Montrose History
The Ute Indians left the Uncompahgre Valley in southwestern Colorado shortly before the town of Montrose was founded in 1882. In the beginning, Montrose was a frontier freight center and cow town and the hub of enterprise for the various mining camps in the San Juan Mountains. Today, Montrose serves as a regional hub for the numerous tourists who travel to this area of Colorado.
Joseph Selig founded the community of Montrose and named it after Sir Walter Scott's "Legend of Montrose" because the area reminded him of the scenic lake country of Scotland.
Initially, Montrose was a cow town and the center for services for the various mining camps found in the San Juan Mountains. Soon thereafter, a narrow gauge railroad was constructed and ran to the mining camps. The raising of cattle and sheep in the area helped to feed the hungry miners.
In 1909, the Gunnison Tunnel opened providing irrigation water from the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon to Uncompahgre Valley. Montrose became the agricultural hub of the area.
Montrose is now the gateway for the multitude of hunters, anglers, tourists, and other outdoor enthusiasts who travel to enjoy the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the five national forests and the numerous ski resorts in the area.
Currently OutsideOther pages you might find helpful:
History of Montrose
A complete history of Montrose, Colorado.
The Ute Indian Museum
The Ute Indian Museum of Colorado is located in Montrose.
