A Cripple Creek Rock Collection: the Foundation of Fortunes

Join Steven Veatch for a discussion of Cripple Creek history, the contributions of the Penrose brothers, and a look at the most important rock collection in Colorado. This Chautauqua will start with the early days of Cripple Creek when it was a brawling mining camp. The discussion will include the work of two U.S.G.S. geologists who conducted the first geological investigations in the district. These two scientists created a
collection of representative rocks that played a key role in the early scientific work in the gold camp and directly contributed to the fortunes of Cripple Creek mine owners and to the success of the “World’s Greatest
Gold Camp”.

Steven Wade Veatch, a geoscientist, was born in Denver, and grew up in the Pikes Peak region. He has an MS in Earth science from Emporia State University. Veatch is known for his articles, books, and presentations on local history. He has contributed chapters to 3 books: Field Trips in the Southern Rocky Mountains, USA, Field Guide 5; The Paleontology of the Upper Eocene Florissant Formation, Colorado; and The World’s Greatest
Gold Camp: An Introduction to the History of the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District. His family came to Cripple Creek in the 1890s from England and worked in the district’s mines for over 30 years. The other side of
the family established a ranch in the wilderness near Boulder in 1865. They later moved to the Caribou mining camp where Steven’s great-grandfather attended Caribou’s first school session in 1872.

The Pikes Peak Historical Society invites you to learn more about the history of Cripple Creek and its geology at the PPHS monthly Chautauqua on Sunday, April 14th at 2pm at the Lake George Charter School. The Lake
George Charter School is located only 4 minutes from Florissant, on the south side of Highway 24 just 2/10 mile west of the Ferrell Propane lot. This program is presented as a public service of the Pikes Peak Historical
Society. Admission is free and refreshments are served. No reservation is required. For more information call 719-748-8259 or 719-748-3861.
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