Blog

  The name James Crawford is synonymous with Steamboat Springs, but his granddaughter, Lulita Crawford Pritchett was a force to be reckoned with in her own right. Like Perry A. Burgess, diarist of Beyond the Land of Gold, Lulita grew up hearing pioneer stories of unparalleled adventure. Storytelling ran through her veins like lifeblood, and we are all the richer for it.  Read More

  Long before the elegance found throughout Steamboat Springs today - before the existence of the Steamboat Grand Hotel, Sheraton or One Steamboat Place - lodging was a rugged endeavor reserved for the most avid outdoorsmen. Access was difficult when visiting the Yampa Valley and accommodations were simple cabins at first.  Read More

Listen to a brief history of William E. Walton and Perry A. Burgess' exploration of Steamboat Springs by historian David Moran. Often mistakenly referred to as William H. Walton by historians, he was actually William E. (Edward) Walton born August 31, 1842 in Cooper County, Missouri. Anyone who has traveled to Steamboat Springs for a ski vacation has noticed the names of Walton and Burgess on numerous street signs, creeks and landmarks. The Walton family history runs deep in American history. William is the great uncle of mega retailer Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart. Furthermore, William's mother's family the Turleys helped raise the young Kit Carson in Boone's Lick Missouri and were closely associated with the pioneer throughout his life. In fact Walton's great uncle Jesse B.Turley and DeWitt Peters were chosen by Carson to write and publish his first autobiography.  Read More