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About Our Talks
Located on historic ground along the Cache la Poudre River, our venue provides a scenic open grassy area perfect for small audiences. Folding chairs are furnished for your comfort. Our chronological and geographic scope at Traces of the Past allows for the exploration of a vast storehouse of historic subject matter. The truth is that it is nigh on impossible to mention, let alone discuss, every topic of import or interest during our tours given their limited duration. Therefore, in order to introduce and delve deeper into those “missed” historic subjects, we are offering one-hour Saturday evening talks as an adjunct to our tours. 2021 June - October Talks: Starting June 5th - more information coming soon! When: Saturday, June. 5, 2021 Time: 5:30-6:30 pm Where: Lions Open Space picnic area, larimer.org/naturalresources/parks/lions Weather conditions in Colorado can vary so please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes for standing and walking (smooth and uneven surfaces). In addition, consider bringing water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. |
2020 Talks
1. The Grattan Fight: How a Cow Started a Thirty-Six Year War The Horse Creek Treaty was only three years old and already the peace between the United States Army and the Plains Indians was put into a tenuous position. In the flood of westward migration an animal wandered away from its tender and was dispatched by an Indian man. Its disgruntled former owner reported the incident to the commander of nearby Fort Laramie. What resulted changed history. 2. Johnnies on the Frontier While Confederate forces were lowering their guns and furling their banners in capitulation east of the Missouri River in the spring of 1865, some of their comrades were just beginning to fight...in the Far West. And their experience would be much different. Join Traces of the Past History Tours for our July program and learn more about an extraordinary group of soldiers called the "Galvanized Yankees" whose Civil War continued in the vast reaches of western America. 3. "The Mails Must Go Through" How did people maintain contact during the westward migration of the mid-nineteenth century? The U.S. Mail became a vital component to the lives of all, as there was nary a person who was not involved or affected. Communication lines were lengthened dramatically and emigrants found themselves hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away from family and friends. 4. Second Blood on the North Platte Sheepishly surprised and stung by the suddenly aggressive nature of the Brulé Lakota at James Bordeaux's trading house in August, 1854, the U.S. Army reeled in the aftermath of the massacre of Lieutenant John Grattan's command. Their eyes blackened and their reputation tarnished, retribution was swift in the offing. A little over one year later the Army struck back...hard. As a reprise to our June program on the Grattan Fight, join us for Part II as we outline the Army's countermeasure known as the "Sioux Expedition" of 1855. 5. “The Big Issue” – The Horse Creek Treaty of 1851 By 1850, Indian agent, Thomas Fitzpatrick, recognized that prompt action was required by the government to quiet growing Indian discord over increased numbers of emigrant wagon trains rumbling through their domain. He spearheaded the formation of a grand treaty council that lasted almost all of September and included upwards to 12,000 Native American attendees! This was the pivotal event that established the original foundation of Indian-white relations in the northern and central plains. |
We Can Bring Our Talks to You
We can bring our program content to you by delivering 1-hour on-site presentations. Please contact us using form below to learn more. Customized talks: $100.00 |