After the Meeker Incident and Battle of Milk Creek, the U.S. Army came to the area and built what would become known as the "Camp on the White River," as they enforced the Ute Removal Act of 1880. There were no structures in this part of the valley when they arrived, and among the very first buildings they constructed were five log cabins. These log cabins were hand-hewn from cottonwoods growing along the banks of the White River.
The removal of the Utes would end in 1881, and the camp was abandoned by 1883. With the Utes removed, almost the entire western-third of Colorado was now available for white settlement. United States sold the land and army camp structures to pioneers. By 1885, Meeker would become the first town to be officially incorporated in northwestern Colorado. The old officer's quarters and barracks would become businesses, schools, private residences, and, eventually, the White River Museum.
The removal of the Utes would end in 1881, and the camp was abandoned by 1883. With the Utes removed, almost the entire western-third of Colorado was now available for white settlement. United States sold the land and army camp structures to pioneers. By 1885, Meeker would become the first town to be officially incorporated in northwestern Colorado. The old officer's quarters and barracks would become businesses, schools, private residences, and, eventually, the White River Museum.
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Three out of the five log buildings built in 1880 still survive today, still in their original locations
- and you are currently standing in one of them.
- and you are currently standing in one of them.
