Colorado Water History By Travis Hoesli. Colorado Water History Here is a land where life is written...

Colorado Water HistoryColorado Water History

ByBy

Travis HoesliTravis Hoesli


Here is a land where life is written in water the Here is a land where life is written in water the West is where the water was and isWest is where the water was and is

Father and Son of Old Mother and Daughter Father and Son of Old Mother and Daughter Follow Rivers up immensities Follow Rivers up immensities

of Range and Desert thirsting the sundown everof Range and Desert thirsting the sundown ever

Crossing a hill to climb a hill still DrierCrossing a hill to climb a hill still Drier

Naming tonight a City by some River Naming tonight a City by some River

a different Name from last night’s camping fire a different Name from last night’s camping fire


Look to the green within the Mountain Cup look to Look to the green within the Mountain Cup look to the Prairie parched for water lackthe Prairie parched for water lack

Look to the sun that pulls the Oceans up look to Look to the sun that pulls the Oceans up look to the Cloud that gives the oceans backthe Cloud that gives the oceans back

Look to your Heart and may your Wisdom grow to Look to your Heart and may your Wisdom grow to power of lightning and to peaces of Snowpower of lightning and to peaces of Snow

Thomas Hornsby FerrilThomas Hornsby Ferril


In the word of Ferril’s Poem we seeIn the word of Ferril’s Poem we see How water connects all aspects of life and environment.How water connects all aspects of life and environment. Colorado’s climate and geology shape us.Colorado’s climate and geology shape us. Water was developed as Colorado became developed.Water was developed as Colorado became developed. Colorado water ecology is formed by diverse watershed Colorado water ecology is formed by diverse watershed

and prairies.and prairies. How the water cycle worksHow the water cycle works Moisture and rainfall determine water’s fate in Moisture and rainfall determine water’s fate in

Colorado.Colorado. Storms in Colorado can bring fury and peace.Storms in Colorado can bring fury and peace.


The story of Colorado water and be told byThe story of Colorado water and be told by

HistoryHistory

Geography Geography

ScienceScience

EconomicsEconomics

PoliticsPolitics

Colorado Water HistoryColorado Water HistoryUnit Objectives

1.Recognize the important historical dates in Colorado Water History.

2.Know the people that made a historical difference in development and use of Colorado Water.

Important Dates in Important Dates in Colorado Water HistoryColorado Water History

14,000 BC First people appear in Colorado.14,000 BC First people appear in Colorado. 1 AD The Anasazi (ancient ones) move into Mesa Verde area to farm the mesa 1 AD The Anasazi (ancient ones) move into Mesa Verde area to farm the mesa

tops.tops. 450 Anasazi begin to build houses and develop pottery.450 Anasazi begin to build houses and develop pottery. 750 Anasazi begin to build pithouses and live together in pueblos. 750 Anasazi begin to build pithouses and live together in pueblos. 1100 Anasazi begin building cliff dwellings and develop water delivery systems.1100 Anasazi begin building cliff dwellings and develop water delivery systems. 1539-42 The Spanish explorer Coronado ascends the Rio Grande, then crosses the 1539-42 The Spanish explorer Coronado ascends the Rio Grande, then crosses the

high plains into what is now Kansas.high plains into what is now Kansas. 1664-1680 The Spanish enter Colorado searching for Indians at El Quartelejo, 1664-1680 The Spanish enter Colorado searching for Indians at El Quartelejo,

somewhere in the lower Arkansas Valley.somewhere in the lower Arkansas Valley. 1762 French Traders Paul and Pierre Mallet ascend the Arkansas River.1762 French Traders Paul and Pierre Mallet ascend the Arkansas River. 1776 Escalante and Dominguez explore western Colorado and name many rivers 1776 Escalante and Dominguez explore western Colorado and name many rivers

and streams.and streams. 1787 Governor Juan Bautista de Anza tries to settle Comanches at San Carlos on 1787 Governor Juan Bautista de Anza tries to settle Comanches at San Carlos on

the Arkansas River.the Arkansas River. 1800 Beaver trapping begins in the streams of the Central Rockies1800 Beaver trapping begins in the streams of the Central Rockies


1819 The Adams-Onis Treaty defines the Arkansas River as part of 1819 The Adams-Onis Treaty defines the Arkansas River as part of the official boundary between the United States and New Spain.the official boundary between the United States and New Spain.

