San Juan Guide from Topeka, Kansas • 7

s- -f SA.1ST JUAN GUIDE. am The Chief Towns, Prominent Places and. Post-Offices in San Juan. I 1 CONEJOS. Conejos Is the name of about twenty plazas or villas, which constitute the county of Conejos.

Guudulupe (or Conejos, as it is commonly called) is the county scat. Population of all these plazas, 8,000. Distance to Del Norte, 50 miles Elizabethtown, New Mexico, 73 miles; Hot Springs, GO miles; Taos, G5 miles Tierra Ama-rilla, 90 miles; New Mexico line, 101 miles; Pueblo, 133 miles; Fort Garland, 43 miles; Costilla (San Luis), 35 miles. ROSITA. The center of the Hardscrabble Mining District, in Fremont county, thirty miles south of Canon City.

Population, about 1,500. The product of ores during the year 1875 was $400,000, principally silver. Distance from Pueblo, 50 miles. POST OFFICES IN SAN JUAN. RIO GRANDE COUNTY.

Del Norte, Wagon Wheel Gap. 1IIN8DALK COUNTY Lake Citv, Tellurium City San Juan Gunnison. LA PLATA COUNTY. Parrott City. SAN JUAN COUNTY.

Silverton, Eureka, Ouray, Ilowardsvilie, Animas Forks. Along the Arkansas Valley, and on all the land susceptible of irrigation in Colorado beyond, tho cultivators of the soil will always reap a rich reward. All the products of this great agricultural section will be noeded to supply the large population which will bo employed in developing the Immense mineral resources of tho Sun Juan country, and the yet undiscovered treasures which lie hidden in the mountains still further toward the Pacific. There is a compensation of nature worthy the attention of tho wise political economist, in this cloio proximity of rich agricultural lands and mineral deposits. Tho dreuin of the early settl rs of Kansas, that the best market for tho products of the soil would bo to tho West, Is now certain of realization.

From the financial prostration of to-day will come tho prosperity of to-morrow. The first century of our national existence closed with a financial cloud hanging over large classes of people, but the opening up of those now and interesting sections is an inspiration to new life and vigor, and makes certain the advent of returning prosperity. Tho Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, now advancing through Colorado toward the banks of the Rio Grande, and tho vast mineral country west, will greatly aid In this grand consummation. Southern Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona are now as easily accessible by this route as any portion of the Rocky Mountains. It is said that the product of the precious metals in the United States for the year just closed will be one hundred millions of dollars.

In the fractions which the different States and Territories have contributed to make up this largo sum, Colorado and tho Territories beyond her southern border have doubled their previous productions for the same period of time. This is especially true of Colorado, and this satisfactory result lias been reached ut a time when all branches of American industry are suffering an extraordinary depression. The San Juan region gives tho promise of being the great silver-producing section of the United States. Its vast deposits, extracted and thrown into tho aggregate of future production, will Boon swell our annual product to two hundred millions dollars, while Inviting to tho fields of Industry made necessary by this result an equally largo percentage of increased population. The precious metals are articles of export which are not seriously affected by the cost of transportation.

It is true that the most valuable deposits are in the interior of the country and in mountainous regions. But unlike the mines of Africa, Mexico und South America, the mines of Colorado are in close proximity to fertile soil nnd unequalled pasturage. The Arkansas Valley alone, and in the limits of Kansas, has a capacity of production which it would be difficult to limit; add to this the unquestionable capacity of tho Upper Arkansas Valley, and all its tributaries, to produce tho staple products of agriculture in large quantities, and it will be readily seen that tho agricultural and mining interests of the great Southwest arc to be tho basis of wealthy, powerful and prosperous communities. Nor will the State of Kansas at large fail to reap tho benefit of this juxtaposition of these two fundamental elements of- wealth. California is the chief recipient of the vast profits derived from the mines of Nevada.

The product of the Comstock mines, the wonder of tho world, flows in a steady stream to tho commercial metropolis of California, und from thence largely finds its way to the pockets of the people of that State who are engaged in producing the necessaries and luxuries of life. So it ought to be, and so it will bo with the mineral product of Colorado and the Southwest, and the agricultural products of Kansas. These products will all bo needed by the mining population. One interest will support the other. This logic of position, and this comity of trade, will unite to build up communities faster than we dare to predict.

