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In the late 19th century, a feverish wave of migration swept toward the Western frontier. While the transcontinental railroad brought settlers to the edge of the plains, the tracks only went so far. To bridge the gap between the railheads and the remote “boom towns” of Southeast Colorado, a vital network of stagecoach lines emerged.…
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A look back at the heart of the Southeast Colorado community of Vilas, and a glimpse at how its story might be told in the Digital Age. For the residents of Baca County, Colorado, a Kent Homsher social media post with a single photograph of “Tony’s Market” was enough to unleash a flood of memories…
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Dear Plainsman Readers, As we headed into 2025, we promised one more year of printing the Plainsman Herald. Because of your continued demand and loyalty, we adjusted rates, made changes, and found a way to keep the paper in print throughout the year. The year 2025 brought challenges both exciting and exhausting. Putting together a…
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History and Stories
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Konkel’s Clever Wagon Fix: The 1910 Farm Hack That Went Viral In today’s world, viral content spreads through social media, but in 1910, the power of print media was just as effective—especially in agricultural communities that relied on newspapers for the latest farming tips. Sam Konkel, a frequent contributor to Missouri Valley Farmer, shared his…
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Introducing Sam Konkel – Pioneer Journalist of the High Plains A Life in Print: Who Was Sam Konkel? Few figures have captured the early history of southeastern Colorado with the depth, wit, and detail of Sam Konkel. A newspaper editor, historian, and passionate advocate for the settlement of Baca County, Konkel’s writings provide a rare…
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The possibility of a dam on Two Buttes Creek had been discussed as early as the 1880’s by early settlers in the area, but it was after the turn of the century before anyone attempted to develop the idea. Dr. W. D. Purse of Rocky Ford, Colo. visited the area and made some preliminary surveys…
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I just realized today that I have been working on this project for 7 years. However, I think I can finally see the end of this project. Here is the newest update on The Man with Two Reputations: In the annals of the American West, some stories endure, captivating new audiences with every retelling. Such…
