Meeker Home Museum

An Intriguing History

In October 1869, Nathan Cook Meeker visited the Colorado Territory and other western states on a reporting assignment. He was impressed with the spectacular beauty and natural resources of Colorado. Before he returned east, Meeker was dreaming of a new home in the American West.

As the agricultural editor of the New York Tribune, Meeker had the financial backing and promotional support of editor Horace Greeley. His newspaper article, “A Western Colony” which first appeared in the Dec. 4, 1869 New York Tribune, was instrumental in recruiting 737 potential colonists for his proposed community in the west. His article called for like-minded people “wishing to unite in such a colony.”

Meeker’s dream of a Utopian farming community came to fruition in April 1870 when several hundred colonists arrived and established a new town near the confluence of the Cache la Poudre and the South Platte Rivers.

Today the home of Greeley’s founding family stands in its original location and serves as a testament to Meeker’s dream.

Policies

• Food and beverages are not allowed in the home.
• Photography: Non-flash photography welcome except in special exhibitions. No tripods or selfie sticks allowed. Commercial photography allowed with prior permission from Museum Manager.
• City ordinance does not permit smoking, including electronic cigarettes and other vaping devices, in the museum or within 25 feet of any of the building entrances.
• No pets allowed. Service animals are welcome.
• Please silence electronic devices while in the museum.