F 784
.P9 P94
Copy 1 .c:^ 4
x 6,
'^
umber
Shrock, Frank H
do
Justice
Slitt & Middlekamp
db
Millers
Stewart, A T
do
Blacksmith
Small, P"illmore & Co
do
Real Estate and Ins'nce
South Pueblo Nat'l Bank
do
Bank
Stimpson, Geo B
do
Postmaster
Shepard, Bingham & Co
Pueblo
Boots and Shoes
Shepherd, Wm
do
Produce
Stone & Anderson
do
Attorneys
Shultz, J H
do
Brewer
Stanton, I W
do
Postmaster
Sutherland, F A
do
Dentist
Smith, McCord .& Co
do
Wholesale Grocers
Steger, R J & Co
do
Groceries
Steele, J B & Co
do
Groceries
Stoker & Ebbert
do
Millinery
Strait, L B & Co
do
Insurance
Thatcher, J A & Co
do
Hardware
Tripp, C A
South Pueblo
Agt D and R G R R
Viergutz, O H
Pueblo
Hardware
Walley, Stephen
South Pueblo
Contractor
Western National Bank
do
Bank
Williams & Snell
do
Employment Office
Weber, F
Pueblo
Butcher
Wells Bros
do
Musical Instruments
Wicks, S T
do
Contractor
Wilson & Barnard
do
Dry Goods
Walker Bros
do
Clothing
Weston & Trost
do
Architects
White, J & Co
South Pueblo
Fish and Vegetables
Young, L K & Co
do
Produce and Commis'n
PUEBLO COUNTY.
No section of the Centennial State is more replete in rich
traditionary interest than Pueblo County and its immediate sur-
roundings. Within its inviting borders, the antiquarian, the
archaeologist, the historian and the scientist alike find vast stores
of pre-historic lore wliich open wide a prolific field for specula-
tive thought. The casual traveler, the pleasure-seeking tourist
and the enterprising capitalist also find much here to rivet their
attention.
IN BY-GONE CENTURIES,
It formed a portion of the vast area occupied bv the Aztecs,
the Toltecs and other comparatively unknown races which have
long since passed out of existence, whilst after them came the
various tribes of Indians, who, at one time, thickly peopled
this region with their roving bands. Among them were the
Utes, Navajoes, Pueblos, Apaches, Arapahoes, Cheyennes and
other savages who are fast fading out before the advance of a
superior civilization.
EARLY EXPLORATIONS.
According to the most authentic data obtainable, this section
first fell under the observation of the white man about the year
1539, when Francisco Vasquez de Coronado started out from
one of the provinces of Old Mexico, of which he was governor,
upon a tour of exploration and conquest. His expedition went
forth under the patronage of the viceroy of his empire osten-
sibly to glean all information obtainable regarding tlie northern
possessions claimed by that sovereign. The ambition of this
early explorer, however, led him to go forth in search of the
seven cities of Cibolla — sites reputed to be occupied by a
strange people who were lavishly luxuriating amid great natural
wealth and grand rugged scenery which surrounded their peace-
ful and pleasant abodes. That he never found these much
coveted places is nearly as much a matter of history as is the
fascinating story of the fruitless search of the senile Juan Ponce
de Leon, who went out at the head of a force of stalwart re-
tainers in quest of the mysterious fountain which had been
represented to him as giving perpetual youth, even to the most
aged who bathed in its recuperative waters.
6 Sketch of the Pueblos.
NOTABLE DISCOVERIES.
However, upon this extended journey, this adventurous
Castillian commander did make discoveries of note, some of
which bear a most important relation to our fair, young State of
Colorado, and more especially to this southern portion of it,
now occupied by a new, thrifty and enterprising people as com-
pared with its predatory inhabitants of the past few centuries, or,
we might with propriety add, of a few brief decades ago. The
march of Coronado is said to have been fraught with numerous
exciting adventures from the time he departed from the base of
his operations in what is now our sister republic on the south
until he reached the confluence of the Arkansas river with the
Fontaine qui Bouille, the spot which forms the present site of
the Pueblos.
INTERESTING HISTORICAL FACTS.
Other explorers and adventurers followed in the train of
Coronado ; and, northward from the line of the Mexican Em-
pire, numerous settlements sprang up, the early pioneers casting
their lots in this section all being of Spanish extraction. These
people seemed to affiliate quite well with the aborigines or
native occupants of the soil, and it was not until the advent of
the Anglo-Saxon within the past quarter of a century that the
savages evinced their hostility. But it is not necessary for our
purpose in giving a succinct sketch of Pueblo county to rehearse
the details of the numerous conflicts between the early comers
to this section and the roving redskins whilst the latter were
bent upon their predatory incursions. Yet it may be well as to
a fair understanding regarding the political formation of this
particular section to revert to the historical fact, so intimately
connected with our state and county organizations, that Pueblo
county and its adjoining counties, tributary to the Arkansas
river, were, until a comparatively recent period, under the do-
minion of the Mexican government.
GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISION OF TERRITORY.
That portion of Colorado east of the Rocky Mountains and
north of the Arkansas river belonged to the Empire of France,
and the remainder of it, forming a sort of a figure "L,," was
under the control of Spain, and, latterly, that of Mexico. The
first geograpical division alluded to was a part of the Territory
of Louisiana, which extended from the Gulf of Mexico on the
south to the British possessions on the north. This was an im-
mense tract of land purciiased by the government of the United
States from France, in 1803, for about fifteen million dollars.
Really the price originally stipulated for it was not so great as
this, but there was an agreement entered into between the two
contracting nations in question, just prior to the transfer, that
Pueblo Counfij. 9
certain private claims should be satisfied, and this, as part of
the consideration, brought the [)rice just named.
POSSKSSION ACQUIRED THROUGH TREA'IY.
This was a big bargain for Uncle Sam, as the tract then
known as Louisiana Territory comprised not only the north-
eastern portion of our own State of Colorado, but the present
flourishing commonwealths of Oregon, Washington Territory,
Montana, Idaho, Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Minne-
sota, Missouri, Kansas, Indian Territory, Arkansas and the
present state of Louisiana. Nearly a half century after the
consummation of this important territorial acquisition, in the
year 1845, Texas declared itself to be a republic, free and inde-
pendent of Mexican domination. Coming under the protection
of our free and enlightened nation virtually precipitated the war
of the following year with our swarthy southern neighbors of
Spanish extraction. The carnage ended, our Government, un-
der the treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, in 1848, found itself in
possession of Texas, California and New Mexico, together with
such other territory as comprised a portion of the same, and of
which this portion of Colorado forms a most conspicuous and
interesting part.
THE TIDE OF IIMMK'.KATION.
Five years later, in 1853, another strip of land lying between
the republics was acquired under what was known as the Gadsden
purchase. This brief history brings the reader up to another
very important epoch in our progress, and the one from which
Colorado as a territory, and then as a state, really dates. It
was the great Pike's Peak excitement which reached fever-heat
in 1859, a lapse of 320 years from the date of Coronado's ad-
venturous exploits. Just two years prior to the inception of the
rebellion, vast trains of prairie schooners, and, in fact, almost
every variety of nondescript wheeled vehicles, might have been
seen crowding at slow pace across the. Great American Desert,
which stretched from the confines of the mighty Missouri to the
battlements of the castellated Rocky Mountains.. All these
pioneers seemed to be sanguine in their search for speedy for-
tune; and the Indian and the Mexican speedily receded before
this tide of emigration till ranches, mining camps, cities and
towns sprung up to give solidity, strength and beauty to one of
the most inviting sections of America — inviting by reason of its
fine climate and great natural richness.
QUALITIES OF THE COUNTY.
Pueblo countv, when organized in 1S62, comprised the area
now represented by the counties of Bent, Huerfano, Las Ani-
mas and Pueblo. After three counties were carved out of the
latter's original domain, 2,448 square miles were left to it, it
lo Sketch of the Pueblos.
now being about 54 miles from east to west and about the same
distance from north to south. It is in latitude 38° 28' north,
and longitude 27° 30' west from Washington. Mos'tly, its lands
are undulating, gradually sloping from west to east. The east-
ern portion is rather sandy and somewhat dry; but, with water
secured from artesian wells or ditches, it can be rendered very
productive. The western portion possesses a rich friable soil,
yet all sections are greatly benefitted by irrigation, which is
carried forward at a merely nominal cost as compared with the
extent and certainty of crop raising resulting through its use.
With irrigation, no uncertainty exists with crops as in sections
which depend solely upon the rainfall for moistening the ground.
Cereals of nearly all kinds thrive well, wheat, rye, barley and
oats yielding large and profitable crops. Though corn does not
flourish quite so well as in damper and warmer sections, it,
nevertheless, makes a good showing. From thirty to thirty-five
bushels per acre are considered as making a good showing for
corn. Wheat runs frequently from forty to fifty bushels per
acre, and is of a superior quality to that raised in most of the
eastern states, the kernel being fuller and containing more nu-
trition. Rust and blight, such as seriously affect the crops of
the farmers in the east, never attack the growing cereals of the
Colorado ranchmen.
GARDENING AN IMPORTANT INDUSTRY.
Adjacent to the Pueblos, gardening is fi.ist becoming an im-
portant industry. Cabbage, beets, potatoes, parsnips, turnips,
onions and the like, flourish exceedingly well and find ready
markets at remunerative rates. The field for raising these vege-
tables will undoubtedly increase with enlargement of the ])opu-
lation. As many as three distinct vegetable crops have been
grown upon the same ground during the same season, and with
but a fair modicum of labor and a moderate outlay of means.
Most of the small fruits are indigenous to the soil, and flourish
finely under proper cultivation. Each successive year finds
more and more cultivation, attention being directed to this in-
dustry which proves to be as profitable as it is pl.easant. Straw-
berries, blackberries, raspberries, gooseberries and other berries
are all far more solid, succulent and nutritious than those reared
in damper atmospheres, whilst their flavor is always equal, if not
superior, to those of the states. Wild plums, cherries, currants
and raspberries are found in profusion, especially the former,
which are duly appreciated by the deft housewife in preserving
season. The orchards already under cultivation in Pueblo
county fully demonstrate that the several varieties of cherries
and plums may be raised to advantage, as likewise apricots,
peaches, pears and apples of the hardier varieties. The Arkan-
sas valley, as it spreads invitingly out through this favored
county, presents numerous flourishing orchards. True, most of
Pueblo Counhj.
II
them are yet voung, but fruit has been gatliered from then-
boughs which will compare favorably with that raised by our
enterprising neighbors to the west of us in Utah and California.
PASTURAGE OK THE PLAINS.
The broad plains, with their short nutritious grasses, spread
out fascinatingly before our vision furnishing ample pasturage
for thousands^ upon thousands of cattle and sheep. fortune
after fortune has been made out of the herds which course the
plains of Pueblo and adjoining counties. Great and numerous
as these have been, they are destined to sink into comparative
insignificance before those which are to be secured in the future
through wise investment in lands and animals. Through the
rapid^)eopling of this section, coupled with its extended deve -
.opment and largely improved methods of communication with
the outer world, we are assured of a growing market and en-
hanced values. Sheep raising forms a growing and profitable
industry offering a sure return to men of small capital. Hay
ranches are small fortunes in themselves. The ma.ntainance of
these involves but a slight expenditure of money proportionate
to the amount of capital invested. Horses, cattle and sheep
can freely roam at large upon the fertile plains throughout the
year without any deleterious results ensuing from the weather
At all times, in all seasons, they can find a sufficiency of food
on the ground to sustain life and keep them in good, marketable
condition.
DAIRYING AND POULTRY RAISING.
Dairying is steadily growing in point of importance, and
some 'of the choicest breeds of eastern and European stock are
now found in our midst, being successfully crossed with our na-
tive animals. A large demand exists for fresh pure milk and
cream in the Pueblos. Creameries for the manufacture of butter
and cheese are springing up, and give promise of cutting an im-
portant figure in our industrial economy. Already, these home
productions by reason of their superiority and freshness are be-
linning to take the place of those of inferior quality brought
from abroad. Another industry closely akm to the creameries, is
found in the chicken ranches, as they are termed, where poultry
is extensively raised by both the old method of setting-nens, and
through the more modern and highly expeditious machine known
as " the Incubator," from which the little chicks emerge having
been hatched out of the eggs by artificial warmth. The demand
for choice chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks is already large,
and at remunerative rates.
COMPARATIVE VALUE OK PROPERTIES.
The annexed figures, forming the recapitulation of the re-
ports of the Assessor of Pueblo County, Colorado, for the years
1 2 Sketch of the Pueblos.
