We have seen that Kansas became a territory in 1854. From that year until 1858 no one authorized to represent the territory of Kansas appeared within the present limits of Colorado. The inhabitants before this time, beside the employees of the American Fur Company and a few independent trappers, hunters, and Indian traders, consisted of a scattered population of Pueblos and Mexicans, mostly engaged in stock raising in the vicinity of the Raton Mountains, and the roving tribes of savages. The Indian traders, among whom were Lieutenant Lupton and Vigil St. Vrain in the north, and Colonels Boone and Bent in the south, had erected small forts to shield them from the savages. The junction of the Fontaine qui Bouille with the Arkansas was a favorite winter rendezvous for the trappers and hunters, among whom was the famous Kit Carson. In 1854, the Ute Indians massacred, in one night, all who had assembled at this resort. Hitherto the protection of Kansas power and law had never been invoked, nor had the needs of the scanty and motley population occupied the attention of the Kansas government. In 1852 a party of Cherokee Indians, on their way from Georgia to California, discovered gold on the banks of a small stream tributary to the South Platte. On their return journey they showed the gold and reported the place of discovery. Exciting rumors of gold found in large quantities in the Rocky Mountains, inflamed thousands with the desire to reach and possess the open treasures. The first train of prospectors, led by W. Green Russell, Esq., started from Georgia. As they passed through Missouri and Kansas, the gold fever influenced many to leave home and competency for the distant plains and mountains teeming with riches. The Georgians took up their position where Denver now stands, and thoroughly prospected Cherry Creek from its mouth to its source, but as their labors were poorly rewarded, they gave the Platte, of which Cherry Creek is a tributary, a fair trial for six or seven miles south. Much disappointed, they set out for the North Platte and Green River regions, but faring worse, returned to their first location, and were made happy by larger returns for their labor. The first Kansas party built their camp fires near the present site of Pueblo. As the news of gold discoveries sped across the continent, a strong tide of emigration set in to the Pike’s Peak country. Strings of wagons and troops of men, in constant succession, kept crossing the great plains, anxious as they toiled on, to catch a glimpse of the blue outlines of the mountains, where fortune stood waiting to enrich the hardy adventurers. From all parts, and embracing all characters, poured in the earnest crowd, all animated by a common hope of attaining sudden wealth.