Colorow (Ute chief) facts for kids
Colorow was an important leader, or chief, of the Ute Mountain Utes. He was a very good horse rider and a brave warrior. Colorow took part in talks with the United States government about land agreements. In 1879, he was involved in a conflict known as the Meeker Massacre. Later, his family was attacked during an event called Colorow's War. He was honored by being placed in the Jefferson County Hall of Fame for his contributions to his community and country.
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Colorow's Early Life
Colorow was born around 1810. He was originally from the Comanche people. When he was about five years old, a battle happened in New Mexico. During this battle, he was taken by the Muache band of Utes. He got the nickname "Red" or "Colorado" because his skin was redder compared to the Utes.
A Skilled Warrior and Leader
Colorow was known as a skilled horseman and a brave warrior. He traveled across the trails of Colorado. He knew many leaders from other tribes, fur trappers, military men, and Spanish people. He also visited towns in Colorado.
He fought in battles against the Arapaho people. One battle near Aspen made him a hero. Another very serious battle happened at North Table Mountain and South Table Mountain. After this fight, neither the Utes nor the Arapaho wanted to return to that area.
In 1856, some Arapaho and Cheyenne people stole about 40 Ute horses. Colorow, along with other Ute leaders named Nevava and Ouray, fought to get their horses back. Even though they were greatly outnumbered, they got their horses back and defeated some of their enemies.
Life in the Rocky Mountains
Colorow and his band traveled with over 1,000 horses and goats. They moved to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, near where Denver is today. They first set up camp on Lookout Mountain. When their animals needed new places to graze, they moved to Rooney Valley. This area was east of Dinosaur Ridge near Morrison.
They often stayed near special mineral springs, which they called "Iron Spring." Other Native American tribes, like the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, and Comanche, also visited these springs. However, their visits were always peaceful. Colorow held important tribal meetings at a place called "Inspirational Tree" or "Council Tree." This tree was at the foot of Dinosaur Ridge. He also used a cave near Morrison for temporary shelter. This cave was later named Colorow's Cave after him.
In 1860, the town of Mount Vernon was built in this area. Also, Rooney Ranch was built in their grazing lands. Colorow and his band also spent part of each summer in the Roaring Fork Valley. This valley is located between Aspen and Gunnison, Colorado.
Treaties and Conflicts
By 1868, Colorow was a sub-chief. He was even considered to become the chief of all the Northern Ute people. He was involved in important talks, called treaty negotiations, with the United States government. In 1873, he met President Ulysses S. Grant at a special event in Denver.
When he signed a treaty in 1878, he identified himself as a Yampa and Grand River Ute. During the Meeker Massacre in 1879, Colorow first tried to make peace. However, the conflict continued. This event led to many Utes being moved to reservations.
Colorow moved to the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in August 1881. Under a treaty, he was allowed to continue hunting in western Colorado. Because of this, he did not spend much time on the reservation.
Colorow's War
In 1887, some small problems happened near Meeker, Colorado. This caused a sheriff from Rio Blanco County to gather a group of armed men. They went to hunt down Utes. The sheriff's group burned down the camp of another Ute leader, Chipeta. They also hurt many of Colorow's family members, including his sons, sons-in-law, and grandsons.
As the Utes started to return to Utah, a state militia of about 1,000 men began shooting at them. Luckily, Buffalo Soldiers from Fort Duchesne came and rescued them. This event, which caused a lot of property loss, was called Colorow's War.
Colorow's Family and Death
Colorow married three women, who might have been sisters. His first wife, Recha, had three of his children: Uncompahgre Colorow, Patchoorowits (also called "Gus"), and a girl named Topollywack. Sadly, Recha died in a horse riding accident. Her foot got caught in the stirrup, and she was dragged by the horse. By 1857, he had six more children with his other wives, Poopa and Siha.
Colorow passed away on the Ouray Reservation on December 11, 1888. He was buried three days later.
Places Named for Colorow
Several places are named in honor of Colorow:
- Colorow's Cave, in Morrison, Colorado
- Colorow Elementary School, part of Jefferson County Public Schools (Colorado)
- Colorow Mountain, in Rio Blanco County, Colorado
- Colorow Point Park, in Golden, Colorado