1881 and 1882, give the reader a fair idea as to the extent of our
resources and business:
iSSi ■ 1882
Number of acres of farming land 21,731 39.9o8
Valuation thereof $214,678 $441,977
Number of acres of meadow land 1,841 1'939
Valuation thereof ;f!ii.405 $12,925
Number of acres of pasturage 207,860 184,258
Valuation thereof $255,610 $211,453
Numl:)er of acres of timber land 475 1,101
Valuation thereof $2,220 $2,875
Improvements of land — Railroad property . . 955.525 1,100,120
Improvements of land — City real estate . . . 1,173,080 1,818.301
Number of horses .... 2.581 2,919
Valuation thereof $93,074 $114,254
Number of mules 181 315
Valuation thereof $13,695 $20,625,
Number of cattle 11.556 9.300
Valuation thereof $127,865 $119,368
Number of Sheep 10,580 1^,131
Valuation thereof $14,046 $27,496
VaJua'n improvem'ts on public and leased lands $61,110 $125,025
Number of swine 281 324
Valuation thereof $947 $1,586
Number of all other animals 100 95
Valuation thereof .$449 $54^
Number of clocks and watches 692 970
Valuation thereof $13,411 $21,094
Musical instruments 1 19 181
Valuation thereof $11,396 $18,040
Carriages and vehicles 651 866
Valuation thereof $340,272 $478,844
Amount of money and credits $139,880 $211,980
Amount of capital in manufactures $9,030 $62,980
Amount of capital in merchandise #359.^35 $785,340
Shares of bank stock i-SOO 2.500
Valuation thereof $80,000 $15^.900
Valuation household goods $20,045 $32,445
Valuation jewelry and plate $3,586 $44,151
Amount of other properties $53-735 3134795
Amount of insurance premiums $12,845 $39,450
Total value of all property in the County . . . $4,439,400 $7,066,720
Pueblo 1,558,125 2,464,558
South Pueblo 956.885 1.918,209
County outside 1,824,390 2,683,953
Due allowance should be made for the customary undervalu-
ation of property. The report, however, sliows a comparative
average growth which is, at least, creditable.
POSTSCRIPT.
VALUATIONS FOR 1 88^.
Since the foregoing abstract of the assessor's report was printed,
lest injustice should be done the county, the following estimates have
been made by the Directors of the Board of Trade of the Puel)los,as
representing the actual value of several of the more important items
of property in Pueblo County, for the year i883,to-wit :
Improvements of land — railroad property • $ 5,500,000
Improvements of land — city real estate 5,000,000
Number of cattle 39.000
Valuation of cattle $ 500,000
Amount of money and credits, 650,000
Amount of capital in manufactures, 2,000,000
Amount of capital in merchandise - 2,000.000
Valuation of household goods ^00,000
Total value of all property in the county 20,000,000
Property in Pueblo 6,000,000
Property in South Pueblo 4.500,000
County outside 9,500,000
THE PUEBLOS.
The Pueblos, or the Twin Cities of Pueblo, divided, as they
are east and west, by the Arkansas river, form the great manu-
facturing center of the Centennial State, second only in point
of population to Denver, its capital. Within the inviting pre-
cincts of the Pueblos are found twenty-five thousand prosperous
and happy people. By reason of their fortunate geographical
position, it is believed that the Pueblos are destined to become
the leading manufacturing center between the Missouri river
and the Pacific ocean.
The word "Pueblo," which is derived from the Spanish,
indicates " people," and it has long possessed a peculiar signifi-
cation in Mexican countries where it really means a town or
camp of vanquished Indians living in a condition of semi-civil-
ization.
The Pueblos lie nicely nestled in a beautiful cove or basin
partially ♦surrounded by spurs of the Greenhorn range of the
Rocky mountains, coursing northwestwardly and protecting the
people here from the piercing winds which frequently blow with
much violence, thus rendering the climate far more temperate
and agreeable than that of other localities not so favorably
sheltered. The comparatively low altitude of 4,500 feet is
another most desirable feature in point of temperature in con-
tradistinction to other localities in the state.
THE HISTORY OF PUEBLO PROPER,
Is one replete with incidents of rare interest. About two years
previous to its foundation, Fountain City was laid out at the
mouth of the Fontaine qui Bouille, near the site of the present
Pueblos. This municipal bantling did not, however, flourish ;
and soon resolved itself into a thing of the past. In June, i860,
Pueblo was duly surveyed and platted. During the subsequent
year, the rebellion began, and many of the residents joined
either the Union or Confederate forces. This had a tendency to
deplete our population, and it was not until after the close of the
war that the title to the land-site of Pueblo, that on the north
side, was duly perfected through appropriate congressional
action. Small progress marked the next half decade of our
history, but with the advent of the Denver & Rio Grande rail-
way to this point, in the spring of 1872, and the assurance of
14 Sketch of the Puehlos.
the early completion of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road,
a new era of substantial prosperity was ushered in, since which
time, except during a few short intervals, the city has been
growing in a most healthful and satisfactory manner.
TRIPARTITE MUNICIPALITIES.
Within the boundaries of the Pueblos are found three dis-
tinct municipalities, all duly organized and well officered. The
first is the original old town, or Pueblo, then Central Pueblo, a
lively town lying contiguous to the banks of the Arkansas river,
to the south of which is South Pueblo, a city full of life and
enterprise. Farther on, out upon the broad and beautiful mesa,
are found Bessemer and Steel Works town, thriving settlements
of prosperous and progressive people. It is probable that,
within a few years, the several cities and towns so closely con-
tiguous, and all of which are aggregated in the mind of the
beholder as Pueblo, will be consolidated into one grand munici-
pality. Real estate is constantly enhancing in value as each
successive year witnesses the erection of additional business and
residence structures. As the rails reach forth into the devious
defiles of our vast mountain country, business increases and
numerous new-comers locate within our inviting borders, find-
ing, as their reward, a pleasant and a profitable home.
A GREAT RAILWAY CENTER.
That Pueblo is going to become one of the greatest railway
centers of the Rocky mountain region, there can be little or no
doubt. Already the rails of the Rio Grande company, "the
Baby road," virtually gridiron as well as environ the great
mountain regions of our state, so rich in gold, silver, iron, cop-
])er, lead, coal and other minerals. The Pueblo & Arkansas
Valley railway company, with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa
Fe road, completed its line to this point in 1875, thus giving to
Southern Colorado a new outlet direct to the east. Early in
1882, the Denver & New Orleans road was finished, since which
time its trains have been running into Pueblo. Within a very
brief period, the rails of the Rio Grande road have been ex-
tended to Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah, giving not only
another direct route to Mormondom, but a new through line to
San Francisco and other prominent points on the Pacific coast.
SOUTH PUEBLO.
Almost simultaneous with the comi^letion of "the Baby
road," South Fueblo sprang into existence. Its site was secured
originally by the Colorado Coal and Iron company, it having
previously obtained control of the Nolan Land Grant, an old
Spanish claim containing about forty-seven thousand acres of
land running westvvardly from the Arkansas river at this place.
It includes some of the richest mineral and best agricultural
The Pueblos. 15
lands in llie state. A vast and substantial stone structure is
soon to be erected here as a union depot. When (:oin]:)leted, it
will be one of the most commodious and handsome buildings of
the kind in the western country.
TRIBUTARY TO THE PUEBLOS,
Is a large cordon of thriving towns and lively mining camps
which are constantly growing, and which for a long series of
years must draw steadily upon this quarter as the base of their
supplies. All lines of merchandi.se are well represented, both
in the wholesale and retail branches. Our merchants are
enabled to compete successfully with tho.se of other commercial
centers, and, that they are so doing, in a most eminent degree,
the pages of their well-filled ledgers attest.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.
Despite the extensive and growing trade centering in our
midst, splendid opportunities still present themselves to enter-
prising men of money, experience and business tact. Aside
from the several important industries already in successful opera-
tion, room remains for many more, which will be properly
patronized when under way. The field to this end is worthy of
close inspection by those who are seeking a point for the profit-
able investment of capital. The great steel works, the refinery,
the smelters, and the other manufacturing establishments in oin-
midst, are destined to be supplemented by other and like works,
and this in the near future. Closely contiguous to the easily
worked mineral fields of vast extent by reason of an unexcelled
railway system, coupled with the cheapness of living, this local-
ity can furnish the means of giving constant and remunerative
employment to thousands upon thousands of industrious men.
Great room exists for woolen factories, tanneries, stove works,
machine shops and other industrial establishments of a like
character.
AN ENCOURAGING OUTLOOK.
Already some such works as those just mentioned are in
contemplation, whilst others are actually in the course of erec-
tion. Capital thus invested and judiciously handled cannot go
astray. It will yield ample returns to its owners for use in the
proper development of our resources. That we can compete
successfully in making and disposing of manufactured articles
has been fully and satisfactorily demonstrated ; and this, too, in
the face of the pertinent fact that labor is better compensated
here than abroad. At the same time, we find, as a rule, that
the raw material can be brought more advantageously to our
doors to be formulated into articles of every day use. Other
chapters in this pam])hlet, devoted more especially to the details
of our great manufacturing establishments and leading industrial
i6
Sketch of the Pueblos.
pursuits, will furnish the reader with the details of our greatness,
both present and prospective. Hardly an essential element is
lacking with us to make Pueblo a desiral)le point either for the
investment of capital, or a place of residence.
THE SOCIAL STATUS.
Refined society exists, with all the fitting concomitants need-
ful for its welfare. Churches, schools, theatres and other insti-
tutions of culture incident to a well-regulated community are
found here. A thorough and efficient police svstem prevails
affording, at all times, the best of order with ample security to
THK GRAND HoTKL.
person and property. An extended line of street railway gives
e:isy and cheap conveyance to the remoter portions of the
Pueblos at the low rate of a nickel, and still less where tickets
are purchased. A telephone system, established in 1880 ex-
tends over both cities and to the steel works, affording a satisfac-
tory day and night service. A telegraph messenger sVstem is in
process of introduction. Gas and water works contribute to
make our residences more enjoyable than though these important
The Pueblos. i^
auxiliaries were only contemplative and not actual. Our streets
are well lighted by gas, and the bright, brilliant blaze of the
electric plants in the large manufacturing establishments lend
luster to the other lights of night. Eleemosynary and other
philanthropic institutions, giving succor to the sick, wounded
and distressed members of humanity, have not been forgotten
by our people. The Ladies' Benevolent Union and the Sisters
of Charity each have a well-arranged hospital, whilst another
establishment of like character is well conducted under the steel
works' management.
HEALTHFUL CONDITION OF AFFAIRS.
The banks and other financial institutions are in a most
healthful condition, and their business constantly increasing.
Through the instrumentality of building associations, many of
our citizens have secured themselves comfortable homes, and
this in a manner free from great burdens. Hotels, large, hand-
some and convenient abound, with ample accommodation for
an increased patronage from abroad. Their rates are reasonable,
their rooms commodious and comfortable, whilst their tables are
supplied with inviting and seasonable edibles. Among the
largest and handsomest buildings in Pueblo is the Grand Hotel,
fronting on Santa Fe avenue and siding on Eighth street.
THE GRAND HOTEL.
It was begun in 1882 and completed in 1883. Inclusive of
the spacious grounds on which the structure stands, the cost of
the work upon it has aggregated $175,000. Its exterior walls
are composed of pressed brick ornamented with stone trimmings.
Rising to the height of four stories, it is surmounted by cupolas
rising from the center and ends of its front and rear walls,.
Fronting 130 feet on the avenue, it has a depth of 120 feet.
Within its well arranged interior are to be found a large office,
handsome parlors, extensive dining halls and attractive reception
rooms, besides one hundred capacious chambers.
GENERAL ITEMS OF INTEREST.
The newspaper press is represented by daily and weekly
publications.
A commodious court house as well as the State Insane
asylum are points of interest frequently visited.
Two large flouring mills are constantly running, and to these
may be added a goodly list of other smaller but quite important
industrial works.
The professions are well represented by able, energetic and
successful men ; yet as the population expands, room will be
found for more who possess ability and enterprise.
The number of business and professional firms in the cities
varies somewhat as time passes, but the following list will give
1 8 Sketch of the Pueblos.
an approximate idea ; agricultural implements, 2 ; architects, 7 ;
assavers, i ; awning makers, i : bakers, 9 ; banks, 6 ; barber
shops, 14; bath houses, 5; bottling works, 3; bill posters, i;
blacksmith shops, 6 ; book-binderies, 2 ; book and stationery
stores, 6 ; boot and shoe stores, 6 ; breweries, i ; candy makers,
2; Chinese stores, 2; clocks and jewelry, 6; clothing, 10;
coal dealers, 3 ; commission, 4 ; dentists, 6 ; druggists, 1 1 ; dry
goods stores, 6 ; furniture, 3 ; plumbers and gas fitters, 6 ; gro-
cery dealers, about 35 ; wholesale grocers, 3 ; guns and sports-
man's goods. 2; hardware, 6; printing offices, 6; law firms,
about 35 ; wholesale liquor dealers, 7; lumber yards, 4; music
stores, 3; newspapers — daily, i; weekly, 4; monthly, 2; pho-
tographers, 6; physicians, about 26; real estate offices, 16;
soap makers, i ; tailor shops, 5 ; vinegar factory, i ; under-
takers, 3.
Bright as is Pueblo's present, her future appears to be more
brilliant ; and fortunate, indeed, are they who cast their lot
here whilst the golden opportunity offers rare inducements for
people of enterprise to secure speedy competency coupled with
so much else that goes towards making life pleasurable.
PUEBLO AS A HOME.
WHO SHOULD SEEK A HOME IN PUEBLO?
It is the misfortune of all western cities that they are over-
stocked with the non-producing classes. There are too many
doctors, lawyers, clerks, saloon keepers and men seeking light
and, so called, genteel occupations. Pueblo is no exception to
the rule ; indeed, the prominence into which she has been
forced, by her recent unprecedented prosperity, has caused a
large number of the above named classes to flock to her borders,
so that of the professions it has been jocularly said, "there are
more doctors than patients, more lawyers than clients and more
preachers than souls willing to be saved." Clerks are so thick
upon the ground that they are not able to earn as much here as
in the eastern states. There are, of course, exceptions to this
rule.
