DID YOU KNOW
The Fourth of July
July 4, 1820: Maj. Stephen Long, for whom Longs Peak is named, led an official U.S. expedition to the area. Camping along the east side of the South Platte River in what is now Adams County, Long and his group celebrated the national holiday. Adams County now lays claim to the site of the first Fourth of July celebration in the state.
July 4, 1877: A new star was added to the national flag recognizing Colorado’s admittance into the Union on Aug. 1, 1876. The flag had 38 stars until July 4, 1890, when five more states were added.
July 4, 1890: The cornerstone of the state Capitol in Denver was laid. Twenty additional trains were scheduled to accommodate the 10,000 passengers from across the state who came for the celebration. The parade included 400 troops from Fort Logan, representatives from various American Indian tribes, several bands, union members, firemen and cowboys on horses.
After the ceremonies, 50,000 people rode the electric trolley cars or walked to Lincoln Park for a picnic, where 30,000 pounds of roast beef, lamb and veal were served.
July 4, 1892: Mount Olivet Cemetery in Jefferson County opened. The first interment was July 5, with the consecration in September. It was called “The New City of the Dead.”
Sources: Colorado State Archives; Jefferson County; Smithsonian Institution; Adams County; Mount Olivet Cemetery; “The Colorado State Capitol”
REGIONAL NOTES
FRUITA
Climbs to raise funds for rescues
Those with lofty ideas of patriotism can climb Independence Monument in Colorado National Monument and plant a flag on the Fourth of July with the aid of experienced search-and-rescue climbers.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Technical Rescue Team is carrying out a tradition started in 1910 by the first monument superintendent, John Otto. The group also is starting a new tradition by taking nonclimbers up to raise funds for the rescue organization.
For a suggested $100 donation, certified mountain guides will supply equipment and belay and guide participants to the top of the rock outcropping. Proceeds will be used to buy equipment for rescues.
For more information or to sign up, call Kris Hjelle at 970-245-8513.
BRECKENRIDGE
Carrots offered for police recruits
Struggling to recruit police candidates who can afford to move to this resort town, Breckenridge officials have taken a new tack, promising to send established locals to law enforcement school.
The department is offering to foot the bill for tuition, books and lodging at the Colorado Mountain College police academy in Glenwood Springs as well as a salary that is equivalent to those of officers along the Front Range.
Interested candidates should contact Crystal Dean at 970-547-3115 and submit an application no later than July 10.
DENVER POST STAFF REPORTS
