on U.S. 287. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31890 U.S Highway 287, Livermore CO 80536, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s 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 Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Virginia Dale (approx. 1.3 miles away); Virginia Dale, Colorado Overland Trail Stage Station (approx. 1.3 miles away);
this page online
Also see . . . Virginia Dale, Colorado - Wikipedia. Virginia Dale was a "home station" on the Overland Trail, meaning that passengers could disembark, get a meal, and stay overnight in a hotel if the stage was delayed by weather or nightfall. Thirty to fifty horses were kept at the station which was located in a pleasant, grassy glade (or "dale") along a clear bubbling stream, later named Dale Creek. (Submitted on October 13, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 8, 2015
2. Virginia Dale Marker
Postcard by William P. Sanborn
3. The Old Stage Station at Virginia Dale, Colo.
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, October 25, 2025
4. Virginia Dale Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,152 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 13, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4. submitted on October 25, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia.