The country can only rise from its depression by industry and economy, through which there will come a production of wealth in excess of our importations nnd consumption. Tho movements of population to new sections is always an incentive to fresh enterprise and more channels of trade. Tho opening up of the great Arkansas Valley, and the vast mineral deposits of San Juan, will attract the attention of enterprising and progressive men in all parts of the country, and the time is not far distant when Southwestern Kansas and Southwestern Colorado will be in advance of any other portion of the United States in agricultural and mineral production. Del Norte, til Metropolis of the San Lois Valley, Id the county scat of Itio Grande county, situated on the south bank of the Rio Grande at the point where the river debouches from the moun-tains, and on tho wnst side of the San Luis Valley. It is 150 miles southwest from Tuoblo, tho present terminus of the Atchison, Topeka Santa Fe Railroad, and 125 miles west from Cuchuras, the nearest point on the Denver Rio Grande (narrow-gauge) Railroad.

It is tho largest and most important town in tho San uan region, containing a population of over 2,000, and rapidly increasing, with many fine brick and stone business houses, fine residences and good hotels. The Sun Juan Prospector devoted to the interests of the Sun Juan country, is published hero. Three good schools are in operation, has throe church organizations, a public library and a ree rending room. Two substantial bridges span the river, and another seven miles below tho town. Buildiug material is abundant and cheap.

Native pine lumber sells at $23.00 per thousand feet. Brick 7.00 to $9.00. Building stone is abundant. The Rio Grande furnishes fine water power. Well water is soft and pure.

The climate is delightful summer and winter, tho thermometer seldom rising in summer above 85 degrees, and in winter seldom falls below zero. For the past six years snow bus not fallen during the winter to exceed five Inches in depth, and seldom remains upon the ground more than twenty-four hours. The town is built upon a gravelly bed, and is never muddy even in the rainy season. Threa million pounds of freight were received by the merchants of Del Norte during the year 1875. The Del Norte and Antelope Fnrk, and the Antelope Park and Lake City toll roads built with a grade not exceeding fifteen feet in one hundred, and over which an ordinary mule team can draw from twenty to twenty-five hundred pounds.

These roads connect with othors to all mining districts west. The merchants of Del Norte carry full stocks of goods, and complete outfits for the mines can bo obtained. SAGUACIIE. This town Is situated on Saguache creek, three miles west of the San Luis Valley, distant from Pueblo via Canon City 150 miles, and from Cucharas 140 miles. The town contains a population of 800, with fine brick and wooden buildings, a number of good stores, two church organizations and an excellent school.

The Chronicle, devoted to mining and agricultural interests, is published here. The merchants carry complete stocks of goods. The Saguache and Lake City toll road follows up Saguache creek and through the Cochetopa Pass to Luke City, distance 100 miles. Several fine dairies are in the immediate vicinity. The distance from Del Norte is 35 miles.

LAKE CITY The mining center of Lake district, and the county seat of Hinsdale county, containing a population of 700, is situated on the lake fork of the Gunnison river at the junction of Henson creek, surrounded by lofty mountains and innumerable rich mines. The roads from Del Norte and Saguache meet here. A goad road runs from Lake City to the head of the Animas and Uncompahgre district. A road is also being built up Henson creek. The Silver World is published here.

Smelting and reduction works will soon be in operation. SILVERTON, Tho county seat of San Juan county, is situated in Bakers Park, on the Animas river, 285 miles from Pueblo. It is the most important mining town in the mountains, with a population of GOO. The smelting works of Green with a capacity of twenty tons daily, and the Rough and Ready Smelting Works, with a capacity of ten tons daily, are located here. The town is surrounded by hundreds of mines, Immense bodies of timber, and has good water power.

The La Plata Miner, a mining journal, is published at Silverton. MINERAL CITY Is situated near the head of the Uncompahgre, and may be called the apex of the continent. Elevation, 11,000 feet. The town consists of about twenty houses. Here are located the concentrating works of the Dakota and San Juan Company.