On the other hand, we do not know of an industrious me-
chanic, or skilled workman of any kind, who is without employ-
ment, except from his own volition. Some branches of retail
mercantile business are overdone, notably the drug, liquor and
clothing business. Of other branches the supply is about equal
to the demand. We do not, however, know of a single whole-
sale house too many; on the contrary, firms with capital and
push may be established in almost any line and with certain
prospects of success. Persons having capital to invest in real
estate, and who are willing to wait, cannot fail to get rich, if
they are at all prudent. The great want of the Pueblos is capi-
tal, and men to start and operate manufacturing enterprises.
From the manufacture of a lucifer match to a panel door, from
a sewing needle to a steam engine, from a knit glove to a piece
of broadcloth, a blanket or a carpet; there are few things in
common use by man that cannot be profitably manufactured in
the Pueblos. Good servants are in demand and command fair
wages. Farmers and market gardeners can do well, on the
banks of the river, near the city. Miners of every class may
come with certain prospects of finding employment in the lime
and stone quarries, coal mines and silver and gold mines scat-
tered in every direction within a few miles of the city. A large
amount of railway and other construction work present an in-
viting field for the common laborer. People who come here
should bring their families with them, with a view to i)ermanent
settlement, and may do so with certain prospect of success.
20 Sketch of the Puehlos.
THE COST OF A HOUSE.
Lots upon which homes can be built may be had all around
the suburbs of the city at from $ioo to $i,ooo, according to
location. The street railroads will enable a working man or
small merchant to live sufficiently far out of town to enable him
to purchase a lot at the lowest price and in the most healthy
location. A house built of native lumber, or home-made brick,
will cost no more in Pueblo than in any of the large eastern
cities, but where fine Chicago or California lumber is used the
cost will average one-fourth more. If some man skilled in the
art of building grout houses would settle in Pueblo, he could
make a fortune, since the material is abundant and cheap. The
building societies are doing a good work in aiding the poor
man to build a home. Small tenement houses are in great de-
mand, and are good property, so that no man runs any great
risk in building a neat little residence, even should he thereafter
conclude not to use it for his own family. We know of nothing
which offers a more certain and profitable return for the invest-
ment of capital.
BEAUTIFUL HOME SITES.
Persons who have always lived amid green fields are apt to
be disappointed at the barren aspect of the soil which prevails
around all Colorado towns, except in the midsummer months,
when the cactus and other native plants are in full bloom, but
what we lack in verdure we make up in bold and grand scenery.
The lofty peaks of the Rocky Mountains are ever in view,
"mountains piled on mountains," so high that snow can be
seen on their summits nearly every day in the year. Pueblo is
peculiarly situated in this respect, having in full view nearly two
hundred miles of mountain range, with Pike's Peak towering to
the skies on the north and the Spanish Peaks on the south, be-
tween which, and directly west of the city, is the Sangre de
Christo, popularly known as the Greenhorn, range. Denver is
regarded, by strangers, as one of the most beautiful cities in the
world, but had these seen the Denver of twenty years ago, they
would have regarded it as the most barren and unpromising spot
they had ever beheld. Irrigation and good taste have there
made " the desert to blossom as the rose." Still there is a flat-
ness about Denver which greatly detracts from its beauty.
Pueblo, on the contrary, with her mesa and bottom lands, her
bluffs and plains, her winding river and groves of cotton trees,
give variety to the landscape. The time will come when the
beautiful bluff will be terraced and adorned with grass, flowers,
fruit and ornamental trees. Already this work has commenced,
and, as the city grows in wealth and importance, she will be far
more beautiful than Denver can possibly be made. Nature has
done well her part, and it remains only for Art to give the coup-
Piieblo as a Home.
21
de-grace to complete the work of making this one of the most
delightful and fertile cities on the face of the earth. The
amount of vegetation that may be raised, wherever water for
irrigation can be secured, is beyond ordinary credulity. The
city is a place of almost perpetual sunshine, and the sky is so
clear that a mountain peak can be distinctly seen a hundred
miles away. The oxygen and ozone that form a part of the air
we breathe are so abundant that breathing becomes a luxury,
and the abundance of electricity that pervades the atmosphere
stimulates the brain and nerves, and makes one feel that life is
worth the living.
THE COST OK LIVING IN PUEBLO.
After mature consideration and conversation with our mer-
chants, we have concluded to copy from the retail market
reports' of one of our newspapers, as the most reliable and satis-
factory method of answering the question, "what does it cost to
live in Pueblo?" The following list has been corrected up to
the day of going to press, and we have no doubt that our readers
will be surprised alike at the variety and cheapness of articles of
food sold in this extreme western city.
FAMILY RETAIL MARKET.
FUEL.
Elk Mountain Anthracite, per ton
Canon lump and egg coal, "
Canon nut coal, per ton
D & N. O. coal, "
Coke, per loo lbs
Coal oil, per gallon.
Cedar wood, per cord
Stove A'ood, per load
DAIRY PRODUCTS, EIC.
Butter, choice, per pound
Butter, ordinary roll, per pound-
Cheese, full cream, " "^ •■
Cheese, Edam, " " ■•
Milk, per quart
Eggs, per dozen '
Honey, comb, pei pound
Extracted do, per 2-pound can...
Extracted do, candied, bulk, lb...
FLOUR, BREAD, ETC.
Flour, best Colorado, loo lbs.. .$3
Graham do, per hundred
Corn meal, per hundred
Oat meal, per pound
Baker's bread, per loaf.
Crackers, soda, per pound
Milk do, per pound
MEATS.
Breakfast bacon, per pound....
Beef, porter house steak, lb ...
Roast do
Ham, per pound
Mutton, "
Pork, fresh, per pound
Salt pork, " "
Sausage, per pound .
Lard, Packing Co.'s, per lb...
Butcher's do, per pound
Chickens, live, per dozen
fe 00
5 00
4 00
3 50
20
30
4 00
35(«)45
20ft?! 2 5
25
30
30
30
35
3 25
2 75
5/3
1V2
i2'4f«'5
18
I2j4wi5
15
15
15
17 ,
$6 00
Spring chickens, each
Turkeys, dressed, per pound ..
Geese, dressed, per pound
Smoked venison hams, per lb.
FISH.
Lake fish, fresh, per potuid....
Fresh sea fish, " " —
Fresh river fish, "
GREEN FRUITS.
Apples, per pound
Cranberries, per gallon
Lemons, per dozen
Oranges, per dozen
VEGETABLES.
Beans, dry Lima, per pound...
Navy beans, per pound
Cabbage, per pound
Onions, per pound
Potatoes, in loo-lb sacks, lb...
Turnips, new, per pound.
Pickles, per gallon
Chili Colorado, per pound
GREEN VEGETABLES.
Lettuce, per bunch
Asparagus, per bunch
Onions, per pound
Cucumbers, each 5'"
Radishes, per bunch
Spinach, per pound
Parsley, per biuich
Rhubarb, per bunch
New potatoes, per pound
Cauliflower, per pound
Peas, per gallon
GROCERIES.
Tea, best varieties, per lb 81 00(0)1
Sugar, white granulated, per lb
i5@3>^
15@20
1 00
40(0) 50
25@50
iofnii2^
8
6
3
i'/iCa)z
5
40® 75
50
25
12j^
Sketch of the Pueblos.
Coffee, Java, per pound 33
Rio coffee, per pound 15^20
Roasted coffee 20
Syrup and N^O. molasses, gal i oo(S 1 25
Rice, per pound 10
Vinegar, per gallon 35('' 40
Soap, Pueblo laundry, per bar 6]^
ing to locality 82 5o@5 00
Furnished rooms, per month...8 oo@is 00
Board and lodginj;, per week,
first class 10 00
Average board and lodging.... 7 00
Board without lodging, week, 4 oo@7 00
Water, Holly system, month, 2 00
Well water with some tenements free.
RENTS AND BOARD.
Residences, per room, accord-
MEANS OF EARNING A LIVING IN PUEBLO.
^Vhen asked to remove to a new country the prudent man's
first question is, "What are the chances of earning a living?"
To enable us to answer this question, so far as Pueblo is con-
cerned, we have personally visited men who are engaged in the
occupations named below and questioned them respecting the
wages received. The amounts giveiv below are the result of
these inquiries and are therefore reliable.
WAGES PAID IN PUEBLO.
Bakers, J50 to S75 per month, with board.
Barbers, J3 per day.
Bartenders, 175 to fioo per month.
Blacksmiths, $3 per day.
Brewers, 85 per day.
Brickmakers, S4 per day.
Bricklayers, ^4 to S5 per day.
Boot and shoe makers, S2.50 to 1^,3 per day.
Bottlers, $2.50 to S4.00 per day.
Butchers, $1.50 to I3 per day.
Cabinet makers S3 to $3.50 per day.
Car drivers, S55 to jf!6o per month.
Carpenters, $2 50 to $3 per day.
Cigar makers, I2.50 to $3 50 per day.
Clerks, S50 to $^125 per month.
Clerks, female, 825 to 850 per month.
Cooks, male, 830 to 8100 per month, with
board.
Cooks, female, 830 to 850 per month, with
board.
Dress makers, 824 to 830 per month.
Hack drivers, 855 per month.
Herders, 830 to 850 per month, with board.
Laborers, common, .81.50 to 82.50 per day.
Laborers, in smelters, Si-75 per day.
Machinists, 83 to $4 per day.
Masons, (stone) 83.50 to 84.50 per day.
Miners, (stone) ?3.5o to 8450 per day.
Miners, (coal) 84 per day.
Miners, (gold and silver) ^3 to 84 per day.
Moulders (foundry men) 83 to $3.50 per day.
Millers, 82 to 84.25 per day.
Painters, 84 per day.
Plumbers, J3.50 to $4 per day.
Plasterers, ;f4 per day.
Paper hangers, 54 per day.
Printers, evening papers, 35c per 1,000 ems.
Printers, morning paper, 40c per 1,000 ems.
Planing mill hands, 81 50 to 82.50 per day.
Police officers, S75 per month.
Servants, $20 to 835 per month, with board.
Soap makers 85 per day.
Steward, hotel, 875 to 8100 per month.
Teamsters, $2 per day.
Tailors, 84 to 85 per day.
Tinsmiths, 83 per day.
Waiters, 820 to 830 per month, with board.
Watchmakers, 82 to 83 per day.
Wagonmakers, ^3 per day.
RAILROAD HANDS.
Conductors, 8100 per month.
Locomotive engineers, 8100 per month.
Firemen, 875 per month.
Brakemen, $60 per month.
Trackmen, S1.50 to $2 50 per day.
Common railroad laborers, 81 50 to $z.
Repair shop hands 82 to 82.75.
Railroad car cleaners, $2 per day.
THE CLIMATE OF PUEBLO.
The climate of the Centennial state has been long, and justly,
regarded as equal to the best on the face of the earth. Tliose
who, by a residence in both, have had an opportunity of making
the comparison, are free to confess, that the climate of Italy is
not equal to that of Colorado. There are thousands of people
now living in this state who came here confirmed invalids, but
who have been restored and are enjoying excellent health. Many
who were impatient have left this state for Europe, Minnesota,
California, Florida and other health resorts, but after a time have
returned and ultimately confessed that our climate is superior to
that of any other section on the face of the earth. To specify
Pueblo as a Home.
23
any particular class of patients who would be especially benefit-
ted, would be absurd. We know of no class, who would not be
benefitted, when the disease with which they are inflicted is not
absolutely incurable, and there can be no question that hundreds
of incurable cases have been greatly benefited, and their lives pro-
longed by residing here. It is, however, proper to remark that
many have been seriously injured, and not a few lives have been
sacrificed by diseased persons going to the higher altitudes im-
mediately on tlieir arrival in this state. Had such been advised
by their physcians or friends to remain in Pueblo, there can be
no question that scores would now be living who have been sent
to their home.; in coffins. Did si)ace permit, we could in proof,
give numerous instances which have come under the i)ersonal
observation of physcians during a long continued practice of
medicine in this state. The superior advantages of Pueblo over
all other points in Colorado, consist in this being the lowest
place in this state where an invalid may receive the fiill benefit
of our mountain breezes.
ALTITUDES OF CHIEF COLORADO CITIES.
Fairplay 9,964
Breckinridge 9,674
Central City , 8,300
Nevada 8,800
Lake City 8,550
Rosita 8,500
Georgetown 8,400
Silver Cliff 7,753
Durango 6,250
Alamosa 7,191
Manitou 6,-97
Black Hawk 7,975
Conejos 7,880
Del Norte 7, 75°
Saguache 7,745
Hot Sul. Sp'gs.. 7.745
Idaho Springs 7 .500
Colorado Springs 6,023
Trinidad 5,005
Cucharas 5,956
Golden 5,729
Boulder 5,536
Canon City 5,260
Denver 5,224
Pueblo 4,400
Leadville : 10,200
Here the air is pure and invigorating. Ozone, oxygen and
electricity, the three great restorative elements, abound in our
atmosphere. Miasmatic diseases are unknown, except among
those patients who come here with malarial poison in their blood.
