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Settlers come to Florissant valley, however, native people had been living here for thousands of years. A Woodland point arrowhead was found in the valley that dates to 6,000-8,000 years old.
Native tribes live in the area and have a strong connection to the land and to Pike’s Peak.
1872 The town of Florissant, established by James Castello, gets a post office. David Long and his family are the first to settle on the land that will someday become Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
1870s Scientists come to Florissant, having heard of its fossil wonders. Many scientists visit to collect specimens. 
Leo Lesquereux publishes the first scientific paper including Florissant fossils. 1873 A. C. Peale with the Hayden Survey collects at Florissant. 1873 &1874 E. D. Cope, famous for his work with dinosaurs, studies Florissant fossil fish. 
Adam and Charlotte Hill move into the valley. Charlotte collects fossils and provides many beautiful specimens to visiting scientists. The fossil rose Rosa hilliae was named for Charlotte. 
Samuel Scudder collects at Florissant, and will publish a landmark publication in 1890 – “Tertiary Insects of North America”. 1877 The Princeton Scientific Expedition collects at Florissant. 
Arthur Lakes makes the first geologic map of the Florissant valley. 
Adeline Hornbek is the first person to file a homestead claim in Florissant valley.
1883 An attempt to transport the Big Stump is abandoned when the saw breaks and is stuck in the stump. The saw blades can still be seen today! 
The Colorado Midland Railway comes to Florissant for the first time. Passengers collect fossils at a stop along a tourist route that will be popular in the early 1900s. Return to Florissant home page |
Last updated: November 5, 2022