Mountain County, Jefferson Territory facts for kids

Mountain County was a special area, like a county, that existed for a short time in a place called the Jefferson Territory. This territory wasn't officially recognized by the United States government. Mountain County was around from November 28, 1859, until February 28, 1861.

A Brief History of Mountain County

In July 1858, people found gold near the South Platte River in what was then Arapahoe County, Kansas Territory. This discovery started the famous Pike's Peak Gold Rush. Many people rushed to this area hoping to find their fortune.

Why Jefferson Territory Was Formed

The miners and settlers felt very far away from the governments of Kansas and Nebraska. They felt their needs weren't being met. So, on October 24, 1859, they decided to create their own government. They voted to form the Jefferson Territory.

How Mountain County Was Created

Just over a month later, on November 28, 1859, the leaders of the Jefferson Territory created 12 new counties. Mountain County was one of them. The law said that Mountain County included the land south of the 40th parallel. It was also outside the areas of Park, Saratoga, Jefferson, or Jackson counties.

Mountain County covered much of what we know today as Gilpin County, Clear Creek County, and parts of southwestern Colorado.

The End of Mountain County

The United States government never officially recognized the Jefferson Territory. However, 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 Territory organized its own counties. These included Gilpin County and Clear Creek County. This meant that Mountain County, as part of the unofficial Jefferson Territory, no longer existed.

First Officials

The first person to hold office in Mountain County was named Duney. Governor Robert Williamson Steele appointed him as the President Judge in December 1859. He held this position until the county's first public election on January 2, 1860.