There are more sunshiny days in Pueblo, than in any place
we know of. The winters are especially delightful, and although
sometimes the summers are hot, the heat is less oppressive than
that of humid districts. The air is so dry that moisture from
perspiration is absorbed as fast as it appears on the surface, and
the nights are always cool and refreshing. The ozone, the pur-
ifying element in the atmosphere, is so abundant that impure,
or decaying matter is instantly acted upon, and unpleasant smells
are seldom noticed, even in back premises where cleanliness and
sanitary regulations are neglected. The atmosphere, surcharged
by this ozone, becomes a natural disinfectant, and .meats are fre-
quently hung up for weeks in the open air without spoiling.
For nine months in the year invalids can live in perfect com-
fort in tents, and during the period of scarcity of houses in
Pueblo, many families have done so the year round and that
without serious discomfort. It is a common thing for persons
24 Sketch of the Pueblos.
to live in tents in Pueblo, while building a permanent residence
and many invalids have done so from choice and to great ad-
vantage to health. A poor man with a family and only enough
money to purchase a tent, can live comfortably and have no rent
to pay except perhaps a very small ground rent on some vacant
lot. Invalids can thus pitch their tents near to one of our
artesian wells, and at a ver.y trifling cost get the full benefit of
Pueblo's mineral water.
It cannot be expected that all sick persons who come here
can be restored to health. The misfortune is that people remain
in the east until the fatal stage has approache'd, and only when
death is staring them in the face do they flee for their lives. If
physicians would deal more honestly with patients and advise
them to come to Pueblo before their stock of vitality has been
well nigh exhausted, tens of thousands of valuable lives would
be saved. These remarks should apply with great force to cases
of invalids suffering with pulmonary diseases.
If the above statements be true, and the climate of Pueblo,
admirably adapted to restore the sick, it follows as a logical
sequence that it must be a healthy place for the well and a grand
climate in which to rear a family. A physician who has prac-
ticed medicine in South Pueblo for nearly six years and has had
more than his share of obstetrical practice, says that, so far, not
a single child born under his care has died, but they are among
the most healthy and robust children to be found anywhere.
No more severe test of the salubrity of any climate can possibly
be found.
PUEBLO ARTESIAN WELLS.
The mountain towns of Colorado, almost without exception,
are supplied with the best and purest of waters. The sources of
these are fountains fed by the ever melting snow. The valley
towns are not so fortunate, having, until recently, been depend-
ant solely upon rivers which run through districts impregnated
with alkali and other impurities. We know of none of the
cities of the plains which have, in this respect, advantages one
over the other. The waters of all are alike impure. Recently,
however, Pueblo has been highly fortunate in the discovery of
valuable artesian wells, of which there are three, one at the steel
works, one in the grove in South Pueblo, and one in Worrall
Park, on the beautiful mesa, or table land. The waters from
these wells may indeed be appropriately called "the waters of
life." The average depth of borings is about eleven hundred
feet, and the living fountains springing from this depth make
very pools of Siloani, in which hundreds have bathed and been
healed; fountains of life at which thousands have drunk and
been cured. The medicinal properties of the Pueblo wells con-
sist in iron, magnesia, potassium, sodium, bromides, chlorides,
and other valuable ingredients. They are highly magnetic,
Pueblo as a Home.
25
and for rheumatism, urinary diseases, and all diseases of the
blood demanding the exhibition of alteratives, are unsurpassed.
The tonic properties of the water are seldom equalled. It is
not pretended that these medicinal waters can at all times be
used indiscriminately without some risk, but under the advice of
a skillful physician it is cpiestionable whether the world can ])ro-
duce healing streams of greater intrinsic value. In the develoj)-
ment of these wells and the erection of hotels and sanitariums
the capitalist from abroad would find one of the most profitable
of investments. The craze for purchase of land and erection of
buildings has caused the present citizens of Pueblo to overlook
the immense pecuniary advantages which might be derived from
the utilization of these valuable artesian wells. That they
should have remained so long neglected will, in the future, be
regarded as one of the most extraordinary things connected with
the history of the Pueblos. There is not a mannfiictory, smelter,
or business of any kind that will bring more wealth to the cities
than these wells. It is merely a question of time when the
Pueblos will become the Saratoga of the west, since, in addition
to the healing waters, which are equal or superior to those of
New York's most popular sanitarium, we have the incomparable
air, the invigorating climate and magnificent mountain scenery
which combined must, in time, bring thousands and tens of
thousands to the city in pursuit of health and pleasure.
SSgE'lS", "'""' Mill' r ^u
CtNTENNIAL SCHOOL.
CHURCHES OF THE PUEBLOS.
The great and excellent Washington, in his farewell address
to the people of the United States, said: "Of all the disposi-
tions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and
morality are indispensable supports."
No community can, in the present age, live and succeed
without religious institutions. Society, to find the living and
permanent roots of prosperity, must resort to religion, and in it
recognize the cause of the ripest and truest civilization of all
the earth. The sanctuary is as indispensable to civilization as
the court house or the school.
Pueblo, in these things, keeps step with the age, and is not a
whit behind the chiefest of the cities. The religious outlook for
our city is most promising. Few communities are so abundantly
supplied with religious privileges. No less than seventeen places
of worship throw open their doors upon each returning Sabbath.
Those who come among us, settling on our virgin soil, giving
toil and thought to the development of our vast material wealth,
may find churches of almost every faith ready to meet them,
stretching out hands of welcome, sympathy and help. Mem-
bers of churches will find earnest, devoted, cultured, scholarly
ministers of the gospel ready to preach to them, make pastoral
calls among them, hold counsel with them, doing their work
with kindness, courtesy and piety.
The oldest church organization is St. Peter's Protestant
Episcopal Church, which was organized in 1867, and whose
house of worship was erected upon the corner of Santa Fe
avenue and Seventh street, in 1868. The present pastor is Rev.
E. H. Gaynor.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church was organized
April 22, 1870; completed their church building, situated on
the corner of Main and Seventh streets, about the year 187 1.
The membership of the church numbers 91 ; the Sunday school
about 120. The society owns a neat parsonage next door to its
church.
The First Presbyterian Church, of Pueblo, is now (1883)
twelve years old, has 132 members, is self-supporting, and owns
property in the heart of the city. Has a church building and
parsonage worth 59,000. Rev. H. B. Gage is the settled pastor,
who has been with the church nearly four years. Out of this
church two other churches have been formed, with every pros-
28 Sketch of the Piicblos.
pect of satisfactory growth and usefulness, and its benevolent
contributions have been marked by liberality and prudence.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, has a nice
brick edifice newly fitted up near the site of the contemplated
new Union depot. Has a membership of something over 60, is
self-supporting and out of debt. Has a church building and
parsonage worth $6,000, and Rev. Geo. Needham for its pastor.
The Roman Catholics have a fine church edifice completed
upon the Mesa, are erecting another in the northern part of
Pueblo, which will be a large, commodious edifice, and a credit
to the community. They are pushing all departments of their
church work with their accustomed vigor and sagacity.
The Pueblo Baptist Church was organized in November,
1872. They are now erecting a fine stone church edifice, on
the corner of Ninth and High streets, which will be constructed
in the most thorough and durable manner of the best of mate-
rials, and the largest in Southern Colorado. Their present
pastor is Rev. S. L. Holman, who has been with them about
fourteen months.
The Mesa Presbyterian Chuch, of South Pueblo, was
organized April 13, 1882, has a membership of 40, is in good
financial condition and is looking forward to the erection, at an
early day, of a house of worship. Rev. W. A. Mackey is the
present efficient pastor.
The Baptist Church on the Mesa, South Pueblo, was or-
ganized June I, 1881. A neat brick chapel was built in a
convenient location and paid for. Rev. J. B. Read, their first
pastor, commenced labor with them April, 1883. -^ good
congregation has been gathered, the church is out of debt, and
the outlook is promising.
The East Pueblo Congregational Church was organ-
ized April 16, 1882, and a new house of worship dedicated on
the same date. The building is a neat frame, capable of seating
about 300 persons, and cost about $2,000. This church occupies
a very important section of our city, and has for its present
pastor Rev. R. W. Purdue.
The Central Christian Church, worshiping in the Mont-
gomery Opera House, was organized December 17, 1882, with
a membership of 35. Their present pastor is Rev. A. H.
Mulkey. They have a membership of 40, witli encouraging
prospects.
The South Pueblo Congregational Church, Rev. C. S.
Harrison, pastor, has a good house of worship, worth $4,000 ;
situated on the mesa. Its organization dates from August,
1878. Good congregations attend the services and they have a
membership of 45.
In addition to these we have the M. E. Church (Colored)
of Pueblo; Rev. Alexander, pastor.
_ South Pueblo M. E. Church. Rev. J. C. Green pastor.
Churches of the Pueblos. 29
Church of the Holy Trinity, Protestant Episcopal,
South Pueblo, Rev. S. C. Gaynor, rector.
Bessemer Presbyterian Church, Rev. J. L. Reed, pastor.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, South Pueblo. Rev.
C. E. Long, pastor.
Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church, F. Lagerman,
pastor.
A Baptist church (colored) just organized.
By the side of the churches, and to complete their instruc-
tion to all classes, there have been organized not less than 25
Sunday schools, whose ever increasing numbers are supplied by
superior teachers, among whom may be found men and women
of the highest culture and social standing. You will hardly
find a church in the Pueblos that has not its benevolent society,
and private benevolence, which is always best, is also carrying
on its work independent of all societies.
Religious life is here a reality. The clergymen are, as a
body, superior, educated, toiling, God-fearing men. Among
them there is very little of that mode of thought which seeks to
make religionists and forgets to make men. The sectarian spirit
with the narrowness, with its traditions, its exaggerations of
trivial nonessentials, is certainly not predominant.
COU.MV CliURT house.
EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES.
Education is the great bulwark of civil liberty.
There is an opinion, prevalent and widespread, that the
people of new states are not proverbial for the attention they
devote to the great cause of education ; that we must look to
the older states for examples in this direction ; that the people
of newer communities haye neither the time nor the inclination
to foster or encourage common schools, or other educational
enterprises ; that the race for wealth absorbs the attention of the
western pioneers, to the exclusion of mental culture. That this
may be true, in a qualified sense, in some of the western states,
I concede ; that it is not true of Colorado, I boldly affirm.
That our people have all of that western push, energy and en-
terprise, so necessary to financial success, no one familiar with
them can deny; but with attributes so important for business
success, they have a thorough appreciation of the benefits result-
ing from a liberal education, and have laid deep and firm the
foundations of an admirable system of public schools, unsur-
passed by that of any other state in the union. The standard
of education, here, is deservedly high, and an earnest effort is
being made by the friends of free schools, to make the schools
of the Centennial state, models of efficiency and grand results.
Our people, as a rule, seem to comprehend what is necessary to
meet the requirements of this grand work, in order to reach
the highest attainable possibilities of the system ; and I am
happy to feel warranted in saying that the people of Pueblo
county are not behind those of their sister counties in the state,
in giving force and effect to their admirable plan of popular ed-
ucation. They fully realize the high importance of building
and equipping comfortable, capacious and well ventilated school
houses; of supplying them with all the modern, improved appli-
ances for effective school work ; of employing none but able and
distinguished educators as principals of schools, and none but
trained, efficient teachers for department work, and] then to fur-
nish them tlie proper tools to work with.
The Pueblos, cities and county, have many and varied at-
tractions : In their splendid climate, cultured people, diversified
industries, grand railway system, which is fully matured ; men
of eminence in all of the professions, women of no less emi-
nence in all that goes to make up a grand womanhood, they have
Educational Advantages. 31
much to point to with pride; but to our public schools, those
nurseries of a higher civilization, we can all point with feelings
of gratitude, for what they have done — are doing — for the
elevation of the growing generation. The Boards of Education of
the Pueblos are entitled to most honorable mention for the manly
part they have borne in pushing forward this grand civilizing
work. The Board of Pueblo, remodeled and refurnished the
Centennial school building, and have made it second to no pub-
lic school house in the state. It is three stories high, has eight
study rooms, with a seating capacity for 400, is heated by Ruttan
furnaces, is thoroughly ventilated, well supplied with all the
modern improvements and appliances necessary to comfort,
convenience and thorough school work. It is surrounded by a
campus oi a full block. They have erected a good school edifice
in East Pueblo, called the "Fountain School House." It is
three stories high, has a seating capacity for 200, is heated by
the Ruttan furnaces, has a good campus, and is, also, well sup-
plied with all needed furniture, etc., to meet the demands of a
good school. They have also erected an artistic school building
on Seventh street, and have named it "The Hindsdale," as a
compliment to the late Gov. Hinsdale, than whom Pueblo never
had a man more upright, worthy and public spirited. This
building is three stories high, has a seating capacity for 350,
heated as the others, and will be finished and furnished with
everything needed to meet the requirements of a progressive
people of this advancing age. It will be provided with a large
600 pound bell, and the house will be ready for occupancy
in the early days of September. Schools were taught during
the past year in the old adobe school house, also in a rented
building on Main street, the two having a seating capacity for
250 pupils. Other school houses are in contemplation to meet
the demands of our rapidly increasing population.
The Board of Education of the city of South Pueblo are no
less enterv^rising. They have made the mesa brick school build-
ing a very excellent school house. It is two stories, has a
seating capacity for near 300, has four study rooms 22x33 feet,
recitation room ; all heated by stoves, and is well equipped
with the best of modern furniture and tools for teachers' work.
