Jackson County, Jefferson Territory facts for kids
Jackson County was a special area that existed for a short time in a place called the Jefferson Territory. This territory wasn't officially recognized by the United States government. Jackson County was around from late 1859 to early 1861.
History of Jackson County
In 1858, people found gold near the South Platte River. This discovery started the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, where many people rushed to the area hoping to find gold.
Many miners felt far away from the governments of Kansas and Nebraska. So, they decided to create their own government. On October 24, 1859, they voted to form the Jefferson Territory.
A month later, on November 28, the Jefferson Territory government created 12 counties. Jackson County was one of them. The new county was named after Andrew Jackson, who was a U.S. President.
The leaders decided that Boulder City would be the main town, or county seat, for Jackson County. Today, most of the land that was once Jackson County is now part of Boulder County, Colorado.
The United States government never officially recognized the Jefferson Territory. But on February 28, 1861, U.S. President James Buchanan signed a law creating the Colorado Territory. Later that year, on November 1, 1861, the new Colorado Territory government created 17 counties, including Boulder County.
Elections and Early Leaders
Jackson County's first official leader was Thomas J. Graham. He was chosen by Governor Robert Williamson Steele in December 1859 to be the President Judge of Jackson County.
He held this job until the county had its first public election. This election took place on January 2, 1860, where people voted for their own leaders.
