SPOTLIGHT
Walden
Elevation: 8,113 feet
Population: 734
Percentage civilian veterans, those 18 or older who have served in the military but are not currently serving: 18.6 (national rate: 12.7)
Percentage high school graduates: 80.5 (national rate: 80.4)
Percentage with bachelor’s degree or higher: 10.4 (national rate: 24.4)
Median household income in 1999 dollars: $29,313 (national rate: $41,994)
County: Jackson County seat
Slogan: In 1978, the Colorado Division of Wildlife arranged to transplant moose into the Walden area.
Since then, the moose population has thrived, and in recognition, the state legislature designated Walden as the “Moose Viewing Capital of Colorado” in 1995.
Name: The town was named for Mark A. Walden, who owned the land and had been a postmaster at Sage Hen Springs, about 4 miles southwest of what is now Walden.
Brief history: Ute Indians originally inhabited the area, which was abundant with bison. In the 1820s, trappers came because of the many beavers, and the 1870s brought in silver miners and later some gold and copper miners. Other settlers came to the area to ranch cattle, mine coal or cut timber.
One early saloon was built with the doors high and wide enough to let cowboys ride in without dismounting.
Walden was incorporated in 1890.
Jackson County was formed from Larimer County 97 years ago today.
In 1911, a railroad line was built through the town to service the nearby coal mine.
The North Park Pioneer Museum, which opened in 1963 in a three-room ranch home built in 1882, offers exhibits of the history of the surrounding area. The museum has been expanded to 27 rooms.
Economy: Today’s economy is mostly based on ranching, agriculture (hay) and tourism. Because Walden has public lands nearly surrounding the town, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting and camping play a big role in the economy. Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, about 7 miles south of town, was established in 1967.
Interesting fact: In 1990, Walden celebrated its centennial by sending a Christmas tree cut in nearby Routt National Forest for display at the U.S. Capitol.
Sources: North Park Chamber of Commerce; Colorado Historical Society; “Colorado Place Names,” by William Bright; “1001 Colorado Place Names,” by Maxine Benson; Colorado Counties Inc.; U.S. Census Bureau, 2000; Colorado Department of Natural Resources; U.S. Geological Survey
– Bonnie Gilbert