They have erected a stone high school building — "The Central
Hi<^h School," three stories high, in size 60x98 feet inside, seven
study rooms, two class rooms, one assembly room 30x60 feet,
Chemical laboratory 30x32 feet, with four janitor's rooms ; all
heated with Ruttan furnaces. This house is artistically arranged
and faultlessly supplied with everything necessary for the highest
recpiirements, is one of the best school buildings in the state, is
a grand, imposing tribute to the cause of education, and reflects
the highest honor upon the enterprising board. They are ar-
ranging to build a two room school house at Bessemer, which
will be arranged and furnished on a scale to keep pace with the
32 Sketch of the Pueblos.
grand march of tliat marvellous embryo city. The board have
been compelled to lease a church and a two-room building to
subserve the purposes of our "southern sister," which is rapidly
assuming metropolitan proportions. Other school houses will
be builded from time to time, until the supply shall equal the
demand.
In this connection, I take occasion to say that the public
school houses of the Pueblos stand as graceful monuments to
the wisdom, energy and devotion of the respective boards to the
great educational interests of the "twin cities," and no less so
to our citizens generally, who pay for them without a murmur.
COUNTRY SCHOOLS.
Of the Boards of Directors of the country schools, I can
only speak in praise. As a rule, they apprehend the importance
of a larger breadth in education, and of increasing the facilities
for a more thorough, practical course of instruction. To these
ends, they are building better school houses, seating and furn-
ishing them more in accordance with modern plans, voting more
taxes for the support of schools, employing better teachers, pay-
ing them better salaries and have longer terms of schools. In
some districts, the population of school age is so sparse that
parents are compelled to contribute of their private means to
keep up the schools, where the school fund is inadequate to that
purpose. When I assumed the duties of my present position,
there were some six districts that had no standing as districts,
had dropped out of line, had no schools; now every district in
Pueblo County, that has a child of school age, is back in line,
running smoothly and well. The character of the country
schools, considering they are ungraded, ranks deservedly high ;
many of the teachers occupy a front rank in the army of edu-
cators, and, altogether, there is much in the conduct and success
of the country schools to inspire the friends of popular educa-
tion with renewed courage and hope.
Elsewhere I speak approvingly of the public spirit and enter-
prise of the Boards of Education in the cities, in building and
furnishing such elegant school houses; but they are entitled to
a higher meed of praise for the discernment displayed in the
selection of principals to take charge of the schools of both
cities, as well as to fill the deiurtments with true, tried, trained
assistants of exalted private and professional woith.
Prof. J. S. McClung, City Superintendent of the Pueblo
schools, is a ripe scholar, an indefatigable worker, an excellent
disciplinarian, a good executive ; suave and kind to his assistants,
firm and unbending in the enforcement of order and decorum,
broad and practical in his methods of school work; in fine, a
thorough educator, under whose superintendency the schools of
Pueblo have become second to none in the state.
Educational Advantages. 33
The course of study in the grades below the High School is
very much the same as those used in the graded schools through-
out the country. Tlie High School course requires four years to
complete it.
Instruction in vocal music is under the direction of a special
teacher, Prof. R. L. Kent, and is continued throughout the en-
tire course. ,
Prof. F. B. Gault, Principal of the South Pueblo Schools,
comes among us highly indorsed for his scholarship, moral worth,
and for his effective school work. Notwithstanding the brief
time he has been over those schools, the disadvantages under
which he has labored, intensified by a sad bereavement in his
family, he has already fully demonstrated his eminent fitness for
the arduous duties he has assumed. He, like his co-laborer on
the other side of the river, is thoroughly practical in his methods of
school work; he discards surface or technical education, labors
to improve the morals, broaden the mind, and to develop the
highest physical possibilities of those committed to his care ;
having the great aim in view to make his pupils enter manhood
and womanhood with high and clear conceptions of their moral
obligations, and to fit them the better for the varied duties and
responsibilities of active social and business life.
It has been almost impossible to provide suitable accommo-
dations and facilities commensurate with the rapid increase of
the school population of South Pueblo. Very complete pro-
visions for the schools in the way of buildin_gs have recently been
made by the completion of two ward school houses, which, to-
gether with a ward school building erected several years ago, and
the Central High School building, recently finished and fur-
nished, afford at present ample room and excellent facilities for
the education of the youth of this rapidly growing section of
the Pueblos.
The Central High School building deserves special mention,
not only on account of its imposing external appearance, but for
the higher reason that for convenience, comfort and adaptation
to the demands made upon it, doubtless it is unsurpassed by any
similar structure in the United States.
The basement story consists of fuel rooms and janitor's apart-
ments. Besides there is a fine large hall or lecture room, and a
room for Physical and Chemical Laboratory. The first floor
consists of four large rooms, each provided with a wardrobe, and
closets at rear of the teacher's rostrum. The second floor con-
sists of the assembly room of the High School department, with
recitation rooms, room for library, museum, and Superintendent's
office.
This building affords a home for the High School and Gram-
mar departments, to which the Primary departments located in
the three ward buildings are tributary.
34 Sketch of the Pueblos.
The schools are liberally supplied with maps, charts, globes
' and other apparatus, and possesses the nucleus of a public school
library.
The school system comprises three departments, Primary,
Grammar and High School, each department requiring for the
completion of its course four years of school attendance. Thus
the entire course comprises twelve grades, and requires for its
completion twelve years of school attendance.
A course of study has recently been prepared which is, on
the one hand, the outgrowth of the carefully considered needs
and conditions of the schools, and on the other hand, has in
view a high standard of excellence, being the work of one who
has given the study and investigation of school systems and
methods of instruction and management years of close applica-
tion. The general aim is to have the course of instruction accord
with the true order of the growth of child mind, providing for
rational, steady and thorough development of all the faculties of
the child. Mindful of the fact that the school is for the child,
to assist hini in attaining his highest good, and not the child for
the school, the system of instruction is such as aims specifically
to secure quick perception, careful reflection and correct judg-
ment, and at the same time arouse and quicken the moral senti-
ment, thus giving the best possible equipment for the duties and
responsibilities of life.
The course of study is supplemented by a syllabus of work
and instruction prepared for each branch in every grade. By
this method the Superintendent carefully plans and directs the
work of each class, omitting what is useless and out of date,
placing special stress upon the useful and essential. In many
cases entirely new lines of work are substituted, thus adding to
the interest and profit of the school, by adapting the quality of
the instruction to particular cases and necessities. All new and
progressive ideas touching methods of instruction in reading,
arithmetic, language, composition and geography are carefully
weighed, and whenever and wherever adapted to the work in
I hand are applied. We predict for these schools a bright future,
\ a record that will attract, but not disappoint, all who seek good
Ve^ucational advantages for their children.
It would be invidious to mention a portion of the department
teachers, and not name all; but as there are too many to men-
tion in detail, I can say, that as a rule, with scarcely an exception,
they are pre-eminently fitted for their various stations, both by a
broad culture and an earnest devotion to school work. It is not
saying too much of those able educational adjuncts, to say that
much of the pronounced success of the schools of our cities is
due to them, for they have labored ably and faithfully to supple-
ment the work of their chiefs. They deserve well of the patrons
of the schools, of all right-thinking people, and I am happy in
Educational Advantages.
35
CENTRAL HK;H SCHOCIL.
being able to say that a discerning public fully appreciates them
at their exalted worth.
I do not say that the schools of the Pueblos are the very ^es^
in the state ; but I have no hesitancy in saying that they are in-
ferior to none in our grand young commonwealth, or in the
west, for that matter.
Persons who meditate a removal to either of the Pueblos to
make it their home, need not hesitate to make the venture on
account of the character of our Public Schools, for they will
find them to be equal to the most enlarged demands. From the
Primary departments to the High Schools, the character of the
work will commend itself to the most critical and exacting
friends of popular education. All who come with a desire to
find a pleasant home, may come in the full assurance that they
will find school facilities here equal, if not superior, to those
they have heretofore enjoyed.
The paramount objects of our instructors are to promote the
morals, expand and improve the mind, and to discipline and
develop the body of the pupils. No Procrustean bed is used to
accomplish these desirable ends; corporal punishment is but rarely
resorted to, never except in extreme cases; but kindness and
36 Sketch of the Pueblos.
firmness are the governing agencies in our schools, and experi-
ence has demonstrated their vast superiority over austere means,
which only produce fear.
Whatever may be said of our people in regard to their moral
and social relations, or of this locality as a grand sanitarium or
great commercial center, and neither need shrink from the most
searching ordeal, or dread the closest criticism in these respects,
our educational system, its administration and its administrators,
will not fail to challenge the highest admiration of all who are,
or may become, familiar with them, and who are the true friends
of the poor man's college, the public schools.
Such is a brief, unvarnished presentation of our educational
advantages, which is neither overdrawn nor embellished, and I
feel confident that all who come and test the truth of the fore-
going will agree with the writer that our educational claims are
herein but partially and imperfectly stated.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
In addition to the public schools, Pueblo has private schools,
the most prominent of which is Loretto Academy, for the edu-
cation of girls and small boys, under the charge of the Sisters
of Loretto, a band of noble Christian ladies. This parochial
school is well patronized, and stands high in the estimation of
its patrons and friends. In addition to the usual course of
studies, such as may be found in similar institutions, music,
painting and drawing lessons are given to those who desire
them. Especial attention is paid to the moral and physical
well-being of the pupils.
The Pueblo Seminary, under the care of Miss L. J. White,
with Miss Arrington as musical directress, has just closed a suc-
cessful academic year.
There was a private school taught in South Pueblo, by Miss
Julia A. White, that was well sustained, and will be resumed in
the early fall.
Between the 15th of September and the ist of October,
there will be in successful operation in this city " The Colorado
Institute of Technology," in which will be thoroughly given full
courses in mathematics, civil and mining engineering, physics,
chemistry, natural philosophy applied to arts and manufactures,
which will be taught in the schoolroom and in the workshops
attached to the Institute. Literature, history, geography, a full
commercial course in book-keeping,telegraphy, etc., will con-
stitute an important department in this school. The fact that
Prof. Joseph Luce will be at the head of this important educa-
tional enterprise will be a sufficient guaranty of its high char-
acter and ultimate success.
Thus it will be seen that all may make choice between public
and private schools, and can give their children the advantages
of a scientific course in the Institute of Technology.
MINES AND METALS.
"Time is money," say the wise, and ior this reason we will
not introduce our subject by one of those well prepared prefaces
whose main object is to throw Iridescent dust in the eyes of the
reader, and under the cover of brilliant rhetorical periods con-
ceal the imperfections of the work.
The position of the Pueblos at the present time is one of a
well defined character. Like a child who does not know nor
appreciate the latent physical power stored in his muscles until
one of his comrades contests the ownership of his books or
marbles, and then throws down his coat to fight with all his
heart and might for the conquest of the coveted and contested
prize, so are the Pueblos. They have at last resented the un-
called for provocations of their defiant neighbors, and throwing
down their pristine coat are going heart and hand into the
battle, to affirm their rights and take rank as the great ore mar-
ket and metallurgical center of Colorado.
LOCATION AND SURROUNDINGS.
Before entering upon the subject of mineral deposits carrying
the precious metals, and located in counties reached by our
enterprising lines of railroads, it is well and proper to look
around our fast growing cities and investigate the formations, so
characteristic, in which the Arkansas river has furrowed its bed.
These formations belong to what is termed by geologists the
cretaceous epoch, and are divided into several strata of sedi-
mentary deposits, such as limestones, sandstones, clays, slates,
coal, iron, etc. They form the principal body of the adjoining
plains, and are shown to their fullest extent in the gorges and
channels hollowed out by the Arkansas and its tributaries.
The limestones and sandstones deserve a special mention, as
their reputation has even reached Chicago, where our fine
grained sandstones are in great demand. The I.eadville smelters
also get their supplies of limestone and fluxes from Pueblo
county.
One mile below our cities gypsum exists, intermixed with
clay, and is eminently fitted for use as a fertilizer. Along the
foot-hills a purer article is found, suitable for building purposes.
Numerous mineral springs, some saline, some chalybeate,
some sulphurotts, invite also the attention of the physicians and
38 Sketch of the Pueblos.
investors. Along the valley at Carlisle, and further up at Rock-
vale and Coal Creek, thick beds of coal have been worked up
for several years, and lately mineral oil has been struck. Leav-
ing the valley of the Arkansas and penetrating in the moun-
tains by which it is confined to the south and southwest, we find
a range of rugged mountains known as the
SIERRA MOJADA OR CUERDO VERDE,
more recently called "Wet Mountains." The southern portion
of that chain is designated under the name of "Greenhorn Moun-
tains." The main body of this range is formed by azoic rocks,
granite, gneiss, full of porphyritic dykes, accompanied by min-
eral veins rich in copper ores. Near to the head of the St.
Charles, and between the Greenhorn and Red creek, a conglom-
erate is found which consists of pebbles of quartz and obliterated
crystals of feldspar, cemented together by red clay ; this forma-
tion has a great thickness, and dips at an angle of 22°. Inter-
mixed with it are found dykes of trap, accompanied by small
mineral veins carrying galena, with a few disseminated crystals
of copper and nickel sulphurets. Ten miles west of Red creek
we encounter an entirely different formation, of which the origin
IS due to glacial action, and there we find huge masses of rocks,
polished, rounded, striated, some formed of mineral vein matter,
some of porphyry, gneiss, granite, etc., showing the different
formations that have been disintegrated and carried away by the
powerful action of ice.
