Jefferson County
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A Brief History of Jefferson County:
Jefferson County has a history rich in people, events and progress. Take some of the early residents, for example. Many helped put the “wild” in the wild, wild west. Details about Buffalo Bill, members of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang and Alferd Packer, Colorado’s alleged cannibal, can be found below. Additionally, the feverish new commerce that prompted the formation of the county, as well as details on the early government, are described here.
From Lawless to Governed: The Early Years:
Ingrained into the very fabric of the county is its much more noble beginnings. Taking the name of the third U.S. president Thomas Jefferson, the county was formally organized in 1861 by the Colorado Territorial Legislature.
The need for an organized local government began in the late 1850s when droves of gold-seeking settlers came West. In 1858, when gold was discovered in the Rocky Mountains, there were fewer than 200 settlers in the area. An influx of nearly 35,000 people arrived two years later, lured by the glitter of gold.
Notable Characters of Jefferson County:
- Reportedly, the John Patricks were a colorful family whose names appeared in the local news numerous times because of family murders and court disputes. Their home is used today as the caretaker’s house near the elk preserve west of Genesee Park.
- Alferd Packer, Colorado’s alleged cannibal, lived in Deer Creek. Local residents say that Packer stayed in a dugout known as Colorow’s Cave following his parole from prison in 1901. Always maintaining his innocence, Packer was well liked by his Deer Creek neighbors and worked as a hired hand on many local ranches. He died in 1907 and is buried in the Littleton cemetery.
- Deer Creek Canyon was a popular rest stop for Jesse James and Horsethief Thompson, a member of the notorious Hole-in-the-Wall Gang.
- While “cooling off” after a train robbery, James visited the Mielke family on Sampson Mountain. He reportedly gave Mielke a gold bar for his hospitality. Mielke would scrape gold off the bar to pay for his supplies.
- Horsethief Thompson, a self-taught veterinarian, was respected more for his animal handling skills than his criminal activities. Many oldtimers in Deer Creek grew up with stories about Horsethief Thompson’s loot, which he supposedly hid in the area. No one found his treasure and the slippery Thompson was never caught.
Source: http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/archives/archives_T77_R8.htm
