Robert Williamson Steele facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert Williamson Steele
Governor of the Territory of Jefferson (Extra-legal)
In office November 7, 1859 – June 6, 1861
Preceded by	Various (Territory split between Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Utah territories)
Succeeded by	William Gilpin (as Governor of the Territory of Colorado)
Personal details
Born	January 14, 1820 Chillicothe, Ohio
Died	February 7, 1901 (aged 81) Colorado Springs, Colorado
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Susan Willis Russel
Children	4
Profession	Miner, businessman, politician

Robert Williamson Steele (born January 14, 1820 – died February 7, 1901) was a key figure in the early history of what is now Colorado. He served as the governor of the Territory of Jefferson. This territory was not officially recognized by the United States government, which is why it's called "extralegal." It existed in the western United States from 1859 to 1861. After this, the official Territory of Colorado was created.

Robert Steele's Early Life and Moves

Robert Steele was born near Chillicothe, Ohio. He worked on a farm until 1846, when he started studying law. In 1848, he married Susan Nevin. Four years later, he finished law school in Cincinnati.

Moving West to Nebraska

In 1855, Steele moved his family to Omaha, which was part of the Nebraska Territory. He became involved in politics there. In 1857, he was elected to the Nebraska Territorial House of Representatives as a member of the Democratic Party.

Journey to the Gold Fields

In 1858, news spread about gold being found along the South Platte River. On March 25, 1859, Steele, his wife Susan, and their four children began a long journey. They traveled in an ox-drawn prairie schooner towards the gold fields. They arrived at Denver City in May.

Steele soon moved to Central City, where he looked for gold. He also became the president of a company that built ditches for water. Steele built a log cabin between Denver City and Central City. He named this place Mount Vernon, after George Washington's home.

Leading the Jefferson Territory

On September 29, 1859, Robert Steele was chosen to be the governor of the new proposed Territory of Jefferson. On October 24, 1859, people voted to create a temporary government. Steele won the election for Governor against J.H. St. Matthew.

First Steps as Governor

Governor Steele started the first meeting of the temporary territorial legislature on November 7, 1859. He gave a speech, saying:

Let us then enter upon our duties with a determination of spirit that conquers all difficulties: working for the benefit of the whole commonwealth, encouraging moderation and conservation in all our acts, that we may never be ashamed of having taken an humble part of the organization of a Provisional Government for the Territory of Jefferson.

He asked the legislature to meet again on January 23, 1860.

Building Roads and Facing Challenges

In 1860, Steele also started a company to build a toll road. This road would go from Denver City to the gold fields at Gregory Gulch. It was later called the Denver City, Mt. Vernon, and Gregory Toll Road. When Steele's home accidentally burned down, his family rebuilt it at Apex, along the toll road.

Governor Steele tried to work with the officials of the Kansas Territory. At that time, Kansas was still the official government for the region. On August 7, 1860, Steele asked for the Jefferson Territory to join the Kansas Territory. However, Kansas officials did not agree, and the situation remained unclear.

The End of the Jefferson Territory

On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the U.S. presidential election. This led to several southern states leaving the United States and forming the Confederate States of America. This event made it impossible for the Jefferson Territory to get official recognition from the federal government. Also, Steele was a strong supporter of the Union and a Democrat, which made him unpopular with Lincoln's Republican Party.

Colorado Territory is Formed

On January 26, 1861, the United States Congress passed a bill to create the Territory of Colorado. U.S. President James Buchanan signed it into law two days later, on January 28, 1861. On June 6, 1861, Governor Steele officially announced the end of the Jefferson Territory. He urged everyone living there to follow the laws of the United States.

Robert Steele's Later Years

In 1862, Steele moved to Gilpin County, Colorado. In 1863, he moved again, first to Empire and then to Georgetown. In 1865, he moved back to Iowa, but he returned to Georgetown just two years later.

The former governor spent his final years in Colorado Springs. He passed away there on February 7, 1901, shortly after his 81st birthday. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs.

Robert Steele's Legacy

Robert Steele is sometimes called the Father of Colorado. This is because he worked very hard to help develop the area when it was still a frontier. His home from 1867 is still standing today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.