Fort Collins Early Settlement/Town Beginnings (Riding Tour)

In the mid-19th century, the Cache la Poudre River valley attracted early settlers who played pivotal roles in shaping the region’s history. From trappers and guides to pioneering families, these individuals overcame challenges to establish a small community that would eventually lead to the founding of Fort Collins as a military outpost and the county seat. As the town grew, so too did its significance, paving the way for the hotel of the Colorado Agricultural College in 1889 – a testament to the resilience and foresight of those who first called this land home.

Key Points

1. The Cache la Poudre River valley attracted early settlers, including Antoine Janis, a former trapper and guide, and his Lakota wife First Elk Woman.
2. Elizabeth Stone, a pioneering settler, faced challenges and hardships in the region, contributing to the area’s early history.
3. A small community emerged along the Cache la Poudre River in the mid-19th century, with the hotel of log cabins, general stores, and a post office.
4. The town of Fort Collins was established in 1864 as a military outpost, later becoming the county seat in 1872 and the site of the Colorado Agricultural College in 1889.
5. The stories and contributions of these early settlers, such as Antoine Janis and First Elk Woman, offer insights into the diverse people and experiences that defined Fort Collins’ origins.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

The tour lasts 2 hours and is a guided van tour, visiting sites along the Cache la Poudre River corridor. It’s limited to 8 participants and requires dressing appropriately for the weather and wearing comfortable shoes.

The tour highlights include learning about early settlers in the valley, discovering the founding of Fort Collins, and hearing about relevant historical figures like Antoine Janis, his Lakota wife First Elk Woman, and Elizabeth Stone. Participants will also view historic artifacts from the mid-nineteenth century.

The tour meets at the parking lot next to the entrance to Watson Lake State Wildlife Area, located about a mile west of Verns Place on Rist Canyon Road, near the bridge crossing the Cache la Poudre River.

Tour Highlights

On this tour, you will learn about the early settlers in the Cache la Poudre River valley and discover the founding of the fledgling community of Fort Collins.

They’ll hear about former trapper and guide Antoine Janis, his Lakota wife First Elk Woman, and Elizabeth Stone, all of whom played important roles in the area’s history.

Visitors will also view historic artifacts from the mid-nineteenth century, providing a glimpse into the lives of those early pioneers.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the region, giving participants a deeper understanding of the area’s formative years.

Meeting Point and Parking

Participants will meet at the parking lot next to the entrance to Watson Lake State Wildlife Area, located approximately 1 mile west of Verns Place on Rist Canyon Rd. next to the bridge that crosses the Cache la Poudre River.

The closest address is 4900 Rist Canyon Rd., Laporte, CO 80521.

This convenient meeting point provides easy access to the tour route along the Cache la Poudre River corridor.

Participants should plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early, as the tours begin promptly at the scheduled time.

Restroom facilities are available during the tour, making this an accessible and well-equipped starting point for the 2-hour guided van tour.

Included and Excluded

The tour package includes the van tours and minimal walking and standing, while hotel pickup and drop-off, food and drinks, and gratuities are excluded. This allows the focus to remain on the historical sites and information provided during the 2-hour guided tour.

Included	Excluded
Van tours	Hotel pickup and drop-off
Minimal walking and standing	Food and drinks
	Gratuities

The tour is designed to provide a rundown of the early settlement and founding of Fort Collins without the added hassle of additional logistics. Participants can enjoy the rich history of the region and come away with a deeper understanding of its past.

More Great Tours Nearby

Additional Information

Restroom facilities are available during the tour, allowing participants to take comfort breaks as needed. The tour isn’t suitable for babies under 1 year or people with mobility impairments, as it involves minimal walking and standing. Participants should arrive 5-10 minutes early to ensure the tour starts promptly at the scheduled time.

This guided van tour along the Cache la Poudre River corridor offers a unique opportunity to learn about the early settlers and the founding of Fort Collins. Visitors will discover the stories of historic figures like Antoine Janis and his Lakota wife First Elk Woman, as well as view mid-nineteenth century artifacts. With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour provides an intimate and informative experience.

Early Settlers in the Valley

The Cache la Poudre River valley attracted early settlers drawn by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

Among them was Antoine Janis, a former trapper and guide who settled in the area with his Lakota wife, First Elk Woman.

Another pioneering settler was Elizabeth Stone, whose story illustrates the challenges and hardships faced by these early inhabitants.

As the fledgling community of Fort Collins began to take shape, these individuals and others played crucial roles in shaping the region’s history.

Through the guided tour, visitors will learn about the lives and legacies of these early settlers, gaining insights into the formative years of this vibrant Colorado town.

Founding of Fort Collins

In the mid-19th century, a small community emerged along the Cache la Poudre River, marking the founding of what would become the thriving city of Fort Collins. As settlers arrived, the fledgling town took shape, with the hotel of the first log cabins, general stores, and a post office. Key figures in the town’s early days included trappers, guides, and homesteaders like Antoine Janis and his Lakota wife, First Elk Woman. Through the efforts of these pioneers, the town steadily grew, paving the way for Fort Collins’ transformation into a prosperous hub of agriculture, industry, and education in the years to come.

Year	Notable Event
1864	Fort Collins established as a military outpost
1872	Designated as the county seat of Larimer County
1889	Colorado Agricultural College (now Colorado State University) founded

Relevant Historical Figures

Over the course of Fort Collins’ early settlement, several key figures emerged who played pivotal roles in the town’s founding and development. Among them were trapper and guide Antoine Janis and his Lakota wife, First Elk Woman, who settled in the Cache la Poudre River valley and contributed to the community’s growth.

Another notable resident was Elizabeth Stone, a pioneer woman who played an active role in the area’s early history.

These individuals and others provided vital services, knowledge, and leadership that helped shape the fledgling town in its formative years. Their stories and contributions offer insights into the diverse people and experiences that defined Fort Collins’ origins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Stop for Lunch During the Tour?

No, the tour does not include a stop for lunch. The details state the tour is limited to 2 hours and only includes van transportation and minimal walking/standing. Lunch is not mentioned as an included item.

How Often Does the Tour Operate on Weekends?

The tour operates on weekends, with tours offered on both Saturdays and Sundays. Tour times and frequency may vary, so it’s best to check the schedule or contact the tour operator for the most up-to-date information.

Are Pets Allowed to Join the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is limited to 8 participants and is focused on the history and highlights of the Cache la Poudre River corridor, so bringing pets is not permitted for the safety and enjoyment of all guests.

Is There Any Age Limit for Participating in the Tour?

The tour has a minimum age requirement – it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year. However, there is no upper age limit as long as participants can manage the minimal walking and standing during the 2-hour van tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate your specific interests. The tour guides are knowledgeable about the area’s history and can focus on the aspects that interest you most during the 2-hour excursion.

Recap

The Cache la Poudre River valley attracted early settlers like Antoine Janis and Elizabeth Stone, who played crucial roles in shaping the region’s history.

This led to the hotel of Fort Collins as a military outpost in 1864 and its designation as the county seat in 1872, ultimately paving the way for the founding of Colorado Agricultural College in 1889.

You can check availability for your dates here: