Rocky Ford in Otero County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
George Washington Swink
Photographed By Duane Hall, October 8, 2010
1. George Washington Swink Marker
Came to Colorado in 1871
Established a general merchandise store and (trading post) at a rocky ford on the Arkansas River.
Moved store and family to present site in 1876, when Santa Fe Railroad was extended to Pueblo
Became postmaster at Rocky Ford 1875 to 1884.
He originated Watermelon Day in 1878
Later the famous Rocky Ford Cantaloupe.
Promoted construction of irrigation systems and
general farming in Arkansas Valley.
Was promoter of Arkansas Valley Fair.
Served as State senator two terms, from 1892 to 1900.
Personally purchased from Germany, beet seed
for promotion of sugar beet industry in Colorado
resulting in construction of
first beet sugar factory of Arkansas Valley in 1900.
Erected under auspices of Otero County Historical Society.
This monument located on s.w. quarter of
tract of land conveyed by Timber Culture Certificate No. 1
Erected by Otero County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 38° 3.32′ N, 103° 43.194′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Crowley Communities / National Sugar Company / Last Days of the Buffalo / Crowley Country (approx. 12 miles away); Crowley (approx. 12 miles away); Milestone (approx. 13.4 miles away).
More about this marker. On the reverse side of the marker is a metal tablet with a facsimile of Timber-Culture Certificate No. 1, Application 3, a United States patent of 160 acres to George W. Swink in 1887.
Also see . . . George W. Swink - Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on November 24, 2013.)
Photographed By Duane Hall, October 8, 2010
2. Timber-Culture Certificate No. 1, Application 3
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 24, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 653 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 24, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
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