North County, Jefferson Territory facts for kids
North County was a special area, like a county, that was part of the Jefferson Territory. This territory wasn't officially recognized by the United States government, but it existed from November 28, 1859, until February 28, 1861.
Contents
History
The Gold Rush and a New Territory
In July 1858, people found gold along the South Platte River. This discovery started the famous Pike's Peak Gold Rush. Many miners and settlers felt far away from the official governments of Kansas and Nebraska. They wanted their own local government.
So, on October 24, 1859, they voted to create their own area called the Jefferson Territory. On November 28, the leaders of this new territory set up 12 counties. North County was one of them.
What Was North County?
The law that created North County said it would cover the area known as "North Park." This area is now called Jackson County, Colorado. North County got its name from North Park itself.
The End of Jefferson Territory
The Jefferson Territory was never officially approved by the U.S. government. However, on February 28, 1861, U.S. President James Buchanan signed a law creating the Colorado Territory. This new territory was officially recognized.
On November 1, 1861, the leaders of the new Colorado Territory set up 17 counties. These new counties replaced the ones from the unofficial Jefferson Territory.
