Have a taste of the historic Hispanic homeland in San Luis Valley through the new book Teresa de Jesus Vigil: Herbalist, Storyteller, Poet at her book signing at Rawlings Library, 100 Abriendo Ave, Pueblo, on June 23, 6 pm and at Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center on July 10, 1:30 pm.

Teresa Vigil will give a short presentation on herbs and read from her book published by Vanishing Horizons. Her cultural perspective and life-long medical experiences make her presentations compelling.

Teresa often gives tours and presentation to health professionals who need to know the herbs that people use to heal themselves. According to Vigil, some herbs, like osha, are very potent and people should know its many uses before ingesting.

She grew up in California but returned to San Luis each summer to live and work with her grandparents Beatriz and Ramundo Gallegos. She and her sister harvested quelites (lamb’s quarters) and other vegetables on the farm. Her grandmother attended local women in childbirth and that’s where Teresa became fascinated with the healing herbs.

When she came of age, she enrolled in nursing school and still holds a Licensed  Vocational Nursing degree in California. She practiced nursing for 40 years and seven years with a behavioral health institution. When she and her husband Victor moved to San Luis with seven children, she used her skills to keep them all healthy.

Her writing is published in Delmar’s Integrative Herb Guide for Nurses, Fiesta’s Cultural Awareness of Herbal Use. She contributed recipes to Cocina de la Familia, published by Touchstone, NY, NY, 1999. She is a contributor to Mexican-origin Foods, Foodways, and Social Movements: by Devon G. Pena, et. al, University of Arkansas Press, 2017.

​Original article from the Valley Courier, 06/18/2021

#herbalist #storyteller #sanluisvalley #mysticsanluisvalley #healingherbs #culturalawareness

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Article originally published in 5280 article by Terri Cook

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"The Scenic Highway of Legends and Silver Thread, which were recently added to the National Scenic Byway system, celebrate southern Colorado's stunning landscapes and rich history.

Call it the stuff of legend: Colorado’s scenery is so spectacular that the U.S. Department of Transportation recently added two of the state’s roadways to the America’s Byways list, which celebrates some of the most stunning driving routes in the country.

The new designations give Colorado 13 federally designated scenic and historic byways—more than any other state in the nation. (Both roadways were already part of the state-sponsored scenic and historic byway list.)  Best of all, because the additions are in southern Colorado and relatively unknown, both routes offer refreshing opportunities to immerse yourself in unspoiled beauty, as well as relive some of the Centennial State’s rich history and “geo” heritage.


Highway of Legends National Historic Scenic Byway -- Located just west of I-25, the Scenic Highway of Legends is an 82-mile route that stretches along Colorado Highway 12 from Walsenburg to La Veta to Trinidad. Its central spur, which is closed in winter, extends eastward to Aguilar along Huerfano/Animas County Road 46. With great hiking, quiet state parks, a historic fort, and other museums, it’s easy to spend a day or more exploring this region.

The dramatic scenery in the area has long inspired legends from the Native Americans, Spanish explorers, trappers, and miners who ventured here. The highway’s backdrop includes the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which has summits that rise above 14,000 feet. The twin bell-shaped Spanish Peaks are where life emerged on our planet, according to local Native American lore.

The Spanish Peaks are arguably this byway’s most distinctive landmarks. The straightforward hike up West Spanish Peak from Cordova Pass leads to breathtaking views at its summit. Both that mountain and its twin, East Spanish Peak, which once served as a landmark for passing wagon trains rumbling along the Santa Fe Trail, are the remains of two large blobs of magma that were emerged about 24 million years ago.
As you drive along the byway’s central portion, you’ll see dozens of elongated “fingers” of solidified magma, called dikes. The magma was originally injected into a thick stack of sedimentary rock that erosion inexorably washed away, exposing the more resistant dikes as ridges that radiate outward from West Spanish Peak like spokes on a wheel. Some, like the Devil’s Staircase and Profile Rock, are so distinctively shaped that they’ve inspired their own stories.

Attached is a PDF of the Rio Grande County Museum Newsletter for June and July 2021.

Featured articles and updates include:
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• The Annual Art Show
• World Ward II Exhibit
• Art Show with Amanda Black
• Lyndsie Ferrell
• High Valley Community Students
• Volunteers
• Summer Programs and EXhibits
• Interviews from the Past​

Original article from the Rocky Mountain PBS
​by Kate Perdoni
Posted May 27, 2021

“People like us are not Native American enough. And we’re not American enough. And we’re not Mexican enough,” Rael said. “And so we walk this strange line of trying to decipher our identities. And we express them in different ways.”

