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Greeley

Greeley began in 1868 as Nathan C. Meeker's dream of a utopian community. As an agricultural editor for the New York Tribune, Meeker was inspired by the possibilities he saw for the plains northeast of Denver. Meeker spearheaded a drive to form a colony based on cooperation, irrigation, agriculture, temperance, religion, and education. His efforts were supported by his editor, Horace Greeley, who made famous the phrase, "Go West, young man, go West." Of the 3,000 prospects who answered his call, only 59 individuals ultimately formed a joint stock company called Union Colony and made the journey west.

In 1870, Horace Greeley paid his only visit to the town which bears his name. By that time, colonists had erected houses, established a newspaper, built irrigation canals, and designed streets 100 feet wide and lined with trees. A reading room opened shortly after, followed by the first school in 1872, a courthouse in 1883 and a college in 1889. Meeker's concern for the success of the community led him to choose solid, financially-stable settlers. This foresight allowed Greeley to thrive when many similar ventures failed.

 

• James A. Michener taught at the University of Northern Colorado from 1936-41 before publishing his best-selling novel "Centennial," which is based on Greeley and Weld County. The James A. Michener special collection, housed at the University of Northern Colorado, was dedicated in September of 1998.
• Historical Centennial Village is located at 14th Avenue and "A" Street. The Village is a living museum of splendid architecture, ranging from an authentic Cheyenne tipi to a fully restored Victorian "lady." Between these two extremes are a homestead shack, a rustic courthouse, an elegant train depot, an old-fashioned beet shanty, a one-room schoolhouse and several other structures in which early living in Colorado returns to life. Centennial Village offers living history demonstrations, guided and independent tours, lush gardens, and festivals.
• The Meeker Home Museum, located at 1324 9th Avenue, is a National Register site that was fully restored in 1995. The Meeker Home highlights the story of survival at the turn of the century.
• Other local historic sites include the Greeley Municipal Museum and Archives, Pioneer Village in Windsor, Fort Vasquez, and the Fort Lupton Museum. Weld County also boasts a number of historical societies, and the Greeley Municipal Museum and Archives is well-used by genealogists and historians.