HARDSCRABBLE CREEK
springs out of this formation, and farther down flows through a
canon showing on both sides sandstone strata dipping at an angle
of 60° to 70°. The sand deposits along the creek contain some
gold colors. Passing over the crest of the range, and descend-
ing the western slope, we reach the towns of Rosita and Silver
Cliff, These two localities present the most extraordinary min-
eral formations. In Rosita^ true fissure-veins of galeniferous
quartzite, enclosed in trachytic porphyry, while on the north-
west they are located in sedimentary rocks. Strata and beds of
clay impregnated with chloride of silver are another striking
feature, and belong to a sedimentary deposit, of which the dip
varies from 30° to 45°.
One mile from Rosita, and on the southern slope of a hill
covered with quartzite debris, are masses of round silicious con-
cretions, from the size of a nut to that of a human head, scattered
about with profusion. It is easy to recognize the results of the
action of silicious waters, formerly existing here, results analo-
gous to the deposits and incrustations observed in the silicious
geysers of Montana and Idaho.
A little farther south is found the head of the Muddy, spring-
ing out of broken and disjointed sandstones, showing in some
Mines and Metals. 39
places well-defined dykes of volcanic trachytic matter, and also
some porphyry veins. At the head of the Muddy, and going
towards the Cuerdo Verde peak, we meet a syenitic granite that
rovers all the foot hills. This formation encloses several dykes
of porphyry and iron ore.
The Cuerdo Verde peak itself presents a series of curious
geological formations, beginning at the base with sandstone, fol-
lowed by metamorphic granite, the upper part of the peak being
capped by volcanic masses. The whole mountain is a net-work
of veins of quartz carrying mineral, shown by well-defined out-
croppings. Fifteen miles south, and after crossing the Huerfano
river the sandstones and conglomerates are again met with, and the
hills are covered with boulders of granite, trachyte and basalt,
until Gardner is reached. There, taking a western course, at a
distance of four miles we find several steep and denuded peaks,
known as
SHEEP MOUNTAINS,
formed by a ryolite rich in quartz. Half a mile south of Gard-
ner stands a butte of trachyte, finely grained, imbedding crystals
of hornblende. In all the creeks running from these gulches
and feeding the Huerfano river, gold has been found, and it is
a surprise to all, to-day, to see our miners and prospectors going
far away seeking for new fields of exploration, when they have
so near immense treasures lying dormant.
Some fifty years ago considerable work was done by Mexicans
in a locality situated a few miles southwest of Huerfano Park, in
the vicinity of Placer creek, east of Mount Blanco. These
placers, called "Grayback," were worked at one time by Kit
Carson. The gold is found in a reddish-clayey, silicious deposit
forming a rusty conglomerate. The work has been but super-
ficial, and prospecting by shaft has demonstrated the existence
of several streaks of black sand constellated with gold nuggets of
larger size than those found near the surface of the "diggin's."
The hills on both sides of the creek are formed of primitive
rocks, gneiss, a granite cut by a number of quartzite veins, also
some fine blossoms and garnets disseminated through the rocks,
as well as in the sand of the creek. Along Indian Creek valley,
between the Grayback and LaVeta, the sandstone beds are so
thoroughly impregnated by copper that several mines have been
opened in this locality.
THE SPANISH PEAKS,
seen in the southern horizon, are located nine miles southeast of
the thriving town of LaVeta, and promise to become one of the
most important mining .camps south of the Divide.
The main body of these peaks is a porphyritic trachyte
emerging from the upper carboniferous formation, and cut by
dykes radiating from the center of eruption towards the plains.
..n'^-vr^s'iiffliii'ncr"''"!''!''''!
Mines and Metals. 41
and accompanied by a contact matter carrying galena, sulpluir-
ets and the precious metals.
As it can be seen by this too short description of the natural
basin in the middle of which the Pueblos are located, we have at
our doors mines of Gold, Silver, Lead, Iron and Copper ; beds
of Coal, limestones, sandstones, clays, gypsum, springs of Min-
eral waters. Artesian wells. Petroleum, without saying anything
of the surfac:e formation of our plain, which is but a vast placer.
Blind are those who do not see that with all these advantages
Pueblo is, what it claims to be, a mining center.
THE PUEBLOS THE GREAT COLORADO MARKET FOR ORES.
Obeying the laws of gravitation and attraction, the drops of
rain gather together to form rivulets and brooks, and running
into natural channels down the steep inclines of our mountains,
unite, forming creeks and rivers that empty into the sea and
ocean. So are the products of our mines, brought down from
the mountains to these grand channels prepared by human in-
genuity and enterprise known as railroads, then unloaded by
them on the platforms of the great ore market of the west, the
Pueblos, to be distributed to our large metallurgical works. The
Little Giant railroad, among others, is the principal agency that
carries to Pueblo the mineral resources of the Great Southwest.
It is along its iron net that the miners and prospectors are dig-
ging out the ores that supply our market and smelters. Summit
and Lake, Pitkin and Gunnison, Chaffee and Saguache counties,
send their carbonated and sulphurretted ores, carrying both gold
and silver, through the Grand Canon of the Arkansas to Pueblo,
and in return we send them the fuel and the fluxes to work their
low grade mineral, without speaking of the capital invested by
the enterprise of Pueblo citizens in mines located in these coun-
ties. Furthermore, the Arkansas Valley and Gunnison branch
has lately been extended to Utah, and the ores of Little Cotton-
wood and other districts of eastern Utah are to-day brought to
Pueblo for treatment or sale. In the counties above named the
mineral formations show a decided permanency, the best guar-
antee for the future of Colorado, and eastern as well as home
capital have developed this rugged portion of our state and
transformed it, as if by magic, into a vast cosmopolitan caravan-
serai, where all the Caucasian nationalities are met with, and
where the African as well as the Mongolian dig into the bowels
of the earth to find the precious talisman of Astharoth, "Gold."
Starting again from Pueblo by the southwestern division of
the Denver and Rio Grande, in a few hours we have re;3^ched the
GREAT SAN JUAN,
and are struck with amazement and wonder at the treasures
met along the road. First, Rio Grande county, with its gold
mines producing millions of the finest metal in the market. This
42 Sketch of the Pueblos.
celebrated camp has now a milling capacity of 175 stamps,
crushing, pounding, amalgamating, concentrating the largest
gold formation that exists on the continent. The new line of
railroad from Del Norte to Summit shows the enterprise of the
leaders of the camp.
The placers, the mines of gold, silver, mercury and copper
of La Plata county, deserve a special notice, as also the coal
formation near Durango,
Dolores county, with the San Miguel mountains, is the re-
pository of immense veins of native gold and silver, running
parallel with other veins of ruby, silver and gray copper. We
hope before long to hear the screech of the locomotive whistle
repeated by the echo of this new Aladdin's kingdom.
In San Juan county, galena and copper ores were first mined,
but to-day bismuth ores are attracting the attentions of the in-
vestor, and are a source of profit to our miners.
Ouray county must not be forgotten nor ignored. Its valiant
citizens have more than other inhabitants of the Far West adver-
tised abroad the Great San Juan. There is no town that can
show as well as Ouray what results can be obtained by pluck, in-
dustry and faith. "God-speed to Ouray."
The last extension of the Little Pioneer brings us into the
county of Hinsdale, the largest producer of the whole southwest^
the only rival of the great carbonate camp of Lake county.
RED MOUNTAIN
has been a revelation ; a few strokes of the pick have unearthed
untold treasures and baffled the theories of our experienced
miners and scientific men. Of a nearly deserted and wild
country has sprung in one day a camp of many thousands, and
to the glory of the citizens of the Centennial state, Colorado
capital has, we must say, built up alone this magnificent and
wonderful camp. The Pueblos, as usual, were the first on the
spot, and it is with pride that we have followed the progresses
of our fellow-citizens united with those of our fair sister of San.
Juan county, the enterprising Silverton, to foster up the devel-
opments that shall, in a near future, add millions to our credit
as the largest producer of bullion of the whole world.
All the counties of Southwestern Colorado are linked to the
Pueblos by bonds of friendsliip and common interest, and they
are building up the twin cities by shipping their ores to our
market, and in exchange receiving from our merchants supplies
of all sorts, as groceries, dry goods, hardware, notions, drugs, etc.
We could add many pages to this article; travel south into
Huerfano, Costilla, Las Animas counties, and into New Mexico,
but space is limited. We close by affirming once more our
rights, and we will unfurl our flag to the breeze, showing the
world that our success lays in the practical application of our
motto, "Labor Omnia Vincit."
METALLURGY.
At the present day metallurgical science has emerged from
the period of empiricism into which alchemy confined it, and
taken a foothold in the world, based upon mathematical calcula-
tions and well known chemical reactions. Metallurgical opera-
tions are simple in their nature, and only made complicated by
the ignorance and inexperience of our conceited and haughty
kid glove superintendents and processmen.
We desire to see metallurgy following the other sciences in
their progress, but we claim that nine-tenths of the processes
seeking for the favor of the public will fail to succeed, because
in most of them the natural laws of motion and combination
have been ignored or overlooked, and hazard has too large a
part in the results. We claim, also, that new processes are the
result in most cases of the complete ignorance of the actual
methods of treating the ores carrying both the base and the
precious metals.
The metallurgical works of the Pueblos are a striking ex-
ample of the results that can be obtained when true scientific
attainments are allied with business ability in the management
of a metallurgical institution. What can we say that is not
known at large concerning the Pueblo Smelting and Refining
Company, the Eilers Smelter, the Rose & Reed Sampling
Works, the steel works, the nail works and the other depart-
ments of the ever growing company, the Colorado Coal and
Iron Company. Everywhere, and it is a pleasure to the writer
of this article to pay to our worthy and enterprising fellow-
citizens this deserved tribute, these institutions, second to none
in the country, are models in themselves throughout, and to the
initiated eye, more perhaps than to the eye of the daily visitors,
show most striking features; principally order, method, cleanli-
ness, and, also, the most improved working facilities exhibited
in all the departments of the works.
The silver ores, properly speaking, are comparatively rare,
but this metal in combination with sulphur, arsenic, chlorine,
etc., is widely disseminated among the ores of the base metals,
and'especially found in connection with lead and copper ores.
The methods of extraction are founded on the metallurgical
tieatment of lead and copper, and are carried on by smelting
44 Sketch of the Pueblos.
the ores with suitable fluxes, and separating the argentiferous lead
bullion or copper matte from the product, known as slag.
The bullion and the matte are two marketable products of
easy shipment and sale, even if we had no refining works to send
them into circulation as manufactured metals.
The copper strikes in southern Colorado, along the foot hills
and in the Sangre de Cristo, will soon compel us to add to our
list of metallurgical establishments large copper works. In fact,
here in Pueblo we receive more copper ores than lead ores, and
in a few months our supply will be such that we will leave Lake
Superior far behind, as we have already beaten Nevada, Califor
nia, and are forging ahead of Old Mexico, in the race for the
silver leadership.
It would be unfair to close these few lines without saying a
special word about the Steel Works, which, located on the Mesa,
are like the lighthouse, showing to the emigrant the entrance of
our welcoming cities.
Iron, say the people, is not a precious metal; it is a base
metal. It is true; but we must not forget that iron and its com-
pound, steel, are, on account of their usefulness, more precious
than gold and silver. Why? Because we must have iron and
steel to extract the ores from the bowels of the earth ; we must
have iron and steel to separate these precious metals from its
ores.
The metallurgy of Iron, like the metallurgy of gold and sil-
ver, lead and copper, reposes upon well known and well under-
stood principles, and if the space was given to us, if we had the
ability, we would undertake to tell something of the processes
which to-day bear the names of their inventors. Bessemer with
his converters, Martin with his furnace, Siemens with his regen-
erator, have revolutionized the metallurgy of iron, and we are
proud to see the Pueblos chosen as the most available location in
the whole west for the establishment of such colossal works. If
asked why the managers of these metallurgical institutions have
done so, we will answer by showing our immense iron deposits,
covering several hundred square miles; our limestones, used as
flux; our coal beds, supplying the fuel; our mineral oil, trans-
formed, purified, furnishing the light, the fuel, the lubricator.
We will show our railroads, our little narrow-gauge, which, like
the fisherman, has covered the southern portion of our young
state with a net-work of iron and steel rails, and joins the chorus,
with the whistle of its engines and the thunder-like rumbling of
its loaded cars, to sing the sublime hosanna to civilization and
progress.
THE COLORADO COAL AND IRON
COMPANY.
This company has its extensive iron and steel works located
at Bessemer, just outside the corporate limits of the city of
South Pueblo. The works comprise a
BLAST FURNACE
capable of producing eighty tons per day of pig iron, and as
the company owns its own ore mines and has a variety of ores,
all grades of foundry and mill iron are made. A second blast
furnace is now in course of erection. There is also a complete
BESSEMER STEEL WORKS,
where steel rails, steel castings, forgings, etc., of all weights
and patterns are made. These works have a capacity of three
hundred tons per day, and the steel rails made here have already
acquired a reputation for superior quality.
THE NAIL WORKS AND SPIKE MILL
are also located here, and are now producing nearly 300 kegs
per day of nails and about fifty kegs of railroad track spikes,
though the works have a capacity of double that amount.
