Pioneers were coming to Colorado long before the gold rush of the 1850s. After declaring independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico took possession of the majority of present-day Colorado. By the late 1840s, southern people of mixed Mexican and Native American ancestry successfully settled on the Colorado lands given to them by the Mexican government. Creating distinct communities that reflected their Spanish culture, these southern pioneers thrived on the fertile Colorado lands, sheep herding and farming. By the early 1900s, however, the increasing Anglo population began to change the landscape of these communities. Many of the early Hispanic settlers left their original settlements to work as guards, miners, and laborers throughout the state. The rich heritage of these early pioneers, however, has not disappeared and today and can be seen in various places including the San Luis Valley and the state’s oldest town, San Luis.
