Fountain County, Jefferson Territory facts for kids
Fountain County was a special area, like a county, that was part of the unofficial Jefferson Territory. This territory was not recognized by the United States government. Fountain County existed for a short time, from November 28, 1859, to February 28, 1861.
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History of Fountain County
The Gold Rush Begins
In July 1858, people found gold near the South Platte River. This was in a place that was then part of Kansas Territory. This discovery started the famous Pike's Peak Gold Rush. Many people rushed to this area hoping to find their fortune.
Forming a New Territory
The miners and settlers felt very far away from the governments of Kansas and Nebraska. They felt like their needs were not being met. So, on October 24, 1859, they decided to create their own government. They voted to form the Jefferson Territory.
Counties of Jefferson Territory
Just over a month later, on November 28, 1859, the leaders of the Jefferson Territory created 12 counties. Fountain County was one of these new counties. The others included Arrappahoe County, Cheyenne County, and El Paso County.
Where Was Fountain County?
The new law said that Fountain County would be south of the main mountain divide. It was also east of the Rocky Mountains. Most of what was Fountain County is now in the southeastern part of the State of Colorado.
End of Fountain County
The Jefferson Territory was never officially recognized by the U.S. government. On February 28, 1861, U.S. President James Buchanan signed a law. This law created the official Colorado Territory. Later that year, on November 1, 1861, the new Colorado government created its own 17 counties. This meant that Fountain County, as part of the Jefferson Territory, no longer existed.