​Watch the video

Original article published in the Valley Courier
May 24, 2021
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To train buffs around the world, it’s an unprecedented historic moment. For the first time ever, a steam locomotive from the 1880s has been completely restored and will run on the exact same tracks it originally did from 1883-1938. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad , owned jointly by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, has completed this historic project and will unveil the remarkably restored engine No. 168 at the Antonito Opening Day Celebration on Saturday, May 29, 2021.

“For the first time, people will be able to see a completely authentic railroad scene from the 19th century,” said Eric Mason, interim president/CEO of the Cumbres & Toltec. “The same locomotive will steam down the same tracks with its whistle echoing off the same mountains, exactly as it did 138 years ago. As the train passes by, you won’t be able to tell if you’re in the 19th, 20th or 21st centuries!”

A Staggered Start To The Season
This year, the Cumbres & Toltec will kick off its season with a staggered start. Opening Day celebrations will take place on May 29th in Antonito, Colo. and June 5th in Chama, N.M. With bells clanging, whistles blowing, and surrounded by clouds of steam, the 2021 season will launch in each town with free refreshments, traditional blessings of the train, music, and remarks by state and local dignitaries. Festivities in both locations kick off at 9 a.m. The #168 will only debut in Antonito with a 10:30 a.m. departure of a private group of supporters, followed by the regular departure at 11 a.m. In Chama, departure time is at 10 a.m. Limited tickets for Opening Day departures from both stations are available. Festivities are open free and open to the public.

The Antonito Depot is located at 5234 Highway 285, Antonito, Colo. and the Chama Depot is at 500 Terrace Ave., Chama, New Mexico.

Locomotive 168: From Sitting Static In A Park To Steaming Over The Rockies!
Originally built in 1883, Old 168 is one of only two remaining engines of her class left in the world. Like most locomotives, little is known specifically about this engine, except that it once pulled President William Howard Taft to the Black Canyon and spent most of its 50-year working life chugging over the Cumbres and La Veta Passes as part of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW).

When the engine was retired, it was placed in Antlers Park as a reminder of the important role that Colorado Springs played in railroading. Civil War General William Jackson Palmer founded both the D&RGW and also Colorado Springs. The engine was a proud reminder of the town’s railroading history.
But sadly, over 75 years, the elements were hard on the locomotive, and after decades in snow and rain it was paint chipped and rusted and had become an eyesore.

Locomotive #168’s long journey home began in 2015 when the City Council of Colorado Springs approved a lease agreement with the C&TSRR to begin the restoration. The engine was moved to the railroad shop in Antonito, Colorado and the incredible job of restoring it began. Work included disassembling the frame and tank, rebuilding the trucks, reconditioning the brake system, and building a new deck with Southern yellow pine, as Baldwin originally specified. It took 2,500 rivets to reassemble the tank. Carpenters rebuilt the cab from careful measurements of the original. To ensure safety, the boiler had to undergo numerous federal tests. The finished and restored locomotive will look like it did when it rolled out of the Baldwin shop in Philadelphia in 1883.

For the 2021 season, the #168 will lead the San Juan & New Mexico Express, a train of all authentic 19th century Denver & Rio Grande cars, that will depart Antonito once a month for the ultimate railfan bucket list trip. Departures are scheduled for June 27, July 25, August 15, Sept. 19 and Oct. 24. The train will depart Antonito at 10 a.m., traveling to Osier Station for a delicious lunch and return to Antonito at 4:40 p.m.This trip will sell out quickly.

New In 2021: Six New Options Available For Full And Half-Day Rides
In addition to the San Juan & New Mexico Express, the C&TSRR offers the following routes:
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Two Full-Day Trips: The Chama All-Aboard! departs from Chama and climbs to the summit of Cumbres Pass at 10,015 feet, steam over Cascade Trestle and includes a full lunch stop at beautiful Osier Station before returning back to Chama. The Antonito All-Aboard! departs from Antonito steams through two tunnels, passes through Phantom Canyon and along the lip of Toltec Gorge and includes a full lunch stop at beautiful Osier Station before returning to Antonito.

Three Half-Day/Shorter Options: Cumbres Express is a shorter new route that departs from the top of Cumbres Pass at 11:10 a.m., steams to Osier Station for a full lunch and return to Cumbres Depot at 2:45 p.m. Located at an elevation of 10,015 feet, the Cumbres Depot is the highest point reached by any steam train in North America. The Chama High Noon will operate on Fridays from departing Chama Station at noon, steaming across meadows, through forests and over rivers to Cumbres Pass and back by 2:30 p.m. The Antonito Express departs Antonito at 11 a.m. and chugs along the high mountain desert and offers views of a shield volcano just miles away and travels to Big Horn, before returning back to Antonito at 2:30 p.m.

