Smoky Hill Trail/Pioneer Monument - Denver, CO - Colorado Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

Located in Civic Center in downtown Denver, the Pioneer Monument Fountain and Smoky Hill Trail Monument was a part of Mayor Robert W. Speer's City Beautiful movement. Renowned sculptor Frederick MacMonnies was hired to design a fitting monument marking the end of the Smoky Hill Trail. MacMonnies originally planned on topping his pioneer fountain with a bronze Indian. Denverites took such offense to this that the Indian was replaced by a figure of Kit Carson.

The monument was dedicated in 1911 along with Civic Center Park. A plaque memorializing the Smoky Hill Trail was added in 1936 and reads as follows:
"Here was the end of the famous Smoky Hill Trail. Immigrant and Stage Road extending from the Missouri River to Denver. Traversed by Pioneers in 1858. Surveyed by W. G. Russell in 1860. Route of Butterfield's Overland Dispatch and Wells Fargo Express. The trail took its human toll - by thirst and Indian raids.
Placed by the State Historical Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation and by the City and County of Denver 1936."

Over the years, the fountain had fallen into disrepair, despite its central location. The fountain was restored in 1983. The plaque reads as follows:
"The Pioneer Monument restored in December 1983 by the Park People and City and County of Denver." (Major donors are then listed as well as on a second plaque.)

The sculpture on the woman with child and rifle is also honored by the Daughters of Colorado. There is a plaque below this woman that reads "Honoring Pioneer Mothers of Colorado. Dedicated by Daughters of Colorado May 14, 1950."

The fountain runs in the summer (unless there is water rationing) and is a gathering place for lunchtime workers and children. During the winter, the fountain is drained.

Group or Groups Responsible for Placement: State Historical Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Foundation and by the City and County of Denver 1936. County or City: Denver Date Dedicated: 1911 Check here for Web link(s) for additional information: [Web Link]

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