Heele County, Jefferson Territory facts for kids
Heele County was a special area, like a small district, in the Jefferson Territory. The Jefferson Territory was a group of people who tried to create their own government in the United States between November 28, 1859, and February 28, 1861. Heele County might also have been called Steele County.
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The Story of Heele County
The Gold Rush and New Beginnings
In July 1858, people found gold along the South Platte River. This discovery started the exciting Pike's Peak Gold Rush! Many people moved to this area, hoping to find their fortune. However, they felt very far away from the official governments of Kansas and Nebraska. They wanted their own local government to help manage things.
So, on October 24, 1859, the people living there voted to create their own Jefferson Territory. It was like they were trying to set up their own state before it was officially allowed by the U.S. government.
Creating New Counties
Just over a month later, on November 28, 1859, the leaders of the Jefferson Territory decided to divide their land into 12 smaller areas called counties. Heele County was one of these new counties. It was created along with others like Arrappahoe County and Jefferson County.
Heele County covered a large part of what is now Larimer County, Colorado.
A New Territory Takes Over
The Jefferson Territory was never officially recognized by the United States government. It was an "extralegal" territory, meaning it existed but wasn't approved by federal law.
However, on February 28, 1861, the U.S. President, James Buchanan, signed a law that created the Colorado Territory. This new territory was officially recognized by the U.S. government. On November 1, 1861, the new Colorado government organized its own counties. These included Larimer County, which covered much of the same area as the old Heele County.
Early Leaders
If Heele County was known as Steele County, its first official leader was Antoine Jeness. He was appointed by Governor Robert Williamson Steele in December 1859. Antoine Jeness served as the President Judge of Steele County until the people could hold their first election on January 2, 1860.
