Featuring maps, photos, and mini-biographies, this book serves as a guide to the final resting places of Colorado's notable pioneers. It offers insights into the lives of the founders and forefathers of the Centennial State, making it an invaluable resource for history enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the state's rich heritage.
So said Josephine Bassett McKnight Ranney Williams Wells Morris to a young reporter in 1960. She was a four-time divorcee whose fifth husband died of natural causes...though persistent rumors say otherwise. She raised two sons and lived an adventurous but frugal life at her homestead on Cub Creek, in-western Utah. Josie was raised in the notorious outlaw hideout of Brown's Park, Colorado, where she eventually became infatuated with Butch Cassidy. She recalled: "After one of Butch's rich uncles died [euphemism for a bank or train robbery], we put him up, hiding him in the hay loft.... He asked me, 'What am I going to do to keep from being bored?' Well, all I can say is, I didn't let him get bored." Josie's brother-in-law, Hi Bernard, commented; "Josie... is a jolly good-natured woman, she works like a steam shovel, and then she hunts up some unworthy bums and gives away the proceeds of her labor. Her hobby is husbands, she has had five or six good men and discards them one after the other without a backward glance." In this first full-length biography of Josephine Bassett, research flushes out the truth, dispelling myth as Josie's own words recount her story. Book jacket.
Set against the backdrop of Teller County's last gold rush, the book explores the haunted history of Cripple Creek, revealing the tales of its unusual inhabitants. Eddie's tragic fall at the Victor Hotel and the ghostly figure in Victorian attire at the Palace Hotel add to the area's eerie charm. The echoes of children’s screams from a sealed tunnel and the restless spirits at the old jail further enhance the spine-tingling atmosphere. Linda Wommack delves into these chilling stories, offering a captivating glimpse into the supernatural legacy of the region.
The book vividly explores the lives of Colorado's soiled doves, highlighting the often-overlooked women who played a crucial role in the pioneer lifestyle. Through extensive research and evocative photographs, it sheds light on their stories, revealing their significance in shaping early Colorado's history and culture.
The discovery of precious metals in Colorado's Rocky Mountains led to a rapid transformation of mining settlements into refined communities for the newly affluent. Key figures like William Newton Byers established the state's first newspaper and constructed an Italianate palace, while Walter Scott Cheesman's Capitol Hill residence eventually became the governor's home. This narrative highlights the dramatic societal changes and the rise of wealth in Colorado during this period.
Focusing on Denver's tumultuous history, this book explores forty-two sensational murder cases from the city's first century, highlighting the violence that marked its growth. Notable cases include a socialite entangled in love affairs leading to death and a bomb planted on a plane by a son targeting his mother. The narrative also delves into the significant influence of local newspapers in shaping public perception and the prosecution process, providing a gripping look at crime and media in early Denver.
The biography explores the remarkable life of a significant woman in Colorado's history, shedding light on her contributions and experiences. It delves into her unique journey, highlighting her impact on the community and the challenges she faced. Through detailed research and engaging storytelling, the book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of her legacy and the historical context in which she lived.
Focusing on over 140 significant historic schools in Colorado, this book intertwines regional history with a travel guide format. It showcases detailed descriptions of these landmark buildings, accompanied by captivating stories about legendary teachers, tragic events, and even murder throughout the state's 150-year educational history. Historic photos enhance the narrative, providing a vivid glimpse into the past and the impact these schools have had on their communities.
The book explores Colorado's diverse houses of worship, highlighting their resilience and historical significance. It recounts the establishment of the state's oldest church, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the formation of Zion Baptist, the first black congregation. Key events, such as Kit Carson's death in a Fort Lyon chapel and the founding of Creede's first church through Soapy Smith's dubious fundraising, are detailed. Historian Linda Wommack delves into the rich heritage and intriguing stories surrounding these sacred spaces in the Mile High State.