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History of Pueblo, Colorado, USA
Journey back in time to Pueblo, Colorado, USA
Explore Pueblo, Colorado, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Pueblo Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Pueblo, Pueblo, CO
James Beckwourth, George Simpson, and other trappers such as Mathew Kinkead, claimed to have helped construct the plaza that became known as El Pueblo or Fort Pueblo around 1842. George married Juana Maria Suaso and lived there for a year or two before moving; however, Simpson had no legal title to the land. The adobe structures were built with the intention of settlement and trade next to the Arkansas River, which then formed the U.S./ Mexico border. About a dozen families lived there, trading with Native American tribes for hides, skins, livestock, as well as (later) cultivated plants, and liquor. Evidence of this trade, as well as other utilitarian goods, such as Native American pottery shards were found at the recently excavated site. According to accounts of residents who traded at the plaza (including that of George Simpson), the fort was raided sometime between December 23 and December 25, 1854, by a war party of Utes and Jicarilla Apaches under the leadership of Tierra Blanca, a Ute chief. They allegedly killed between fifteen and nineteen men, as well as captured two children and one woman. The trading post was abandoned after the raid, but it became important again between 1858 and 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859.
The current city of Pueblo represents the consolidation of four towns: Pueblo (incorporated 1870), South Pueblo (incorporated 1873), Central Pueblo (incorporated 1882), and Bessemer (incorporated 1886). Pueblo, South Pueblo, and Central Pueblo legally consolidated as the City of Pueblo between March 9 and April 6, 1886. Bessemer joined Pueblo in 1894.
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Pueblo Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Pueblo, Colorado, USA
Postcard
North Main St.
Pueblo, Colorado, USA
Postcard
![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f1676&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2fpueblo_co_1.jpg&description=Pueblo, Colorado, USA - C. F. & I. Steel Mills
"The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I) was a large steel concentration. By 1903, it was largely owned and controlled by John D. Rockefeller and Jay Gould's financial heirs. While it came to control many plants throughout the country, its main plant was a steel mill on the south side of Pueblo, Colorado and was the city's main industry for most of its history. From 1901 to 1912, Colorado Fuel and Iron was one of the Dow Jones Industrials. The steel-market crash of 1982 lead to the decline of the company. After going through several bankruptcies, the company was acquired by Oregon Steel Mills in 1993, and changed its name to Rocky Mountain Steel Mills. In January 2007, along with the rest of Oregon Steel's holdings, was acquired by Evraz Group, a Russian steel corporation, for $2.3 billion..." wikipedia){kind=small}
C. F. & I. Steel Mills
"The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I) was a large steel concentration. By 1903, it was largely owned and controlled by John D. Rockefeller and Jay Gould's financial heirs. While it came to control many plants throughout the country, its main plant was a steel mill on the south side of Pueblo, Colorado and was the city's main industry for most of its history. From 1901 to 1912, Colorado Fuel and Iron was one of the Dow Jones Industrials. The steel-market crash of 1982 lead to the decline of the company. After going through several bankruptcies, the company was acquired by Oregon Steel Mills in 1993, and changed its name to Rocky Mountain Steel Mills. In January 2007, along with the rest of Oregon Steel's holdings, was acquired by Evraz Group, a Russian steel corporation, for $2.3 billion..." wikipedia
Pueblo, Colorado, USA
Postcard
Union Depot, Pueblo, Colorado, Accommodating Five Different Railroad Lines
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to PUEBLO
COLORADO ANCESTRY - Colorado Craft Beer and 14er Summit– Ceramic Mug Genealogy
Raise your glass—or in this case, your mug—to the Rocky Mountain high life! Our Colorado Craft Beer & 14er Summit Mug is the perfect blend of humor and hometown pride. This ceramic gem proudly declares, "I'm from Colorado! That explains a lot about my love for craft beer and my ability to summit a 14er without getting winded."
Discover Pueblo: History, News, Travel, and Stories
1892 - Newsboy Run Over and Killed
Last Friday evening as two Lake cars were passing at D street in Pueblo, a newsboy dodged behind one and in coming in front of the other was struck by it and instantly killed. He was taken to McMahon & Colliers undertaking rooms were he was identified as Snell Johnson, son of a railroad employee living near the corner of Sixth and Greenwood streets. The boy was about 11 years old.
Akron Pioneer Press
Akron, Ohio
February 26, 1892
Last Friday evening as two Lake cars were passing at D street in Pueblo, a newsboy dodged behind one and in coming in front of the other was struck by it and instantly killed. He was taken to McMahon & Colliers undertaking rooms were he was identified as Snell Johnson, son of a railroad employee living near the corner of Sixth and Greenwood streets. The boy was about 11 years old.
Akron Pioneer Press
Akron, Ohio
February 26, 1892
1893 - PUEBLO HOTEL BURNED. It Was Vacant and Boys Smoking Cigarettes Caused the Fire.