To book your trip and for complete information, visit:  www.cumbrestoltec.com or call 1-888-286-2737.

by Lyndsie Ferrell from the Del Norte Prospector

Now, Billy LeRoy was not your typical looking criminal. The young highwayman was known for dressing on the up-scale side and one of his most infamous traits that kept lawmen guessing who he was, was his size four shoe.

At many of the locations where LeRoy held up a train or stagecoach, lawmen would find footprints of his size four shoe and were often, convinced that these criminal acts of theft were done by a woman. This fact and many others kept local lawmen confused and wondering who might be responsible for the countless robberies that were taking place.
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After his night of drinking and losing horribly while gambling, Billy LeRoy decided to head out and get some of his money back in the best, sure way he knew how, holding up a stagecoach. LeRoy used the last bit of his money to rent a horse and headed West along the Rio Grande River toward Del Norte. LeRoy found a place on the stagecoach route that was surrounded by sagebrush and having secured his location in the dead of night, placed cowboy hats on top of several bushes and placed wooden rifles below the hats. His stage was set.
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Finally, after hours of waiting, the Barlow Sanderson Stage made its way up the road just before dawn and found a large wooden fence post laying in their path. The stage stopped and LeRoy stepped out from his hiding place and ordered the stage handler to toss him the mail bag as well as the leather envelope that contained a decent amount of money declaring that they were surrounded and should just follow directions. The stage handler complied while LeRoy demanded that the passengers also throw down their money and jewelry. LeRoy, being satisfied with his haul, let the stage continue. No one was hurt during the raid.

The following day, LeRoy left the San Luis Valley again and headed to Pueblo where he was recognized by a postal inspector and thrown in jail. US Commissioner Andrew Brazee charged LeRoy with two counts of stagecoach robbery and set his bail at $7,000. LeRoy, eager to take responsibility for his crimes, gave a full confession of his adventures and criminal activity in Colorado. LeRoy attempted to escape with two other prisoners who were shot during the escape and was put back in jail to await charges for a third robbery in the San Luis Valley.

LeRoy was placed on a train after being sentenced to 10 years in the House of Corrections located in Detroit, Mich. As the train neared its destination, LeRoy stole a piece of wire and used it to escape from his handcuffs. LeRoy jumped from the train when his captor went to the restroom and made his way to Hays City, Kan. Where he hid under the porch of an abandoned house for three days. According to reports, he survived off a single ear of corn during that time.

After LeRoy felt it safe to move again, he headed back home to Indianapolis where he met up with his brother Silas. Billy told his brother about his crimes and hauls in the San Luis Valley and the two decided it was worth it to go back and see how much they could get. It was at this time that Silas adopted the alias Sam Potter and between him and Billy they gathered a band of men that consisted of Tom O’Phallin, Jim Wilson, and Dave Rudenbaugh. Billy was the leader of the band.

Their first attempt to rob a stagecoach after returning to the San Luis Valley went horribly wrong. When the band of men stepped out to stop a western-bound coach led by Jack Wells, they startled the horses and seeing a chance to get away, the driver grabbed the reins, turned the stagecoach into the bushes and escaped under a hail of bullets. Luckily, no one was hurt during the incident.

Their next attempt went just as wrong as the first but this time, when they opened fire on the stagecoach driven by Joe McCormick, the passenger, an engineer for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad grabbed his shotgun and caught one of the other passengers in the leg. LeRoy boarded the stagecoach and made away with five bags of mail and $118. He also took the shotgun from the engineer.

By this time, lawmen throughout the area were hot on their tail and the band of thieves and local vigilantes began to gain interest. Money was pooled together from citizens of the San Luis Valley to help fund the effort to put these men in jail. The band of thieves hunkered down in a location near North Clear Creek by Creede and it was there that a group of citizens took all five men into custody.

All of the men were taken without incident except LeRoy. Seeing that the gig was up, LeRoy pulled his pistol to make his stand when he decided it would be better for him to run. After taking flight, one of the lawmen fired and shot LeRoy in the leg and took him into custody. The band of thieves were transported to Del Norte to await trial and it was there that citizens took matters into their own hands.

