It's hard to imagine that Douglas County's breathtaking vistas--now
occupied by expanding suburbs and quiet, open spaces--were once the home
to dinosaur herds and, later on, nomadic Indian tribes. The nation's
second gold rush brought those seeking great fortunes to central
Colorado, but it was the untapped potential of the area and a dream of
taming the land that appealed most to early settlers of Douglas County.
Pioneers like General Bela Hughes and John D. Perry (whose agreement led
to the railroad connection across Kansas to Denver) and Martin Henry
Goddard (who, along with his wife, Nellie, ran the Rhode Island Hotel)
were among the first of many settlers to establish roots here. Join the
Castle Rock Writers for a journey through the history of this land and
the diverse legacy left behind by those who made it their home.