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1832-1878:
First minerals discovered, Native Americans relinquish lands to white
settlers
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Spanish for "rich,"
Rico's wealth lies in its mines and the accompanying history. Trappers first
worked the valley in 1832-33, taking mainly beaver
and other fur-bearing animals. The first gold was discovered in 1866 by Colonel
Nash, a Texan who led a team of 18 prospectors. His work was cut short, and
in 1869 Sheldon Shafer and Joseph Fearheiler, prospectors heading for Montana,
uncovered Nash's beginnings. |
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©Engel
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The Utes drove away many initial miners, and the mining rush didn't truly begin
until 1878 when the Utes signed the Brunot Agreement, thus surrendering their
land claims in the San Juan Mountains. |
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©Engel
Collection |
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Historical information provided
by Dara Kinsey of the Rico Sun-Times. |
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