Jefferson County, Jefferson Territory facts for kids

Jefferson County was a special county that existed for a short time, from late 1859 to early 1861. It was part of the Jefferson Territory, which was a government created by settlers in the American West even though the United States government hadn't officially approved it yet.

This county covered a large area around where the Pike's Peak Gold Rush was happening. It had a working government, chosen by the people, until the official Colorado Territory was formed in 1861. After that, a new county called Jefferson County, Colorado was created. It kept the name and covered much of the same land.

How Did Jefferson County Start?

In July 1858, people found gold along the South Platte River in what was then Arapahoe County, Kansas Territory. This discovery led to the exciting Pike's Peak Gold Rush, where many people rushed to the area hoping to find their fortune.

Many miners and settlers felt that the official governments of Kansas Territory and Nebraska Territory were too far away to help them. So, on October 24, 1859, they decided to create their own government, which they called the Jefferson Territory.

On November 28, 1859, the leaders of the Jefferson Territory set up 12 counties. One of these was Jefferson County, named after Thomas Jefferson, an important early American president.

What Was the Capital of Jefferson County?

Golden City was chosen as the main town, or county seat, for Jefferson County. It was also the capital city for the entire Jefferson Territory for a while, from November 1860 to June 1861.

Jefferson County covered much of the land that is now Jefferson County, Colorado.

Why Did Jefferson County Disappear?

The United States government never officially recognized the Jefferson Territory. But on February 28, 1861, U.S. President James Buchanan signed a law that officially created the Colorado Territory.

Later that year, on November 1, 1861, the new Colorado government organized 17 counties, including the modern-day Jefferson County, Colorado. This new county took over from the old Jefferson County.

Where Was Jefferson County Located?

Jefferson County covered a specific area. To the east, it was bordered by the South Platte River. To the north, it reached the 40th parallel north (a line of latitude). To the south, it went to Bear Creek, and to the west, it extended 10 miles past Bear Creek.

This area included parts of what are now Jefferson County, Colorado, Adams County, Colorado, Denver, Boulder County, Colorado, Clear Creek County, Colorado, and Gilpin County, Colorado. A small town called Highland, Denver near the South Platte River was not included in its borders.

The exact borders were described in the laws of the Jefferson Territory. It started where the 40th parallel crossed the South Platte River, then followed the river, and then went west into the mountains before turning north and east back to the starting point.

Who Was in Charge of Jefferson County?

The leaders of the Jefferson Territory first chose Arapahoe City to be the county seat of Jefferson County. However, they decided to let the people of the county vote on it.

On January 2, 1860, Golden City won the election to become the county seat. It was the biggest city at the time, so it received more votes than all the other towns combined. A newspaper called the Western Mountaineer reported on these elections. Golden City was officially named the permanent county seat in a second election on July 2, 1860.

What Towns Were in Jefferson County?

Jefferson County had four main towns and other smaller settlements.

• Arapahoe City was the first town, started in 1858.
• Golden City was the second and largest town.
• Other towns near canyon entrances were Mt. Vernon and Golden Gate City.
• Other settled areas included Bergen's Ranch and Henderson's Island.
• In 1861, a place called Baden-Baden was officially settled as Apex.

Out of all these communities, only Golden City (now Golden, Colorado) still exists today. Most of these places were settled in 1859.

Who Were the Elected Officials?

The first official in Jefferson County was J. T. McWhirt, who was appointed as President Judge in December 1859.

When the county held its first public election on January 2, 1860, local miners put together a list of their favorite candidates, called the Miners Ticket. This list included McWhirt for President Judge, Theodore Perry Boyd and Asa Smith as Associate Justices, Walter Pollard as Sheriff, and others for various roles like Recorder, Assessor, and Treasurer. Golden City was also on this ticket as the choice for county seat. The Miners Ticket won the election.

The county's second election on July 2, 1860, confirmed Golden City as the permanent county seat. The third and final election was held on October 22, 1860, to replace officials who had left. E. W. McIlhany was elected Sheriff and John F. Kirby became Recorder.

Why Did Some Areas Try to Break Away?

Because the Jefferson County government wasn't officially recognized by the U.S. government, some people questioned if it was truly legitimate. In early 1861, citizens in the Junction, Mt. Vernon, and Bergen areas voted to break away and form their own unofficial county called Ni Wot County. This was done as a protest.

This situation was even noted in the Rocky Mountain News newspaper, which found it a bit amusing, especially since other parts of the United States were also dealing with states trying to break away at that time.

How Did Jefferson County End?

When the Colorado Territory was officially formed in 1861, both Jefferson County and the rebellious Ni Wot County agreed to join the new, federally recognized government. This brought them back together into what is now Jefferson County, Colorado.