South Pueblo nails have already earned a reputation, wherever
they have been used, of being the strongest and cleanest nail
made.
This company also makes all sizes of merchant bar iron,
mine rails, splice bars, etc., at their
MERCHANT BAR MILL,
now located m Denver, Colorado. As new puddled iron is to
be used in this manufacture hereafter, the good quality ot the
product is assuied.
At Bessemer is a thriving village populated by the employes
of the steel and iron works.
These works are regarded as but the nucleus of a large iron
and steel industry. Cast and wrought iron pipe works, car
wheel works and stove manufactories, together with the various
forms of steel manufacture, such as springs, shovels, picks, bars.
46
Sketch of the Pueblos.
etc., must ultimately grow up to meet the demands of the sur-
rounding territory.
The proximity of the best and cheapest fuels in the state,
the presence of works producing all the raw materials necessary
for any iron or steel industry, together with cheap labor and
excellent railroad facilities for distributing manufactured pro-
ducts, makes South Pueblo the natural point at which all the
iron and steel industries of the state must be congregated. The
Colorado Coal and Iron Company owns large tracts of land
adjoining South Pueblo, and also owns a large part of the town
site, and is always disposed to offer favorable terms for land and
the best facilities for water, etc., to any manufacturing concern
desiring to locate. This company also owns and operates coal
mines at Canon, Walsen's, El Moro and Crested Butte, from
which mines are produced the best domestic, steam and black-
smith coals found west of Pennsylvania. It also owns coke
works at El Moro and Crested Butte, where coke is made of the
best quality, which is exclusively used by the smelters, etc., of
Colorado and Utah.
FOUNTAIN SCHOOL.
RAILROADS.
THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND SANTA FE RAILROAD.
Pueblo, as the railroad center of Colorado, has always looked
upon The Santa Fe as one of the chief contributors toward her
growth. Perhaps the easiest way to understand rightly the im-
portance to this city of the facilities afforded by the A., T. &
S. F. is to try to imagine the situation if The Santa Fe were to
take up its rails back to La Junta. Pueblo would no longer en-
joy equally as good facilities for communication with the east as
Denver. The outlet for her manufactured products, and the
avenue through which must come all supplies from eastern mar-
kets, would be Denver. Our manufacturing industries would be
placed at a great disadvantage as compared with those at Denver,
while our promising and growing wholesale trade could not live.
A correspondent of the Chicago Tribune states the case very
clearly, as follows: ''The terminus of the Atchison, Topeka
and Santa Fe railroad in Colorado is that "new Pittsurg of the
west," Pueblo, commonly called the pivotal city of Colorado-
pivotal because it is the center of the Denver and Rio Grande
system of narrow-gauge railroads, which stretch themselves out
from that point over the mountains and through the passes like
the fingers of a man's hand, drawing into the palm at Pueblo
the mineral wealth of this greatest of all the silver-producing
states or territories in the union, while the Santa Fe road stands
there, with its standard-gauge, steel-railed track, magnificent
equipment, and unrivalled management, ready to take up the
products of the mine and ranch and carry them to the markets
of the east. So truthfully does this describe the relation of The
Santa Fe to the commerce of Colorado that one, though never
having studied the situation before, can understand why the
A., T. S. F. is the great inlet and outlet to Pueblo, and through
that city to central and southern Colorado."
It is such extra railroad facilities as these that have attracted
the attention of capital to Pueblo as the most eligible point in
the state for manufacturing purposes, and have induced the in-
vestment here of millions of productive capital. The facilities
provided by this company have increased, too, in direct ratio
with the increase of the business to be done. There are now two
regular passenger trains running daily between this city and
Kansas City and Atchison, on the Missouri river, one of which,
KOYAL GORGE — ON THE LINE OF THE DENVER & RIO GRANDE RAILWAY,
Railroads. 49
the popular "Thunderbolt," makes the trip between the river
and the Union depot in this city — 619 miles — in 21 hours and
15 minutes, and returning in 20 hours and 45 minutes. There
are only one or two trains in the United States that make any
better time than this. This train also connects in this city with
the Salt Lake and Ogden train on the Denver and Rio Grande,
placing Pueblo on one of the new routes to San Francisco, and
on the shortest route from Kansas City to Salt Lake City and all
points in Utah.
Pueblo has also felt the effect of the extension of the Atchi-
son, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad into New Mexico. During
the past year large shipments of ore have been received at our
smelting works from the mines of that territory, and as the
promising mining interests of that section develop, Pueblo trade
with the southern country may be expected to increase.
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, by its connection with
the Mexican Central at El Paso, and by the construction of the
Sonora railway, affords direct rail transportation between Pueblo
and the principal cities of the Mexican states of Chihuahua and
Sonora, and has opened a new and rich field to the commercial
centers of the United States, which Pueblo should see to it that
she cultivates with industry.
Arizona now has two railroads running from east to west
across her entire territory, both of which connect with the Atchi-
son, Topeka and Santa Fe in New Mexico. Arizona has already
sent large shipments of her ores to Pueblo, and with the greatly
increased transportation facilities now enjoyed, an increased out-
put is assured. Pueblo as the manufacturing and smelting center
of the southwest, is in the field for that trade.
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe also affords to travelers
from Pueblo a choice of two southern routes to California, and
the shortest line to Los Angeles. These two routes are via the
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe to Deming, and thence via the
Southern Pacific to San Francisco; or, via the Atchison, Topeka
and Santa Fe to Albuquerque, thence via the Atlantic and Pacific
across Arizona to connection with the Southern Pacific on the
Colorado river.
Pueblo has gained much by the friendly aid received from
The Santa Fe, and has much more to hope for in the future.
DENVER AND RIO GRANDE RAILWAY.
The history of the Denver and Rio Grande railroad is a
record of brilliant achievement by the greatest narrow-gauge
road in the world. It is a complete net-work of lines, extensions
and projected routes through the richest and most promising
sections of the state, having in view the speedy connection of
every important mining town by rail, and tlie establishment of
lines of communication between Colorado and all the rest of the
world.
50 Sketch of the Pueblos.
To say that the construction of the net-work of road laid
and contemplated by this company to every important mining
camp and agricultural district in the state, besides reaching out
for the rich and fertile territory of Utah, is the greatest enter-
prise in the west, does but partial justice to the men who have
had the great scheme in charge. During the closing year more
than 200 miles were built, much of which runs over mountains
that to ordinary individuals would seem almost insurmountable.
At the present time it has 1,643 i^iiles in operation, and before
another twelve months roll around this number will no doubt be
largely increased. The new districts opened up and developed
have gone far toward strengthening Colorado's great future in
the. minds of eastern men, and the Denver and Rio Grande
people should be given full credit for this condition of affairs.
From Pueblo this road radiates to all the cardinal points of
the compass, save the east, reaching down to the coal mines of
El Moro, the silver mines of the San Juan, the iron mines of
Saguache, the coal and silver of the Gunnison, and the rich min-
eral fields of Leadville and beyond. Pueblo is the natural center
of the vast traffic emanating from all these various sources, and
secures her share of the great business which results from her
favorable situation. Her smelters receive ore from all the min-
eral regions tapped by the Denver and Rio Grande, and her
merchants extend their trade to the many towns and cities to the
north and south and west lying along the line.
Waiving further mention in a business point of view (which
could be lengthened out to a far greater extent if space would
permit), we will casually invite the reader's attention to the fact
that no road in the world furnishes more or greater variety of
scenery than the Denver and Rio Grande. Traversing as it does
the loveliest valleys and climbing the highest mountains, it is no
wonder that all pronounce it the ''Scenic Route of America."
and to all those visiting Colorado for business or pleasure, we
are frank to say that they should not miss this one opportunity
to view the grandest scenery on earth. Pueblo is fortunate in
being situated near some of the most grand and magnificent
scenery in the world, and very pleasant trips can be taken from
this city to objects of surpassing interest. Manitou and Colo-
rado Springs are only 45 miles distant to the north, and both
will amply repay a visit. To the westward, and on the road to
I^eadville, is the Grand Canon of the Arkansas and the Royal
Gorge, both too well known to require description here. At
Salida the through line to Salt Lake City and San Francisco
swerves to the left and crosses the Continental Divide by way of
Marshall Pass, attaining at the summit the immense elevation of
almost 11,000 feet. One who has made the journey writes as
follows :
It was toward evening, and we followed the light upward from one level
to another, until just at sunset we emerged on a scene of such unearthly beauty
Railroads. 5 1
as those who had the blessed fortune of seeing will never forget. Turning a
sharp spur of the mountain, we spun over a trestle bridge, which took a
curve, a climb and a bound across a deep gorge all at once; and on the in-
stant the sun shone on a line of exquisite peaks melting away in the dim
horizon, their snowy summits transfigured with the last rosy flush of dying
day. Far below night-shadows were gathering already in deep ravines and
narrow passes; while above, the sky was still opalescent with the faint, clear
tints which make twilight linger so long in this rare atmosphere. Oh,
heavenly heights, fair mountains of the snow ! will we ever again look upon
anything so wonderful until we cross the border land to the Blessed Country,
and through the gates ajar see rising in the radiant air the shining hills of
Paradise! From the summit of Marshall Pass one looks down upon four
lines of road, terrace below terrace, the last so far down the mountain as to
be quite indistinct to the view. These are loops in the almost spiral pathway
of the road's descent.
The line continues down the Gunnison river to the gorge which is known
from its sombre coloring as the Black Canon. This rock-bound chasm is
wilder, more picturesque and grander even than the Canon we have already
encountered. The cliffs are quite three thousand feet high, and their sides
are broken into narrow shelves where shrubs, trees and clinging vines have
found a foothold. In places miniature cataracts leap from dizzy heights into
the sea-green waters of the river, or, broken by projecting ledges, reach the
bottom of the canon in silvery spray. There is constant variety ; now the
cliffs are red-colored, now of a grayish white. Here a solitary pinnacle soars
upward like a delicately-formed cathedral tower; and again the enclosing
walls hug the road for miles in unbroken masses. The contour of the pali-
sades is closely followed, the river is constantly beside us, and its rumble is
ever strange and solemn.
Escaping from the canon, the road pursues its westward course over
Cedar divide, attained by high grades, and from whose summit an extended
view is had of the Uncompaghre valley, and the serrated San Juan moun-
tains in the distance. Between Delta and Grand Junction the lower Gunni-
son Canon is traversed, the variegated coloring and, curious rock formations
maintaining the interest unabated. West of the latter town a veritable desert
is crossed, which is, however, far from monotonous, by reason of the Book
Cliffs and the fine mountain groups surrounding it. At Thompson Spring
the road is nearly abreast the Sierra La Sal, and within fifty miles of the
northern end of the Grand Canons of the Colorado. Crossing in due season
Green and Price rivers, we reach Castle Gate, leading into the heart of the
Wasatch mountains, and formed by two immense towers of red sandstone,
which have a sheer descent of nearly five hundred feet, and are severed off-
shoots from the cliffs behind them. Once through the narrow way, and
climbing the steep grades of Price River Canon, the road follows the stream,
and all the while there are continuous forests, vari-colored rocks, clear
waters, green meadows, tangled brush, and vistas of distant, snowy peaks.
At Soldier Summit, on the very top of the range, the train starts down the
western slope, and emerging from Spanish Fork Canon, with its scenic sur-
j5rises, enters Utah Valley. The view from this side of the range is one of
incomparable loveliness. Eastward are the lofty peaks which the traveler
has but just crossed, and whose grandeur is now more than ever before ap-
parent. At one's feet lies Utah basin, and beyond it to the north Salt Lake
valley, girded by high mountains. As far as the eye can see there are rich
meadows. And thus onward through ever-varying and beautiful scenery the
traveler passes on to Salt Lake City and Ogden, where connection is made
with the Central Pacific road for San Francisco. This through line is an im-
portant integer in the sum of Pueblo's success, for travelers from the east
arriving over the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad take the Rio
Grande for the Pacific coast here.
52 Sketch of the Piieblos.
Southward from Pueblo the road reaches El Moro, and
branching at Cuchara crosses the far-famed Veta Pass, rounds
Mule Shoe Curve, and extends as far south as Espanola, in New
Mexico. A branch extends from Alamosa to Del Norte and
Wagon Wheel Gap, and another branch at Antonito penetrates
the San Juan country, passing along the verge of Toltec Gorge
and through the Toltec Tunnel, one of the most marvelous
works of man, to Durango, and terminating at Silverton.
The policy of the road has always been to develope the
resources of Colorado, and to its generous and wise manage-
ment the Centennial State owes, in a large measure, its present
proud position. Further information concerning the Denver &
Rio Grande will be cheerfully given upon application to Mr. F.
C. Nims, General Passenger and Ticket Agent, Denver, or C.
A. Tripp, Ticket Agent, Pueblo.
THE DENVER & NEW ORLEANS RAILWAY.
This is an enterprise started principally by Denver capital-
ists, who are determined to make it one of the best paying and
most popular roads in the West. At present it is operated be-
tween Denver and Pueblo, taking in that lovely summer resort,
Colorado Springs. The object, as we understand it, is to extend
this road some 200 miles further south into the rich mineral,
agricultural and stock districts of New Mexico, and connecting
with the Southern Pacific. This move will give the D. & N. O.
outlets to the southwest and east not at present possessed, and
will undoubtedly be of great benefit to this section of country.
