Grand Valley History

Learn About the Area you Live In

The Grand Valley is a beautiful and vibrant area that provides wonderful learning opportunities in science. Over time, geological events shaped the Valley into what we see today, although at one time it was vastly different.

Long after the dinosaurs, the area was home to Fremont Indians who were most likely the area's first inhabitants. After the Fremont left, Ute Indians were the next to call the Valley their home.

The Domiguez-Escalante expedition explored this region in 1776 and became probably the first Europeans to set foot in this beautiful desert and mountain land.

Grand Junction History Timeline

Begin your time travel through more than 130 years of history

The timeline is divided by decade beginning in 1880. (A pre-1880s component has also been added to help explain some of the region's unique topography and pre-settlement history.) It incorporates eight subject areas per decade.

These topics are:

• People
• Community
• Business
• Education
• Agriculture
• Transportation
• Culture
• Recreation

Alfred Packer

Learn all about the infamous Alfred Packer. Solving the American West's greatest mystery: Was Alferd Packer Innocent of Murder?

Mesa County Historical Society

The Mesa County Historical Society is a non-profit, educational organization created in 1975 to provide a forum for individuals and groups interested in history, especially that of Mesa County and vicinity. It stimulates interest in regional history by working to ensure its collection and preserve preservation.

The Society holds general membership meetings six times a year. Prior to each meeting, members receive a bi-monthly newsletter. Other publications The Valley of Nature's Richest Flavors, a reprint of an early Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce booklet, and The Bulls and the Bees, which features early recollections of the Plateau Valley Area. Valley Echoes, an occasional publication is the most recent.