PUEBLO, Oct. 10. - The MESA HOTEL burned to the ground yesterday. The hotel was six stories high with a three story cupola in addition. The walls were completed and the roof put on a year ago, but owing to the tightness of money the building was not completed.
A gang of boys used the cupola for headquarters for gambling, smoking and mischief planning, there being no watchman, and the entrances being all open. At 10 o'clock the cupola caught fire from a cigarette and the boys had to run for their lives. There was a tremendous draft through the frameless windows and doors and in five minutes the whole building was ablaze from top to bottom.
The first story walls are all that is left of the building. As it stood is cost $125,000. The insurance is $70,000.
Aspen Weekly Times
Aspen, Colorado
October 14, 1893
PUEBLO, Oct. 10. - The MESA HOTEL burned to the ground yesterday. The hotel was six stories high with a three story cupola in addition. The walls were completed and the roof put on a year ago, but owing to the tightness of money the building was not completed.
A gang of boys used the cupola for headquarters for gambling, smoking and mischief planning, there being no watchman, and the entrances being all open. At 10 o'clock the cupola caught fire from a cigarette and the boys had to run for their lives. There was a tremendous draft through the frameless windows and doors and in five minutes the whole building was ablaze from top to bottom.
The first story walls are all that is left of the building. As it stood is cost $125,000. The insurance is $70,000.
Aspen Weekly Times
Aspen, Colorado
October 14, 1893
1895 - Pueblo
Pueblo, a post-town, the capital of Pueblo co, Col., is on the Arkansas River, at the mouth of Fountain Creek, 45 miles S. of Colorado Springs, and 40 miles E.S.E. of Cañon City. It is connected with these places by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, and is on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fé Railroad. It is the most important town in Southern Colorado. It has 3 daily and 7 weekly newspapers, several churches, 2 national banks, 1 other bank, and 2 flouring-mills. Pop. in 1890, 24,558.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Pueblo, a post-town, the capital of Pueblo co, Col., is on the Arkansas River, at the mouth of Fountain Creek, 45 miles S. of Colorado Springs, and 40 miles E.S.E. of Cañon City. It is connected with these places by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, and is on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fé Railroad. It is the most important town in Southern Colorado. It has 3 daily and 7 weekly newspapers, several churches, 2 national banks, 1 other bank, and 2 flouring-mills. Pop. in 1890, 24,558.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1903 - Fatally Burned In Furnace Explosion. Five Men Injured at the Minnequa Steel Works in Pueblo, Two of Whom May Die.
Pueblo, Colo., July 21. - In an explosion that occurred at the blast furnace "E" at the Minnequa steel works yesterday at 2 o’clock, five men were burned, two of whom will probably die.
Injured:
William Henry, burned all over; will die.
Thomas Jeffery, arms, shoulders and head burned; probably fatally.
J.S. Williams, severely burned.
Mick Melovitch, left side and arm burned.
The men were opening the trap of the notch to allow the molten metal to run into the ladles, when the explosion occurred. It is thought that a pool of cool water in the trough caused the explosion
The injured men were taken to the Minnequa hospital.
Salt Lake Telegram
Salt Lake City, Utah
July 21, 1903
Pueblo, Colo., July 21. - In an explosion that occurred at the blast furnace "E" at the Minnequa steel works yesterday at 2 o’clock, five men were burned, two of whom will probably die.
Injured:
William Henry, burned all over; will die.
Thomas Jeffery, arms, shoulders and head burned; probably fatally.
J.S. Williams, severely burned.
Mick Melovitch, left side and arm burned.
The men were opening the trap of the notch to allow the molten metal to run into the ladles, when the explosion occurred. It is thought that a pool of cool water in the trough caused the explosion
The injured men were taken to the Minnequa hospital.
Salt Lake Telegram
Salt Lake City, Utah
July 21, 1903
1904 - August 7 - A flash flood near Pueblo, CO, washed a train from the tracks killing 89 passengers.
A bridge, weakened by the floodwaters sweeping through the valley below, gave way under the weight of the train dashing all but the sleeping cars into the torrent drowning the occupants. Rail service was frequently interrupted in the Rocky Mountain Region and southwestern U.S. that summer due to numerous heavy downpours which washed out the railroad beds delaying trains as much as five days.
WeatherForYou.com
A bridge, weakened by the floodwaters sweeping through the valley below, gave way under the weight of the train dashing all but the sleeping cars into the torrent drowning the occupants. Rail service was frequently interrupted in the Rocky Mountain Region and southwestern U.S. that summer due to numerous heavy downpours which washed out the railroad beds delaying trains as much as five days.
