Local History
Cortez
The town of Cortez was founded in 1886 and named after the 16th century Spanish explorer Hernando Cortez. In earlier history, the Navajos called the area Tsaya-toh, which means “rock water.” The settlement was later known as Mitchell Springs, until it moved 10 miles north to the current location of Cortez.
After the Dolores River was used to irrigate Montezuma Valley, Cortez became a center for farming and ranching. The Ute and Navajo tribes still consider the town a trading hub, which provides an excellent collection of their crafts and artwork. The Cortez area is also know for its numerous archeological sites, boasting the highest concentration in the U.S.
Dolores
Located on the San Juan Scenic Skyway, Dolores sits at the foot of McPhee Reservoir, Colorado’s second largest lake. The town was named for the Dolores River originating from the Spanish name for the river, “River of Our Lady of Sorrows.” Early Spanish expeditions by Fathers Dominguez and Escalante provided the area with this and many other names still in use today.
The town is best known for its small ranching community and recreational activities. Along with McPhee Reservoir, Dolores is home to the Mount Wilson Primitive Area, the Dolores River Canyon, and the Anasazi Heritage Center. The Center holds over two million artifacts and more than 1,380 ruins have been sited in the Dolores vicinity.Mancos
Nestled between the LaPlata peaks and Mesa Verde National Park is the small ranching community of Mancos, Colorado. Historically, Mancos became a center for cattle shipping in 1891 with the help of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. In 1894 the town was incorporated. Today it is the home to a community of just over 1,300 people. History and tradition are rich in this small, western town, as many of the shops still have the rings outside so visitors can tie their horses while shopping. Any time of the year is exciting in Mancos with Mesa Verde National Park 7 miles away, winter sports at nearby Hesperus Ski area, summer or sportsman activities at McPhee Reservoir, or a trip back in time on the Mancos Valley Stagecoach, The plush valley scenery also allows for hiking, rafting, jeep tours, horseback riding, and splendid opportunities for photography.Mesa Verde
Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906, after President Theodore Roosevelt signed a bill protecting the area. It is the first and only National Park established to preserve the works of peoples. Giving insight to more than 700 years of history, the park holds over 4,000 archeological sites. It is best known for the spectacular cliff dwellings, which are carefully preserved structures nestled in the alcoves of the canyon walls. The past inhabitants of the cliff dwellings are known as the Ancestral Puebloans. By 1300 A.D. the dwellings were empty, leaving much speculation over the reason. Disease, drought, and lack of defense are some possible causes, but the true explanation for the lands’ desertion remains a mystery.Legend of the Sleeping Ute Mountain
From almost anywhere in the Cortez-Mesa Verde area, the Sleeping Ute Mountain is clearly visible on the southwest horizon. At first glance, this small isolated range of peaks and hills seem like nothing more than it is. But look again, and suddenly the Sleeping Ute comes alive. Etched against the sky is the perfect image of a giant man lying on his back. A feathered head-dress streams outward from his reclining head; arms are folded carefully across his chest, thighs, knees, and even toes are all unmistakably clear.
Years ago, the early Utes, had a legend about these strange mountains that rise on their lands; the version of this story that follows is adapted from an account by Russell Lopez of the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe.
In the very old days, Sleeping Ute Mountain was a great warrior God. He came to help fight against Evil Ones who were causing trouble. A tremendous battle between the Great Warrior God and the Evil Ones followed. As they stepped hard upon the earth and braced themselves to fight, their feet pushed the land into mountains and valleys. This is the way the county of this region came to be as it is today.
The Great Warrior God was hurt, so he lay down to rest and fell into a deep sleep. The blood from his wounds turned into living water for all creatures to drink. When fog of clouds settled over the sleeping Warrior God, it was a sign that he was changing his blankets of which he has four. When the Indians saw the light green blanket over their God, they knew it was spring. The dark green blanket was summer, the yellow and red one was fall, and the white was winter.
The Indians believe when clouds gather on the highest peak, the Warrior God is pleased with his people and is letting rain clouds slip from his pockets. Even today Sleeping Ute Mountain is used by the people in the area to forecast the weather.
The Indians believe that the Great Warrior God would rise again to help them in the fight against their enemies.