Saratoga County, Jefferson Territory facts for kids
Saratoga County was a special kind of county in a place called the Territory of Jefferson. This territory wasn't officially recognized by the United States government, but it existed from November 28, 1859, until February 28, 1861.
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History of Saratoga County
The Gold Rush and New Territories
In July 1858, people found gold along the South Platte River in what was then Arapahoe County, Kansas Territory. This discovery started a huge rush of people looking for gold, known as the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. Many of these miners felt very far away from the official governments of Kansas and Nebraska. They decided to create their own government.
On October 24, 1859, they voted to form their own unofficial territory, which they called the Territory of Jefferson. About a month later, on November 28, the leaders of the Jefferson Territory created 12 counties. Saratoga County was one of them!
Where Was Saratoga County?
The law that created Saratoga County said it included "the territory comprised within the limits of what is known as the Middle Park." This means it covered a large area that is now mostly Grand County and Summit County, Colorado.
Saratoga County was named after Saratoga Springs, New York. It got this name because there were hot mineral springs found in the county, just like in Saratoga Springs.
Why Jefferson Territory Ended
The United States government never officially recognized the Jefferson Territory. But on February 28, 1861, the U.S. President, James Buchanan, signed a law that created the Territory of Colorado. This new territory was official!
Later that year, on November 1, 1861, the new Colorado General Assembly (which is like the state's law-making group) organized 17 counties for the Colorado Territory. This included Grand County, which covered much of the area that used to be Saratoga County.
County Seat
The main town and government center for Saratoga County was a mining town called Breckinridge. Today, this town is known as Breckenridge, and it is the main town for Summit County.
Leaders of Saratoga County
The first official leader of Saratoga County was a person named John W. McIntyre. He was appointed by Governor Robert Williamson Steele in December 1859 to be the President Judge of Saratoga County. He held this job until the county's first public election was held on January 2, 1860.