WeatherForYou.com
1906
Pueblo, a city, the capital of Pueblo co., Colo., is on the Arkansas River, at the mouth of Fountain Creek, 45 miles S. of Colorado Springs, on the Denver and Rio Grande, the Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe and other railroads. It has extensive iron and steel-works, smelting-furnaces, boiler-works, stock-yards, etc., and is the leading commercial and industrial city of southern Colorado. The city is the seat of the state insane asylum, and among its notable buildings is the State Mineral Palace. Pop. in 1890, 24,558; in 1900, 28,157. Elevation, 4665 feet.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Pueblo, a city, the capital of Pueblo co., Colo., is on the Arkansas River, at the mouth of Fountain Creek, 45 miles S. of Colorado Springs, on the Denver and Rio Grande, the Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe and other railroads. It has extensive iron and steel-works, smelting-furnaces, boiler-works, stock-yards, etc., and is the leading commercial and industrial city of southern Colorado. The city is the seat of the state insane asylum, and among its notable buildings is the State Mineral Palace. Pop. in 1890, 24,558; in 1900, 28,157. Elevation, 4665 feet.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
1906 - HUGE ROOF COLLAPSED. ONE MAN KILLED AND THREE INJURED AT PUEBLO, COLO.
Pueblo, Colo. - By the collapse of the concrete roof over a section of the huge new round house of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad, which is in course of construction here, Tuesday, one man was instantly killed and three others were badly injured.
Dead:
HARRY ROBBIE.
Injured:
W. H. McFADDEN, perhaps fatally.
OSCAR KEEL and BERT WALTON were both badly cut and bruised by falling debris.
Garland Globe
Garland, Utah
March 17, 1906
Pueblo, Colo. - By the collapse of the concrete roof over a section of the huge new round house of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad, which is in course of construction here, Tuesday, one man was instantly killed and three others were badly injured.
Dead:
HARRY ROBBIE.
Injured:
W. H. McFADDEN, perhaps fatally.
OSCAR KEEL and BERT WALTON were both badly cut and bruised by falling debris.
Garland Globe
Garland, Utah
March 17, 1906
1921 - June 3 - A cloudburst near Pikes Peak CO killed 120 people. Pueblo CO was flooded by a twenty-five foot crest of the Arkansas River, killing 70 persons.
Fourteen inches of rain was reported at Boggs Flat, where a hard surface road through nearly level country was washed out to a depth of seven feet.
WeatherForYou.com
June 3, 1921
Fourteen inches of rain was reported at Boggs Flat, where a hard surface road through nearly level country was washed out to a depth of seven feet.
WeatherForYou.com
June 3, 1921
1922 - OVER MILLION LOST IN FIRE. PUEBLO OPERA HOUSE IS DESTROYED WITH LOSS OF $700,000.
By The Associated Press.
Pueblo, Colo., March 2. - The Grand Opera house block, one of Pueblo's landmarks, was destroyed by fire early yesterday. The loss was $700,000.
The Davenport Democrat And Leader
Davenport, Iowa
March 2, 1922
By The Associated Press.
Pueblo, Colo., March 2. - The Grand Opera house block, one of Pueblo's landmarks, was destroyed by fire early yesterday. The loss was $700,000.
The Davenport Democrat And Leader
Davenport, Iowa
March 2, 1922
1952 - December 7 - KKTV TV channel 11 in Colorado Spgs-Pueblo, CO (CBS) 1st broadcast
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Pueblo:
Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo (HARP): Take a stroll along the beautiful riverwalk, lined with shops, restaurants, and art installations. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Pueblo River Trail: If you're a nature enthusiast, the Pueblo River Trail is perfect for walking, running, or biking. The trail offers stunning views of the Arkansas River and is a great way to explore the outdoors.
Lake Pueblo State Park: Outdoor enthusiasts will love this park, offering boating, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities. It's a fantastic spot to spend a day or a weekend with family and friends.
Steelworks Museum: Dive into Pueblo's industrial history with a visit to the Steelworks Museum. Learn about the city's steel industry and its impact on the region.
Rosemount Museum: Explore the beautiful Rosemount Museum, a historic mansion that provides a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Pueblo's elite in the early 20th century.
Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum:... Read MORE...
Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo (HARP): Take a stroll along the beautiful riverwalk, lined with shops, restaurants, and art installations. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Pueblo River Trail: If you're a nature enthusiast, the Pueblo River Trail is perfect for walking, running, or biking. The trail offers stunning views of the Arkansas River and is a great way to explore the outdoors.
Lake Pueblo State Park: Outdoor enthusiasts will love this park, offering boating, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities. It's a fantastic spot to spend a day or a weekend with family and friends.
Steelworks Museum: Dive into Pueblo's industrial history with a visit to the Steelworks Museum. Learn about the city's steel industry and its impact on the region.
Rosemount Museum: Explore the beautiful Rosemount Museum, a historic mansion that provides a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Pueblo's elite in the early 20th century.
Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum:... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Pueblo Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Pueblo, Colorado, USA
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