Hard Time in Wyoming Territorial Prison

Built in 1872 and restored in 1989, Wyoming Territorial Prison, operated from 1873 to 1903. Over 1,000 men and 12 women incarcerated in a span of 30 years. In the early days of the prison, it was only about 10 degrees warmer inside than outside during the winter until a radiator system was installed. Prison was expanded 1889 and notable criminals, including Robert Leroy Parker (Butch Cassidy), Clark “the Kid” Pelton, and Ellijah Canary all served time there.The broom factory was constructed and staffed by inmates beginning 1892. When in full swing of production, the factory could produce as many as 720 brooms a day. Nearly a quarter of the inmates escaped because of lack of staff and guard inexperience.

Teachout Ranch in Northern El Paso County

Teachout Ranch, photographed sometime between 1860 and 1878.
A view of Teachout's Ranch near Edgerton, Colorado, includes a two-story gable-roofed building with a porch with Victorian decorative woodwork, and a smaller building nearby; numerous people stand near a board fence in front, including a seated elderly woman, a child holding a doll, a woman and child each on horseback, a seated man holding a rifle, and what appear to be ranch hands. Two wagons are in front of the fence. One is covered and is pulled by two horses with a man next to the horses. The other, also pulled by two horses is uncovered and has a man at the reins. Trees, another fence, and fields are in the background. 
Western History/Genealogy Dept., Denver Public Library.

Historical Byers-Evans House in Denver

Built for William N. Byers in 1883, the stately Italianate-style home reflected its owner’s standing in the community. Byers printed Denver’s first newspaper, the Rocky Mountain News, on April 23, 1859. As editor, Byers used his paper pulpit to promote Denver and the surrounding region.

Byers became close friends with John Evans, Colorado’s second territorial governor. These men - along with their wives Elizabeth Byers and Margaret Evans - played pivotal roles in Denver’s early growth by helping to establish religious, educational, legal, and social institutions.

William G. Evans, the oldest son of former governor John Evans, bought the home in 1889. William and his wife Cornelia moved in with their two young children, John and Josephine. During the next five years, daughters Margaret and Katharine were born. An important business and civic leader in his own right, William headed the Denver Tramway Company and helped develop the Moffat Tunnel. Piercing the Continental Divide, the 6.2 mile tunnel culminated efforts to link Denver to Colorado’s western slope and solidified the city’s place as the region’s commercial hub.

Ophir Loop

Ophir Loop, Photo taken between 1900 and 1930
The Rio Grande Southern Railroad traveled along this stunning section of track known as the Ophir Loop. It was a series of turns and trestles that allowed the train to make its way up this steep section.
From the Walker Art Studio (Montrose, Colo.) Photographer, Byers Photo
Center of Southwest Studies, Fort Lewis College

Saloon in Telluride

The men on the right are leaning against the bar. Musicians are seated in the rear. On the left, men are seated at a gambling table. The electric lights hanging from the ceiling indicate that the photo was taken after 1891 when power arrived in Telluride.
Denver Public Library, Western History Collection,
From Doing History:Keeping the Past, University of Northern Colorado

Construction near Capital

Shot this from the front of the library January, 2011, looking back toward the dome.

Mesa Verde National Park

Tourists at Mesa Verde National Park. Farm Security Administration, Office of War Information, Lee Russell, photographer. August, 1939.