1820 Major Stephen H Long proclaims the High Plains "the Great 1820 Major Stephen H Long proclaims the High Plains "the Great American Desert.“American Desert.“

1822 Trading along the Santa Fe Trail, following the Arkansas 1822 Trading along the Santa Fe Trail, following the Arkansas River, becomes legal.River, becomes legal.

1835 The Bent brothers and St. Vrain build Bent's Fort on the Lower 1835 The Bent brothers and St. Vrain build Bent's Fort on the Lower Arkansas River.Arkansas River.

1840 – The Oregon Trail became heavily traveled. As more people 1840 – The Oregon Trail became heavily traveled. As more people ventured from the trail to find new routes to the west, Settlements ventured from the trail to find new routes to the west, Settlements popped up in Colorado.popped up in Colorado.


1849 Torrential rains and bitter cold batter the plains.1849 Torrential rains and bitter cold batter the plains. 1851 Hispanic settlers found San Luis, today the oldest continuously 1851 Hispanic settlers found San Luis, today the oldest continuously

inhabited place in Colorado.inhabited place in Colorado. 1855 Irrigation on the Conejos River begins.1855 Irrigation on the Conejos River begins. 1858 The Russell party finds gold along Cherry Creek, touching off the 1858 The Russell party finds gold along Cherry Creek, touching off the

Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1859.Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1859. 1859 David K. Wall diverts water from Clear Creek for farming near 1859 David K. Wall diverts water from Clear Creek for farming near

Golden.Golden. 1859 Placer gold discovered on the forks of Clear Creek, and arrastras 1859 Placer gold discovered on the forks of Clear Creek, and arrastras

are brought in to crush ore to recover gold from hard rock.are brought in to crush ore to recover gold from hard rock. 1861US Congress creates Colorado Territory.1861US Congress creates Colorado Territory. 1862 Homestead Act was passed and many farmers arrived in Colorado 1862 Homestead Act was passed and many farmers arrived in Colorado

to claim land. Cooperative ventures such as the Union Colony showed to claim land. Cooperative ventures such as the Union Colony showed that large amount of water can be diverted to land higher and farther that large amount of water can be diverted to land higher and farther from the streams.from the streams.

1867John W. Smith builds the 24-mile-long City Ditch to deliver South 1867John W. Smith builds the 24-mile-long City Ditch to deliver South Platte River water to Denver.Platte River water to Denver.


1872 With increase in irrigation and demand for water the 1872 With increase in irrigation and demand for water the Colorado’s Territorial Courts started making water decisions. In Colorado’s Territorial Courts started making water decisions. In that same year the Territorial Supreme Court recognized the that same year the Territorial Supreme Court recognized the appropriation doctrine in the Yunker vs. Nichols case.appropriation doctrine in the Yunker vs. Nichols case.

1870 Union Colony, now known as Greeley, is settled. Farmers 1870 Union Colony, now known as Greeley, is settled. Farmers begin water diversion.begin water diversion.

1871 Chicago-Colorado Colony founds Longmont and begins 1871 Chicago-Colorado Colony founds Longmont and begins canal construction.canal construction.

1874 The summer is unusually dry. High temperatures, forest 1874 The summer is unusually dry. High temperatures, forest fires and grasshoppers abound.fires and grasshoppers abound.

1876 Colorado becomes a state.1876 Colorado becomes a state. 1876 Doctrine of Prior Appropriation is included in the state 1876 Doctrine of Prior Appropriation is included in the state

constitution.constitution. 1876 The "English Company" completes the Larimer and Weld 1876 The "English Company" completes the Larimer and Weld

Canal.Canal.


