The Historic Ute Council Tree Delta, CO
If this tree could speak it would have many stories to tell. It's over 200 years old and stands tall near where a Ute Indian Trail use to pass from the Uncompahgre Plateau to Grand Mesa. Also nearby there use to be a trading post for trappers and Indians. It was called Fort Uncompahgre.
It's a stately cottonwood tree still holding it's own near the confluence of the Gunnison and Uncompahgre Rivers. It's surroundings have changed quite a bit over the last 100 years. Instead of prairie grasses and wildflowers, the tree is now surrounded by homes.
The Ute Council Tree is a Colorado Landmark. In the days before the settlers and trappers, the Ute tribes use to meet under this tree. It's the place where Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta met with the settlers to try to reach a peace agreement. These types of councils were only for the men, and Chipeta is the first Ute woman to sit in on one. It wasn't long after this meeting the tribe was moved to the northern part of the state. The tree is dedicated to Chief Ouray and Chipeta.
There is a sign on Highway 50 pointing the way to the Ute Council Tree. It's not difficult to find and it's on the north side of the Gunnison River. Under the tree is a plaque telling the tree's story.
I've lived on Colorado's Western Slope for over 24 years. I love this area and all it has to offer, and I enjoy sharing what I know about my home. As a REALTOR®, I also love to share my expertise in this area as well. If you need any real estate information for Montrose County, or Delta County, Colorado...please give me a call.
Comments(30)