Story of the Land

Ute reservation land size comparisons: 1868, 1874, 1880

The ceasing of indigenous land, often euphemistically labeled as cession or transfer, is part of the land history that led to the eventual admittance of the state of Colorado to the Union in 1876.

This 1868 document details the geographical boundaries of the firstly established Ute reservation. Ernest House described the rapid diminishment of the Ute Reservation within a span of only 12 years. Glenwood Springs is #616 on the “Indian land cession” map.

History and Impact of Indigenous Treaties

The first treaty between the United States Government and the indigenous Utes was the Treaty of Abiquiú signed by 28 tribal leaders in 1849. 

The most profound impact for the Ute was the stipulation in the treaty for the Ute to “cultivate the soil” rather than maintaining a life of movement in harmony with the seasons. From the Ute perspective, the treaty was a pragmatic action for survival on traditional lands. Government officials viewed the treaty, and other treaties signed with indigenous nations in the 19th century, as ceding all control of land to the government along with being the catalyst to “civilizing” indigenous people.