1881 State Engineer’s Office was created to supervise the administration 1881 State Engineer’s Office was created to supervise the administration of water.of water.

1881 T. C. Henry begins construction of the Rio Grande Canal, completed 1881 T. C. Henry begins construction of the Rio Grande Canal, completed in 1884. At the time it was thought to be the largest canal system in the in 1884. At the time it was thought to be the largest canal system in the United States.United States.

1882 North Poudre Canal completed.1882 North Poudre Canal completed. 1883 The High Line Canal and Antero Reservoir completed to divert 1883 The High Line Canal and Antero Reservoir completed to divert

water from the South Platte River to Denver and other communities.water from the South Platte River to Denver and other communities. 1885 E. F. Hurdle installs Colorado's first centrifugal water pump near 1885 E. F. Hurdle installs Colorado's first centrifugal water pump near

Eaton.Eaton. 1885-1886 Savage winter pounds the plains; 85 percent of the cattle 1885-1886 Savage winter pounds the plains; 85 percent of the cattle

perish.perish. 1887 Artesian aquifer in the San Luis Valley accidentally discovered.1887 Artesian aquifer in the San Luis Valley accidentally discovered. 1893 A three-year drought begins destroying farms and fruit orchards on 1893 A three-year drought begins destroying farms and fruit orchards on

the high plains.the high plains. 1894 Walter Scott Cheeseman's new Denver Union Water Company 1894 Walter Scott Cheeseman's new Denver Union Water Company

consolidates the assets of 11 water companies and obtains an exclusive consolidates the assets of 11 water companies and obtains an exclusive water franchise in Denverwater franchise in Denver


1901 Colorado General Assembly passes District Irrigation Law.1901 Colorado General Assembly passes District Irrigation Law. 1901 The court case Kansas v. Colorado begins over the division 1901 The court case Kansas v. Colorado begins over the division

of the Arkansas River waters. It concluded in 1907.of the Arkansas River waters. It concluded in 1907. 1904 Uncompahgre River Project begins to transfer waters via a 1904 Uncompahgre River Project begins to transfer waters via a

tunnel from the Gunnison to the Uncompahgre River for tunnel from the Gunnison to the Uncompahgre River for farming. Completed in 1910, it was Colorado's first federal water farming. Completed in 1910, it was Colorado's first federal water project.project.

1911 The court case Wyoming v. Colorado begins over the 1911 The court case Wyoming v. Colorado begins over the quality of water. It lasts 11 years.quality of water. It lasts 11 years.

1922 Seven western states negotiate the Colorado River Compact 1922 Seven western states negotiate the Colorado River Compact to divide the river's waters.to divide the river's waters.

1922 Colorado legislature creates the Pueblo Flood Conservancy 1922 Colorado legislature creates the Pueblo Flood Conservancy District and the Moffat Tunnel Improvement District, which District and the Moffat Tunnel Improvement District, which leads to trans mountain diversion of water from the Fraser River.leads to trans mountain diversion of water from the Fraser River.


1925 Construction begins on the Grand Canal near Grand 1925 Construction begins on the Grand Canal near Grand JunctionJunction

1925 Colorado and Nebraska agree on dividing the waters of the 1925 Colorado and Nebraska agree on dividing the waters of the Platte River. Twin Lakes Tunnel begun to bring water from Platte River. Twin Lakes Tunnel begun to bring water from Roaring Fork River to Twin Lakes and the Arkansas River.Roaring Fork River to Twin Lakes and the Arkansas River.

1925-1930 Southern plains plowed up in response to rain and 1925-1930 Southern plains plowed up in response to rain and high wheat prices left from World War I.high wheat prices left from World War I.

1928 Colorado, New Mexico and Texas negotiate to equitably 1928 Colorado, New Mexico and Texas negotiate to equitably apportion the waters of the Rio Grande.apportion the waters of the Rio Grande.