The town is completely environed with mines, which are under an advanced state of development, and among the richest in the San Juan country. It is said that several reduction establishments will be put up in this vicinity the coming season. EUREKA The Hot Springs of San Jnan-Tlieir Location and medicinal Qualities. The Hot Springs of Southwestern Colorado are a most remarkable natural phenomenon, and of late years are attracting much attention from the medical world. ThoPagosa Springs, on the Rio San Juan, 70 miles southwest from Del Norte, are the largest in tho country, the main spring measuring eighty-five feet across the surface.

Tho center of tho spring is in constant agitation, bubbling and boiling with a noise that can be heard at a distance. This spring flows as much water as an ordinary mountain stream. The temperature is about 1G0 degrees. Its medicinal properties are sulphur, iron, magnesia, soda, potassium, and other minerals. The springs are owned by Major Henry Foote, of Del Norte, and at no distant day will become one of the most Important resorts for invalids in the Rocky Mountains.

Tho Wagon Wheel Gup Hot Springs are situated thirty miles west from Del Norte, at Wagon Wheel Gap, on the Rio Grande, at an altitude of 8,400 feet. The scenery about the Gap is unsurpassed in Colorado, and, with tho remarkable purity of the atmosphere, salubrity of climate, healing qualities of tho waters, tho locality is becoming famous as a resort for invalids. The pleasure-seeker, too, here finds relief from ennui. The surrounding hills abound in game the elk, antelope, deer, mountain sheep, mountain grouse and rabbit while the Rio Grande and its tributaries are filled with tho sportsmans pride nnd epicures delight mountain trout. Here are two springs.

The one which Is mostly used for bathing purposes has a temperature of 135 degrees. The analysis of the water is about the same as that of Pagosa Springs, with the exception that sulphur and iron predominate. The water is carried some distance in pipes above ground to the bathing houses, containing five small baths and one large plunge bath. The upper spring, twenty rods distant, is an indispensable beverage for all visitors soda and magnesia predominate. The temperature is about the same as the Sulphur Spring.

The effervescing quality of the water is not lost In its combination with other minerals, and is a most palatable and pleasant beverage. It is considered a specific for many of the ills that the human system is heir to especially impaired digestion, dyspepsia, all liver and kidney complaints, and, with the baths, a sure cure for rheumatism, neuralgia, and all chronic diseases of the blood. Commodious hotels, cottages and villas will soon cover the adjoining slopes, and within a year or two these springs will become as great a resort for the people of the East as they now are for the citizens of Colorado. The Del Norte and Antelope Park toll road to the Lake, Animas, Eureka, Uncompahgre and other mining districts in San Juan, passes these Springs, and Barlow Sandersons Southern Overland Mail and Express Coaches pass daily. A post office and stage station give good mail and traveling facilities.

There are also numerous hot springs on the Uncompahgre, near Antelope Park, on the Itio Grande, north of Del Norte on the west side of the San Luis Valley, and in the valley of the Cavolla River between Saguache and Lake City. 1 A i 5, i il I An Invitation to San Juan Who Ought to Go There I In an interesting article on resources of San Juan the Silver World says that this is essentially a mining country. The great attraction is in its mines, and it is its boundless prospects in this respect that has created tho enthusiasm that prevails among all who have visited us. In this respect we have no hesitancy in inviting all persons interested, or who desire to become interested in mining, to come and cast their lot with us. For this pursuit, in all its various branches and accompanying industries, we can conscientiously say that we believe there is no spot on earth which equals it.

It is a country of grand certainties and unimagined possibilities. Here we have a region of rugged mountains seamed with monster silver-bearing veins, so numerous in many places that one scarcely steps from the territory of one rich prospect before being within the boundaries of another. And so rich is the mineral in many of the veins that it creates a feeling of distrust, so well-established is the old adage, rich jewels are found in small caskets. The simple truth is disbelieved by persons who have been accustomed to the ores of other regions. It is to such a field as this that we invite the attention of all, but more particularly that of mining men.

