Virtual Symposium

Discover engaging research and insights into our local history at the 20th Anniversary of the Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium. This year's theme, "Turning Points," delves into the pivotal moments that have profoundly influenced the region and its people. The Pikes Peak Region, with its rich tapestry of people, institutions, and landscapes, offers compelling stories of triumph, trouble, and transformation. Come discover the watershed moments that made us who we are today. 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81490509688?pwd=EuiDAVdGLhgNOwGFmJOV6dT6QYQsUB.1

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"Claim Clubs – Wild West Law in Colorado’s Three Territories (Kansas, Jefferson, Colorado)" by Larry Obermesik

Colorado's pre-territorial past, a turbulent era from 1858 to 1861, was marked by conflicting land claims and the emergence of Claim Clubs. Despite their questionable legality, Claim Clubs represented Coloradans' first attempts at self-governance. Operating with constitutions, elected officials, and People's Courts, they navigated a landscape where vigilante justice was common. The presentation unveils pivotal moments in this transformative period and the often-overlooked legacy of Claim Clubs. This exploration not only illuminates Colorado's journey before becoming a U.S. Territory but also underscores the complex dynamics that shaped the region during its Wild West phase.

Larry Obermesik is a Colorado history buff and map enthusiast. He felt the call to help preserve the state's heritage in 2019 after unearthing a collection of unpublished journals that contained detailed recollections of both the 1848 California and 1859 Colorado gold rushes. Since then, he has been immersed in researching Southern Colorado's ancient network of Native American trails and the pre-territorial Claim Clubs in the region. Larry says his greatest satisfaction is sharing with others the little-known stories uncovered during his research.

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"What’s In A Name" by Doris McCraw

Through the history of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region it has been known by many names. Each of those names has led to a different perception of the region and with that changing perception the direction of the town and region has changed.

Doris McCraw has a BA in Social Work and Criminology from Illinois Wesleyan University. Ms. McCraw has also spent the many years finding and telling the stories of the early women doctors in Colorado. Ms. McCraw has presented at the History Symposium in previous years on the subjects: Karol W. Smith, Colorado’s first film commissioner, the Cripple Creek Volcano and Early Women Doctors in Colorado. She also writes fiction under the pen name Angela Raines. She is a member of History Colorado, Western Writers of America, and Western Fictioneers, where she has been president for the last two years.

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"From Blood to Gold: The Alchemy of Class Struggle in the Pikes Peak Region" by Jonathan Christiansen

This presentation examines the tumultuous class struggles from the late 19th to the early 20th century, tracing the evolution of labor and socialist movements. Christiansen's analysis illuminates how regional geography and politics intertwined, influencing broader sociopolitical landscapes and underlining the enduring impact of these struggles on
the area's history.

Jonathan Christiansen delves into the labor struggles in the Pikes Peak region, highlighting how these conflicts shaped both local and national politics. A PhD candidate focusing on political economy and social movements, his insights draw from deep roots in Colorado Springs and active involvement in community and labor organizations.