From Trappers to Tourists, written by Rosemae Wells Campbell (1909-2009), was published in 1972. Mrs. Campbell, a longtime resident of Colorado Springs, was a librarian, educator and historian and was the author of several books of science, fiction and history. She and her husband made numerous trips to this area to do research and take photographs.
Even though the book's title indicates the period covered was 1830 to 1950, it begins with a brief description of the formation of what became known as "the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas" and "the Royal Gorge." It also includes references to the Spanish and Mexican eras and the trading posts established along the routes traveled by trappers and traders from "the States" to Santa Fe and Taos in the very early 1800s.
This carefully researched book describes the establishment of early settlements in what became Fremont and Custer counties. Some of them evolved into towns we now know as Cañon City, Penrose, Florence, Coal Creek, Rockvale, Williamsburg, Cotopaxi, Coaldale and Howard. It also mentions some settlements that no longer exist. Many of the leading citizens of those communities are identified, along with their numerous and varied business interests and civic activities.
Farming and ranching were of primary importance to the earliest settlers. After the discovery of gold and other mineral resources, mining became a major part of the local economy. Efforts to encourage tourism began early too and the area became a destination of people seeking a better climate for their health. The book discusses the extension of rail service to various locations and its impact on travel and economic development. Florence didn't exist as a town until the railroads came, but the author identifies early settlers in that area such as Jesse Frazer who not only planted an orchard of 2,000 apple trees but engaged in a number of other entrepreneurial activities. She includes information about the business and political career of James McCandless, as well as interesting stories about his personal and family life.
The efforts of local women who organized the Cañon City Ladies Library Association and Friends in Council in the 1880s are mentioned. Their objectives were to bring education and culture to the area. There were beautification projects too; one of those was the planting of 1,500 shade trees along the streets in Cañon City.
These are just a few examples of this book's contents. It includes a number of illustrations and photographs, footnotes at the end of each chapter, a bibliography and an index. All these make it an invaluable research resource. When it was published in 1972, an article in the "Cañon City Daily Record" described it as "the most complete history of Fremont and Custer Counties written in almost 100 years."
Charter members of the Fremont-Custer Historical Society worked with Mrs. Campbell to research and publish this book. Since its first publication, it has been reprinted three times. There are a few copies available from online sources, with prices for used paperbacks ranging from $25 to more than $400 for a new hardcover.
Because of its value as a research tool, the Fremont County Historical Society is considering a fourth reprinting if there is sufficient interest. If you are interested in buying a copy of this book, please contact the Historical Society at one of the following e-mail addresses: email@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.org. You may also contact the Historical Society at its website: fremonthistoricalsociety.com. The price will depend on the number of copies printed, but it is expected to be less than $20 per copy.