1930s The Dust Bowl dries out the High Plains.1930s The Dust Bowl dries out the High Plains. 1936 Colorado-Big Thompson Project is proposed in Congress. 1936 Colorado-Big Thompson Project is proposed in Congress.

Approved in 1937, construction on the project begins in 1938 Approved in 1937, construction on the project begins in 1938 and is complete in 1957).and is complete in 1957).


1956 Upper Colorado River Projects begins, ultimately resulting 1956 Upper Colorado River Projects begins, ultimately resulting in Blue Mesa Dam on the Gunnison; Rifle Gap Dam near Silt; in Blue Mesa Dam on the Gunnison; Rifle Gap Dam near Silt; Lemon Dam on the Florida River; and Paonia Dam near Paonia.Lemon Dam on the Florida River; and Paonia Dam near Paonia.

1962 Frying Pan-Arkansas Project brings additional water to 1962 Frying Pan-Arkansas Project brings additional water to southeastern Colorado.southeastern Colorado.

1965 Cherry Creek flood causes extensive damage in Denver1965 Cherry Creek flood causes extensive damage in Denver 1966 New Mexico and Texas sue Colorado for failure to meet its 1966 New Mexico and Texas sue Colorado for failure to meet its

obligations under the Rio Grande Compact.obligations under the Rio Grande Compact. 1976-77 Drought occurs in Colorado.1976-77 Drought occurs in Colorado. 1976 Big Thompson River floods.1976 Big Thompson River floods.


1981Construction of the Closed Basin Project 1981Construction of the Closed Basin Project begins; completed in 1992.begins; completed in 1992.

1989EPA blocks construction of the proposed 1989EPA blocks construction of the proposed Two Forks Dam.Two Forks Dam.

1991Colorado Water Education Foundation 1991Colorado Water Education Foundation created.created.

2003 After drought court case began over use of 2003 After drought court case began over use of Irrigation wells on South PlatteIrrigation wells on South Platte

Colorado Water Colorado Water Hall Of FameHall Of Fame

There are many people through out the history of Colorado that There are many people through out the history of Colorado that have contributed to the development of water in Colorado but have contributed to the development of water in Colorado but here are a few that made huge contributions.here are a few that made huge contributions.

Herbert Hoover – As Secretary of State he played large Herbert Hoover – As Secretary of State he played large role in 1922 River Compact.role in 1922 River Compact.

Theodore Roosevelt – his experience as a rancher gave Theodore Roosevelt – his experience as a rancher gave him a feel of the importance of water in the west and him a feel of the importance of water in the west and pushed for the passage of the Reclamation Act that had pushed for the passage of the Reclamation Act that had many Colorado water projects in it.many Colorado water projects in it.

Elmwood Mead – was the first developer of water codes.Elmwood Mead – was the first developer of water codes. Charles Lory – Former ditch rider and president of Charles Lory – Former ditch rider and president of

Colorado A&M and National leader in water policy.Colorado A&M and National leader in water policy. Michael Hinderlider – State engineer from 1923-1954. Was Michael Hinderlider – State engineer from 1923-1954. Was

a strong advocate for water user and by the time he left a strong advocate for water user and by the time he left in1954 his office administered 25,000 water right and in1954 his office administered 25,000 water right and regulated storage in 1800 reservoirs.regulated storage in 1800 reservoirs.

Colorado Water Colorado Water Hall Of FameHall Of Fame

Ralph Parshall – Colorado State instructor Ralph Parshall – Colorado State instructor and USDA employee that researched and and USDA employee that researched and developed the Parshall Measuring Plume developed the Parshall Measuring Plume which is used through out the world to which is used through out the world to measure and regulate water use.measure and regulate water use.

Delph Carpenter- Was the Greeley Lawyer Delph Carpenter- Was the Greeley Lawyer that worked to write and pass the Colorado that worked to write and pass the Colorado River Compact.River Compact.

Colorado Water History By Travis Hoesli. Colorado Water History Here is a land where life is written...

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