CHSM Event: Colorado in the Civil War

Meet local Evergreen author John Steinle in this presentation about Colorado's role in the Civil War - the military units formed, the forts that turned into today's cities, and the mix of cultures who fought together. Tens of thousands crossed the Great Plains in 1859 seeking their fortunes during the great Colorado Gold Rush. Cities such as Denver, Boulder, Golden, Central City and Breckinridge sprang up overnight as the search for gold led deep into the Rocky Mountains. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Colorado’s territorial government was firmly in Union hands, and multiple Colorado units were formed within the Union Army. They served throughout the West, and in Colorado built forts that later grew into communities such as Fort Morgan, Fort Collins, Fort Garland and Fort Lyon. Fighting in the largest battles of the Civil War west of the Mississippi, Coloradans served alongside Hispanic, Native American and African American Union troops. Marred by the atrocities inflicted on Native Americans at the notorious Sand Creek Massacre, Coloradans nevertheless helped save the West for the Union. Through period images and quotes, John Steinle will reveal this hidden history of Colorado’s role in the Civil War. Buy tickets and his book on the Conifer Historical Society's website: https://www.coniferhistoricalsociety.org/