The plaque reads:
This cottonwood tree has been designated a Colorado Landmark by the Capt. John Gunnison Chapter D.A.R. 1437 and dates back to around 1802. A Ute Indian Trail from the Uncompahgre Plateau to Grand Mesa once passed nearby.
The tree was dedicated in memory of Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta, who strove to keep peace between the Utes and the white Man. Chief Ouray met with white settlers under this tree. Chieta was said to have been the only Ute Indian woman ever permitted to sit in council meetings. Ouray died Aug. 4, 1880
Delta County Historical Society 3/87
"Delta's 200-year old Ute Council Tree is an historic cottonwood that was designated a Colorado Landmark and is dedicated in memory of the Ute tribe's Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta. Interestingly, Chipeta is said to be the only Indian woman ever permitted to sit in council meetings, which were held at this site." (from (
visit link) )
Council Tree, by O. Roland McCook, Sr.:
As a young tree I watched the Utes
Come and go.
I have heard the laughter, the singing, the tired groans,
And the crying of the little ones.
I have witnessed the young ones as they played and
Jumped from my young branches,
I have listened to the songs of the elders as the winters
Move on and give way to spring and the happy
Sounds of the spring Bear Dance.
I have sheltered the Utes as they hold Council beneath
My branches, the leaders speaking with wisdom and
Foresight, the young warriors talking of war to protect
Their hunting grounds and the Ute way of life.
I have stood here by the river for many winters since
The sounds of anguish and sobbing of the Utes as they
Passed under my branches for the last time, leaving the
Shining Mountains.
I have stood here listening and watching development
Grow around my branches,
Then,
I hear a familiar sound of long ago, and
Strain my branches to hear more,
I hear the sounds of drums long forgotten in this valley,
I hear the singing of the Flag Song, Round Dance,
Bear Dance, and songs that make
My leaves flutter in the wind,
I again see and hear the sounds of the laughter
and the talking of Utes,
I am overjoyed to see the Utes are back, dancing
Singing, and visiting with relatives.
Stand proud as do the Elders who watch from my branches,
I am the Council Tree.