Sunday, May 25, 2025

White River Museum

 The White and Yampa river valleys and the mountains of eastern Utah and western Utah were the territories of the White River Ute tribe but by 1878 they had been forced onto a reservation west of Meeker, Colorado. The incompetence of the Indian agent and a shortage of food and other promised supplies lead to an uprising which culminated in the tribe being relocated to an already established Ute reservation in Utah. 

The land was soon put to use by settlers who began large ranching and farming operations. Some ranches are now managed by the forth generation of the original settlers and it appears that they and other area residents saved everything and donated it to the museum. The rambling rooms of the museum are crammed full. Most of it is not categorized but the museum staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions. 

The museum is housed in a 1880 barracks built for U.S. Army officers who resided in the town after the uprising. The army left after three years when they were no longer needed and the building was sold to the town. 
The museum is fairly accessible but there are two dangerously steep ramps that bridge changes in elevation between the rooms. Some of the exhibits have narrow passageways. 

Parking is on the street. The sidewalks do not have curb cuts. Museum  40.0386, -107.91361

 

3 comments:

  1. Another one of those chock-a-block full of crazy, mixed-up exhibits, at least from your photos. I believe you when you say the residents "saved everything!" :-)

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