Colorado, Otero County, Rocky Ford
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Born in Kentucky in 1836
Came to Colorado in 1871
Established a general merchandise store and (trading post) at a rocky ford on the Arkansas River.
Moved store and family to present site in 1876, when Santa Fe Railroad was extended to Pueblo
Became postmaster at Rocky Ford 1875 to 1884.
He originated Watermelon Day in 1878
Later the famous Rocky Ford Cantaloupe.
Promoted construction of irrigation systems and
general farming in Arkansas Valley.
Was promoter of Arkansas Valley Fair.
Served as State senator two terms, from 1892 to 1900.
Personally purchased from Germany, beet seed
for promotion of sugar beet industry in Colorado
resulting in construction of
first beet sugar factory of Arkansas Valley in 1900.
Erected under auspices of Otero County Historical Society.
This monument located on s.w. quarter of
tract of land conveyed by Timber Culture Certificate No. 1
(Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
Born in Kentucky in 1836
Came to Colorado in 1871
Established a general merchandise store and (trading post) at a rocky ford on the Arkansas River.
Moved store and family to present site in 1876, when Santa Fe Railroad was extended to Pueblo
Became postmaster at Rocky Ford 1875 to 1884.
He originated Watermelon Day in 1878
Later the famous Rocky Ford Cantaloupe.
Promoted construction of irrigation systems and
general farming in Arkansas Valley.
Was promoter of Arkansas Valley Fair.
Served as State senator two terms, from 1892 to 1900.
Personally purchased from Germany, beet seed
for promotion of sugar beet industry in Colorado
resulting in construction of
first beet sugar factory of Arkansas Valley in 1900.
Erected under auspices of Otero County Historical Society.
This monument located on s.w. quarter of
tract of land conveyed by Timber Culture Certificate No. 1
(Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.