Category Archives: Museums of Western Colorado

Helen Hunt (1830-1885) was already a critically acclaimed author when, at 43, she moved to Colorado Springs in hopes that the dry air would heal her lungs of consumption. She explored the mountains, married William Jackson, and wrote poems and stories about the West.  Inspired by Chief Standing Bear’s speech she heard in Omaha, Nebraska, she became caught up in the cause of helping the Indians and wrote Century of Dishonor. Named Special Commissioner to the Mission Indians in … Read More

Mary Rippon(1850-1935) was highly educated in spite of not coming from a background of wealth. Her father died when she was quite young and she inherited the farm; when the farm was sold, the proceeds of the sale were used to pay for her extensive education.  Mary was the first woman professor at the fledgling University of Colorado in 1878. She was a member of the original faculty. At that time, there were few women … Read More

Thanks to a mother who valued education, Katharine Lee Bates grew up loving words and knowledge. She became a professor of literature at her alma mater, Wellesley College, and a prolific writer. In her quest for knowledge, she traveled throughout Europe and the Middle East. But it was her Grand Tour of America in 1893 that eventually sealed her name in the hearts of Americans. During her trip from the civilized East to the enchanting … Read More

Josie Bassett (1874-1964) was raised on a cattle ranch in Brown’s Park, CO.  Her mother taught her skills of riding, roping, shooting, raising cattle and a strong-willed independence.  The Bassetts lived in a world where the small ranchers battled the large cattle barons that had the political powers behind them. Josie learned at an early age that to survive, they must take beef with an outsider’s brand.  When lands near Jensen, UT opened up for … Read More