06/04/2024
Kathy and I are on the Morrison Sesquicentennial (150) Year Celebration. Check out the attached flyer for the date, times, and events. I hope you enjoy the history Mark, Gus, and I wrote for the Canyon Courier:
Morrison’s Sesquicentennial Celebration
Authors:
Mike Macey, Gus Chambers, and Mark Joyce
Morrison, Colorado, 'The Nearest Faraway Place,' will celebrate its Sesquicentennial (150 Years) on August 3, 2024. In 1872, George Morrison and other founders established the Stone, Lime, and Town Co., and two years later, in 1874, the company platted the town that became Morrison.
This 1874 date is also the year the Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad organized by George Morrison, John Evans, David Moffat and others, reached the town of Morrison. The railroad delivered construction materials from the foothills to Denver and brought in tourists on the return trip. These tourists - via horseback or stage coach - traveled deeper into the foothills via the Bear Creek Canyon Wagon Road.
These developments, centered in Morrison, had a significant impact on the local communities. For example, in the Evergreen area, ranching, farming, and lumbering were the sources of livelihood in the late 1800s. One of the most successful industries was hauling wood to Morrison for shipping to Denver. Evergreens early growth stemmed from its location at the at the head of the Bear Creek Wagon Road. The abundance of lumber influenced the settlement and development of Jefferson County.
The Impact of the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad on the History of Morrison, Colorado
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Morrison, Colorado, boasts a rich history shaped by its unique geological features, the mining industry, and transportation infrastructure development. The construction of the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad (DSP&P) was one of the most significant influences on the town's history. This railway facilitated the growth of Morrison's famous stone quarries and played a vital role in the town's commerce and later transformation into a tourist destination.
Early Settlement and the Rise of the Quarries
Morrison's history dates back to the mid-19th century when the area was first settled during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush of 1859. Among the early settlers was George Morrison, for whom the town was named. However, it was not gold but rather the region's abundant sandstone deposits that would shape Morrison's destiny.
The discovery of high-quality sandstone in the Morrison area led to the establishment of numerous quarries, which became the town's economic backbone. The sandstone extracted from these quarries was renowned for its durability and attractive reddish-brown color, making it highly sought after for construction.
The Role of the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad
The development of the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century had a transformative impact on Morrison and its quarries. The DSP&P was constructed to connect Denver with the mining towns of South Park, providing a crucial transportation link for both people and goods.
One of the primary commodities transported by the DSP&P was the sandstone quarried in Morrison. The railroad facilitated the efficient transport of sandstone to Denver and other cities, where it was used to construct numerous buildings and structures. Without the railroad, the widespread use of Morrison sandstone would not have been possible, and the town's quarries would not have thrived as they did.
Key Figures and the Railroad's Expansion
Several key figures were instrumental in the expansion of the DSP&P and its impact on Morrison. Among them was David Moffat, a prominent figure in Colorado's railroad history. Moffat played a crucial role in the expansion of the DSP&P and envisioned a transcontinental railroad connecting Denver to the Pacific coast. While Moffat's dream was never fully realized, his efforts helped shape the growth and development of railroads in Colorado.
Another important figure associated with the DSP&P was William A.H. Loveland, one of the railroad's founders and president. Loveland was crucial in securing financing and political support for constructing the railroad lines, including the route to Morrison.
Expansion of Commerce and Industry
With the railroad's arrival, Morrison experienced a boom in commerce and industry. The efficient transportation provided by the DSP&P allowed Morrison's quarries to increase their production and reach new markets. Sandstone from Morrison was used to construct numerous prominent buildings in Denver and other cities, including the Colorado State Capitol and the Brown Palace Hotel.
Thanks to the railroad, Morrison flourished with other industries, including quarries. The town became a hub for agriculture, ranching, and timber production, further contributing to its economic growth and prosperity.
Impact on Tourism and Recreation
As the 20th century progressed, Morrison's economy began to diversify, and the town increasingly turned its attention to tourism and recreation. The area's natural beauty, with its stunning rock formations and scenic vistas, attracted visitors from far and wide.
One of the most famous attractions in Morrison is Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. Recognizing the potential of the natural amphitheater in the area, entrepreneur John Brisben Walker began hosting concerts there in the early 20th century. The City of Denver purchased the area in 1927, establishing the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre and turning it into one of the premier concert venues in the world.
Dinosaur Ridge, located just west of Morrison, is another popular tourist destination. The area is famous for its dinosaur fossils and footprints, which attract scientists and tourists alike. The construction of the DSP&P railroad helped to expose many of these fossils, as the tracks passed through layers of sedimentary rock containing the remains of ancient creatures.
Legacy and Conclusion
The impact of the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad on the history of Morrison, Colorado, cannot be overstated. The railroad facilitated the growth of the town's quarries, commerce, and later transformation into a tourist destination. Morrison would only have thrived as it did with the railroad, and its rich history would be very different.
On August 3, 2024, Morrison has a number of events planned to celebrate the occasion. The Town event will be centered at the spot where the tracks from Denver crossed the trestle over Bear Creek and entered downtown Morrison with a view of the newly constructed railroad depot on the mainline, the turntable to the left and the spur northerly to the Garfield Limestone Quarry and the Satanic (Bluebird) Coal Mine.
In the parking lot across from the Café Prague and Tony Rigatoni’s restaurants (with the stone circle of the turntable hidden beneath the asphalt) will feature railroad and historical booths, authors and displays where you can meet the authors of the major South Park and Morrison railroad books. We will harken back to the “Golden Jubilee” anniversary of the Town in 1924 with a Model T car show and the Town’s antique fire engine.
A historic sign plaque will be dedicated after a concert by the Original COW BOY BAND. A presentation by “David Moffat” (reinactor) and other dignitaries will complete the ceremony. The David Moffat house (also home of Zebulon Pike’s relatives) and the Morrison Country Store will be the site of an ice cream social and small quilt show. The Morrison Town Band will follow with a concert featuring old time western, country and railroad songs.
Today, Morrison continues to attract visitors worldwide, thanks in part to its association with the DSP&P railroad and its enduring reputation as a must-see destination in the Rocky Mountain West. The railroad's legacy lives on in the town's historic buildings, its thriving tourist industry, and its status as a gateway to the natural wonders of the Rocky Mountains.
