Historical Past

In 1868, Major John Wesley Powell, his wife, and about 20 others came to the White River Valley and established winter quarters in this wide-open space, now called Powell Park.

The first Indian Agency was established here a year later, nine miles east of the present town. Nathan Meeker arrived as the Indian agent in 1878, determined to convert the Ute Indians from primitive savages to hard-working, god-fearing farmers. When Meeker plowed up the Indian racetrack, it was the final insult. The Indians attacked.

Meeker and the 10 men employed by the agency were killed, the agency burned to the ground, and the women and children were captured and held hostage for 24 days. The Army arrived quickly and established the Camp on the White River, banishing the Indians to a reservation in eastern Utah. The Army moved out in 1883, selling all the buildings to those settlers eager to take the land and build a town, which they named after the slain Indian Agent. (Four of these buildings still stand on their original locations).

The first Fourth of July celebration was held in 1884, and Meeker was incorporated a year later. For the next 20 years, Meeker was the only incorporated town in northwestern Colorado. The only bank robbery occurred in 1896, and all three bandits were shot attempting to leave town.