Troubled Trails: The Meeker Affair and the Expulsion of Utes from Colorado

By: Robert Silbernagel

When U.S. Calvary troops rode onto the Ute Indian Reservation in northwestern Colorado on September 29, 1879, they triggered a chain of events that cost the Utes their homeland. They included a deadly battle at Milk Creek, the killing of all men at the Indian agency headed by Nathan Meeker, and the taking of three women and two children who were held hostage for 23 days. The Utes didn't seek a fight with the whites, most of whom they viewed as friends. However, powerful whites in Colorado wanted the Utes expelled. The Meeker affair became the opportunity to achieve that.

In Troubled Trails, Robert Silbernagel casts new light on the story of the Meeker affair. Using details from historical documents and newspaper articles, he reveals the personalities of the major characters - both Indian and non-Indian. He tells the story from many perspectives, including that of Nicaagat, a leader of the White River Utes; Josephine Meeker, Nathan Meeker's daughter, who was held hostage by the Utes; the Ute woman She-towitch (Susan); and the U.S. Military. Silbernagel took great pains to tell a complete story, even following on horseback significant portions of the trail taken by the Utes. As a result, his book paints a multifaceted picture of what took place and, most importantly, his portrayal brings the Ute side of the story into focus.

Other Information:
Published: 2011
Pages: 253