Governor Evans, one of the principal stockholders, is now in
New York making arrangements for active operations to be
begun at once, and by this time next year the D. & N. O.
will be far on its way. This road is responsible for the cheap
passenger rates between Pueblo and Denver, which are $1.50
the round trip — the distance being 125 miles each way. Colonel
Fisher is the able and progressive manager.
VIEWS OF HON. WM. D. KELLY.
Extracts from an Address delivered at Turner Hall, Pueblo,
August i6th, 1882.
NEW SETTLERS.
The opportunity to study the resources of your young but
marvelously endowed state, and to address its people in assem-
blages like the present, are privileges for which I am grateful.
That you are all new settlers here I know, for I visited the
Pueblos just ten years ago, when the town could not have fur-
nished home accommodations for a tithe of the men now before
me. You are nearly all in the vigor of young manhood. There
are no old men before or around me; and you have come to this
country to stay. As life advances you will find that your lines
have truly fallen in pleasant places. Your climate is dry and
healthful, the air you breathe at this elevation expands your
lungs, and you will find
THE CHILDREN
that gather about your knees in this mountainous state sturdy
boys and blooming lasses, with a breadth of chest and measure
of physical vigor that is exceptional in lower countries. And
with vigorous bodies will come sound and vigorous minds.
When Humboldt visited New Spain, as Mexico was then
called, he said that the heads of the universities and other insti-
tutions of learning agreed in assuring him that the pupils who
took most readily to arithmetic and the higher sciences were
those who came from the higher altitudes, as from the mountains
of Durango. Colorado may be substituted for Durango, and the
boys and girls of the Pueblos will vindicate the truth of Hum-
boldt's observation. Your state, the infant sister of the union,
which is now nearly six years old, has made constitutional pro-
vision for the ample education of a race who will demand fair
and free education for the children, and the most advanced and
industrial education for men and women. They ordained a
system which, by the thorough education it will give to the
people, will promote their individual wealth by expediting and
perfecting the development of the vast and vastly diversified re-
sources of the state.
54 Sketch of the Pueblos.
AGRICULTURE IN COLORADO.
It was the discovery of the precious metals which first at-
tracted settlers across the desert places to Cherry creek ; but it
was the useful metals that summoned to Pueblo the brawny men
who did me the honor to escort me to this hall, and who con-
structed yonder admirably equipped steel works, which will in a
little while be pointed to as the initial institution in Colorado's
great industrial center. The plains, now intersected by a num-
ber of railroads, are no longer sterile, and Colorado's agricultu-
ral resources will bring the plough, the loom and the anvil into
operation in closest proximity.
I have seen enough of the wheat fields and fruit gardens of
the state to convince me that however rapidly its population
may increase, it will be many years before it need again import
food; yet ten years ago I saw no indication of the possibility
that Colorado could ever produce food for the population that
its mines would attract to its borders. Ten years ago I visited
what proved to be the germ of the colony of Greeley. A com-
mittee had been sent out from New York to select a site for the
colony, and to determine whether such parts of the dry plains
as might be irrigated could be made to support an industrious
colony. The question was then a doubtful one. Last week I
revisited the spot. The population of the beautiful little town
cannot be less than twenty-five hundred. In its gardens and in
large adjacent fields I saw corn which, though it would not
compare with that grown in the corn growing sections of Mis-
souri, Kansas, and parts of Nebraska, or equal that which may
be grown around Pueblo and throughout the fertile valley of
the Arkansas, would be counted a capital crop in many of the
agricultural regions of the eastern states. [Applause.] My visit
was to a gentleman who is working a farm, three thousand acres
of which are in wheat and four hundred and fifty acres in
potatoes; a very respectable sized farm for a state incapable of
agriculture. [Laughter.] It is divided into thirty fields of wheat,
each of one hundred acres, and one of them, which I examined
very closely, the soil of which was broken last year, and pre-
pared by cropping in part with potatoes and in part with corn,
has a crop upon it which will, I believe, yield a minimum of
fifty bushels of Colorado wheat to the acre. I speak of Colorado
wheat because at two of the hotels at which I have stopped in
the state I have heard complaints of the cook for putting sugar
in the bread, [laughter] and a gentleman asked me if there was
not a little corn in the bread that gave it that golden color. In
each case I caused surprise by assuring the party that the sweet-
ness and color pertained to the wheat of the state, and were
probably elements of its wonderful nutritive power. [Applause.]
All this and more may be done in the southern valleys, and
from the orchards and vineyards of each, at no distant day, will
Address of Hon. Wm. D. Kelly. 55
be shipped rich and luscious fruit. There, too, the products of
the South may all be grown as perfectly as in Kansas or Mis-
souri. You know that agriculture is not a leading characteristic
of the state; its development is a surprise, not only to the
country at large, but to the early settlers of Colorado, who have
not grown gray unless they were pretty well advanced when
they came here. The settlement of Colorado began but about
a quarter of a century ago, and everything here is young but
the grand old mountains and their boundless deposits of mineral
wealth. [Applause.]
MINING NOT A TEMPORARY BUSINESS.
There is'an impression in the East that the state is made up
of mining communities who are in search only of the precious
metals, that the gold and silver will soon be worked out, and
that then the state will be depopulated and the people returned
to their original homes. We know that this theory is very
absurd. No state in the Union has more evidence of enduring
progress and prosperity than Colorado. [Applause.]
CAUSES WHICH PRODUCE GREAT STATES.
When addressing the immense audience assembled on the
occasion of the opening of the Denver Exposition, I pointed to
the fact that there were three causes which create great and en-
during states. First, the possession of immense masses of the
precious metals. This it was that called together, as if by magic,
the people of California and Australia; and of Colorado, when
it was announced that there was gold at the foot of Pike's Peak.
Another, that part of the state and some of the cities shall lie
on a great line of inter-state travel, and furnish points for the
exchange of commodities; or, in plain language, have facilities
for the establishment of commercial centers. Your state has the
precious metals, and is already traversed by great through
lines of travel, which seem to me to so concentrate at Pueblo
and Denver, or Denver and Pueblo, as gentlemen may choose to
put one or the other first, as to secure to these places great com-
mercial advantages.
My third proposition was that the possession of the materials
for iron and steel, and adequate fuel and fluxes for working
them, would give prominence and prosperity to a state. These
elements of greatness and wealth I declare unhesitatingly to ex-
ist in a greater degree and in closer proximity in Colorado than
I have found them at any point I have visited in this country or
Great Britain. [Cheers and applause.] I say this not to flatter
you, nor to exaggerate the brightness of the future of the state,
but deliberately, because ray judgment approves it as solemn
truth. [Applause.]
IRON AND STEEL.
When England sent Mr. J. Lowthian Bell as commissioner
to the Centennial Exhibition, to report on iron and steel, she
TULTEC TUNNEL — ON THE LINE OF THE DENVER A RIO GRANDE RAILWAY.
Address of Hon. Wm. D. Kelly. 57
confided that duty to a man of rare learning, scientific attain-
ments, and of large observation and experience in everything
that relates to the production of iron and steel. In the official
report of this capable man, it is set forth that the instance in
which any of the materials for the manufacture of iron or steel
in Great Britain require transportation for one hundred miles
was very rare, while, said he, it is no unusual thing for iron
makers in the United States to transport some of the elements
anywhere from six hundred to one thousand miles. In this
respect the location of the works of the Colorado Coal and
Iron Company might be regarded as fortunate even in England.
The location was selected and the works planted by Pennsylva-
nians and are where they have ample supplies of every variety
of ore, flux and fuel that can be needed in the production of
the different grades of steel; and these all within a radius of fifty
miles, and they are already obtainable by rail. One of the in-
telligent workingmen, now before me, whom I knew in our
native state, assured me that all the materials they were now
working were found within a few miles of the mill. Here at
least we have a slight advantage over little mother England,
close as is the juxtaposition of her fields of raw material. [Ap-
plause and laughter.] And I venture the prediction that when
the next census shall be taken, there will be found gathered
about these steel works, and dependent more or less directly
upon them, a population of at least twenty thousand people.
[Great applause.]
I have just learned the number of your
RAILROAD COMMUNICATIONS.
I had supposed that the main line of the Denver & Rio Grande,
running north and south, with its branches diving, as it were,
into the passes that lead to great mining centres, and the con-
nection which the Denver & New Orleans railroad will ultimately
give you with ocean trade at Galveston and New Orleans, were
your only present or immediately prospective connections. But
the same energetic men who conceived the Denver & Rio
Grande road and, though it required marvellously bold en-
gineering, successfully completed it, are now constructing a
western road to open to you the trade of Utah and the country
west thereof. Not only will the New Orleans road connect you
with the foreign and coastwise commerce of the country, but in
its way to the seaboard it will traverse the cotton fields of Texas.
Thus, you see, Pueblo and Denver are inevitably destined to be
commercial and manufacturing centres, in the midst of mineral
wealth and on great routes of travel.
DIVERSITY OF MANUFACTURES.
Abiding wealth and prosperity must reward the energy and
enterprise of communities so admirably located and surrounded
58 Sketch of the Pueblos.
by such vast and diversified resources as characterize the portions
of this state with which you are already connected by rail. But
you will fail to gather a large percentage of the gain that should
be yours if you shall fail to apply the laws of social economy to
your daily life. If you would reap the just rewards of your en
terprise and labor you must diversify your industries to the last
degree. Where this is done there is no such thing as waste;
where it is not done, as among people who content themselves
with the production of raw material, or with mining the precious
metals, or any other single pursuit, there is much waste, which
waste means the loss of human effort and the material which
could be made to reward labor and increase the wealth of the
community ; consequently the more you can diversify your in-
dustries the less idleness and the more wealth will there be among
you. Let me illustrate this general proposition.
In view of the immense and easily accessible deposits of
mineral fuel your pine woods were of little value, and the scrub
oak that so abound on the hill sides were mere cumberers of the
ground. But you have added
A NAIL MILL
to your furnaces and rolling mill, and you must have kegs for
the nails. How to procure these kegs within the limits of rea-
sonable cost was a problem; but experiments have developed the
fact that the staves for acceptable kegs can be cut from the pine
wood growing on the company's lands, and that these scrub
oak furnish material for hoops that may be safely trusted.
Every community should study its own resources and utilize
them all. *********
NEED OF A PAPER MILL.
Why, let me ask, should not the rags be utilized? A small
paper mill would create a market for them. Draw a circle
which shall just embrace the last paper mill in Missouri, or, if a
more western one has been established let it mark your radius.
At such a mill rags have a definite price, and paper is, in com-
parison with places remote from a paper mill, relatively cheap.
In other words, a paper mill creates a market for rags and
reduces the price of paper, but as the distance between the point
at which the rags may be collected and the paper mill increases
the price of rags diminishes and the price of paper increases
until at a certain distance rags cease to have commercial value.
In further illustration let me say that a friend of mine in
Philadelphia, a chemist, whose business is confined to the pro-
duction of three articles in several grades, last year did a business
amounting to 5500,000, and yet he used not a single material
which was not waste in Philadelphia but fifteen years ago, in-
cluding the refuse from gas works, soap making establishments,
and old cuttings of leather from shoe factories. The proprietor
Address of Hon. Wm. D. Kelly. 59
of yonder smelter comprehends this law, and, unwilling to send
the lead he extracts from the ore to the east to be wrought into
sheet and shot, and brought back with loss of interest and
freight, he has added the means of producing these articles in
Pueblo, and has brought skilled workmen here to thus add to
the diversification of your employments and the value of your
town lots; and while passing through the establishment I learned
that the sheet lead of Pueblo has found its way into market at
Chicago. It was also suggested to me that at no distant day
the manufacture of white lead, red lead and litharge would be
started. Thus is assurance given, in the growing diversification
of her pursuits, that Pueblo is destined to be not only a centre
LORETTO ACADEMY.
and a model of economy in the production of steel, but a city
of manifold manufactures which shall enable you to practice
economy in both time and labor. The day is not far distant
when you should establish
COTTON AND WOOLEN MILLS.
Widowhood, orphanage and unmarried women are found in
every country, and for these gentle and profitable employment
should be provided. While you hardy men are engaged in the
steel works, the smelter and other departments of muscular
labor, the cotton and woolen mill furnish fitting feminine em-
ployment. You grow your own wool for all grades of cloth
except the finest broadcloth, not much of which is worn in
mining camps; and, growing your wool, why should you not
spin and weave it, and thus protect yourselves against such im-
6o Sketch of the Pueblos.
positions as I have alluded to in connection with shoddy? Why
send your wool to the east, to be sent back to you at the cost of
double freight and interest ? And lying so much nearer to the
cotton fields of Texas than Massachusetts or even Pennsylvania
are to the nearest plantations from which they draw supplies,
why shall not a cotton mill rise in your midst before a railroad
shall connect Pueblo and Denver with the Gulf? You will
require both cotton and woolen mills to prevent waste of time
of your women and to introduce in your midst economies which
must be unknown in the absence of such establishments.
In thanking the more than three hundred hardy men, who
find employment in the steel works of the Colorado Coal and
Iron Company, who did me the honor to escort me hither, I
have felt called upon to say thus much in the assurance that my
words will reach beyond my present audience, and assure any of
the doubting people of the east that our infant sister, Colorado,
is among us not temporarily, but has come to stay, and come to
vie with and rival any of the best of the whole sisterhood of
states. [Loud and long continued applause.] *****