Once the prisoners were secured in the jail, over 100 masked men raided the jailhouse and took LeRoy and his brother Sam Potter to a nearby tree where they were hung for their crimes. Billy LeRoy’s last words before the noose was hung about his neck rang out in the night while his brother sobbed beside him, “I have waltzed through the region a long time without paying the fiddler, so now gentleman I am ready to meet the cashier. Go on with your cart.” The posse of vigilantes did just that and whipped the horses in front of the cart that held LeRoy and his brother ending the Colorado Highwaymen’s lives once and for all.

For more information or to find stories such as this visit the Rio Grande County Museum in Del Norte.

#delnorteprospector #billyleroy #sanluisvalley #stagecoachrobberies #wildwest

by Lyndsie Ferrell with the Del Norte Prospector

The San Luis Valley has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s thanks to the many characters that lived rough and tumble lives in the great West. Lawlessness was a way of life for many in those early days and like the song by Jim Croce, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” the San Luis Valley had a bad, bad LeRoy of its own.

According to accounts provided by the Rio Grande County Museum, this story begins with a troubled youth that would grow into a famous, well-known outlaw that was a bad as they came. The LeRoy Brothers also known as the Colorado Highwaymen, dates to the late-1800s when a young lad by the name of William Pond whose alias later became Billy LeRoy. LeRoy was also known as Billy the Kid, Colorado Highwayman, Sam Pond or Sam Potter. 

No matter which name he was using at the time, Billy LeRoy grew up in Indianapolis, Ind. During his childhood, Billy was a neighborhood nuisance. He was the first to raid neighborhood hen roosts and orchards according to a historical account of Billy’s life written by a local historian. 

After developing a taste for a life of crime, Billy quickly moved from bothering his neighborhood to a juvenile outlaw. Many who recounted Billy’s younger years often said they wished he would do time in prison or even become what they referred to as a “juvenile angel,” meaning they wanted him dead. All of this sent Billy down a road that ultimately led him and his brother to an early death. 

Billy came to the San Luis Valley after a strange and wavering path. Once Indianapolis law enforcement had it out to arrest of Billy, he decided it was high time to hit the rails and head West, where he planned to become a famous outlaw. Billy was arrested by law enforcement in Indianapolis but weaseled out of the handcuffs that held him and escaped by jumping out of a two-story window. 

On his way to Colorado, Billy encountered several hardened criminals that not only helped him reach his destination, but also taught him the ins and outs of a life of crime. During his trek heading West, Billy met an unsavory character who named himself California Bill also known as William Miner. Miner lit a spark inside Billy and taught him the fundamentals of theft and later the two stopped the Alpine-Gunnison stage but only got away with $50 in cash. 

The next stage the two robbed was on Slumgullion Pass on Oct. 7, 1880 and this time, they made out with $100 which back then was quite an accomplishment. Back in these days, many of the roads we travel today began as stagecoach routes. Trains had yet to make a huge impact on communities like those in the San Luis Valley. 

Only one week later, Billy and his partner in crime the infamous California Bill first showed their faces in the San Luis Valley robbing the stage between Alamosa and Del Norte. It was during this robbery that Billy made a name for himself and was now a wanted man. The two made out with $4,000 in cash and other priceless trinkets. It was at this time that the two split ways and Billy, knowing the law was hot on his tail headed back East to Chicago after a brief stop in Pueblo. 

It wasn’t long before Billy made his way back to Denver and then eventually back to the San Luis Valley. Billy had a bad habit of gambling that resulted in trouble for the young lad more than once. Billy moseyed his way back to Alamosa and headed straight to a local gambling fraternity. The local population consisted of the western characters we have all come to know and love; many of which would see a sharp young man like Billy and take advantage of them as often as they could. 

During his stay in Alamosa and through a rough night of gambling, Billy was taken for all he was worth, which wasn’t much at the time. Billy ended up spending the night drinking heavily and woke the next morning hungover and broke. This was in early January of 1881, barely a year after Billy had adopted his life of hard crime. What he chose to do next would shape the end for the young Colorado Highwayman. 

Stay tuned for Part 2

#slumgullionpass #sanluisvalley #mysticsanluisvalley #billyleroy #stagecoachrobberies 

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"Experts from across the country converged to restore Engine 168 for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad straddling the Colorado-New Mexico border.

When Engine 168 chugs away from the station here in late June with about 60 passengers ensconced in four refurbished 19th century train cars, it will be the culmination of years of dreams, historic preservation work and an investment of nearly $4 million.  And perhaps less visible but surely onboard will be the hearts and souls of those immersed in this project."

Read full - Colorado Sun article