Not but that the merchant, mechanic and laborer are also essential to the prosperity of the country, but these branches may possibly be overcrowded in time, and we should be blamed for having misled them. But in actual mining operations, whether working them, speculating in their purchase or sale, or reducing the ores, there is room enough for all. The country, as regards its development, is yet in its infancy, and the present is the golden moment which all later comers will regret that they had not seized upon. Tlie Switzerland of America. The San Juan country, and in fact all of Central and Southern Colorado, in its pure atmosphere, grand mountains and beautiful valleys, is pre-eminently the Switzerland of America.

No other portion of the American Continent is so healthful and invigorating to tho invalid, Nowhere' is there so great a variety of scenery. In the San Luis Valley the climate ot both summer and winter is perfectly charming, as there are no extremes of heat and cold. During all the year snow is seen upon the lofty peaks of the surrounding mountains. The water is pure and cold. The air is perfectly free from the miasma of the Southern and Central States.

Here the seeker after health will find an atmosphere more charming than in foreign lands, and the country more picturesque and varied than anywhere else on the face of the globe. The invalid can now reach Dei Norte, Saguache, the Hot Sulphur Springs at Wagon Wheel Gap, or any portion of the San Luis Valley, via the Atiffiison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad to Pueblo, and thence via Canon City, or Cucharas, as easy and with less expense than any other portion of Colorado. Already the tide of travel is turned to Southern Colorado, and those in search of business, health or pleasure will not regr a journey to this beautiful and interesting region. Lieut. George M.

Wheeler, engaged for the last three years in geographical explorations and surveys west of the one hundredth meridian, says, in his report of 1875, that By common consent of the most intelligent persons among the little settlements along the Conejos, the climate is unsurpassed certainly during our stay of a few days in August in this vicinity nothing better could have been desired the warmth of the day being succeeded by the still coolness of the night, that in the dry plateau regions lends a charm inexplicable, and affords security from disease not usually appreciated. Is situated five miles above Ho wards vill9, at the junction of Eureka Gulch with the Animas river. The place has fifteen or twenty houses, post office and grocery siore, and is the center of an extensive mining district. ANIMAS FORKS, A brisk mining camp twenty-one miles above Silverton, and thirty-six miles from Lake City, has a population of 250. Situated at this place are the reduction works, San Juan Smelting and Refining and the Graham Silver Mining Co.

Altitude, 10,800 fjet. OURAY. A new town on the Uncompahgre river, at the junction of Canon Creek, at tho base of the mountains, with an elevation of 6000 feet. Distance from Pueblo to Ouray, 280 miles; fromDel Norte, 130 miles; from Saguache, 130 miles from Lake City, 40 miles. It is favorably located, and will soon, no doubt, become a mining town of considerable importance.

A number of hot mineral springs are in the immediate vicinity. Works for the reduction of ores are already contemplated. HOWARDSVILLE. This mining camp is situated towards the north end ol Bakers Park, at the mouth of Cunningham Gulch, 100 miles west of Del Norte. Population, 300.

PARROTT CITY Is the county seat of La Plata county. Laid out in 1874. Population, 200. Distance to Silverton, 60 miles Pagosa Springs, 80 miles Del Norte, 170 miles; Pueblo, 330 miles. CUCHARAS.

New town in Las Animas county, on the main line of the Denver Rio Grande Railroad, southern extension. Daily mail, express and stages. Western Union Telegraph. Population, 400. Distance to Pueblo, 50 miles Trinidad, 40 miles; Del Norte, 125 miles.

FORT GARLAND. ThD military post is situated in the San Luis Valley, near Sangre do Cristo Pass. It was established in 1858, successor to old Fort Massachusetts, which was seven miles distant. Daily mail and express. Western Union Telegraph.

Distance to Pueblo, 85 miles; Del Norte, GO miles Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1G5 miles. Placer Nines on the La Plata. The Gold Placer Mines of tho La Plata Valley, In the vicinity of Parrott City, are said to cover an area of about ten miles long and from one and one-half to two and one-half miles wide. They have an average depth of forty feet from the surface to the bed-rock, and have thus far been worked by hydraulic process. It is claimed that the yield has been $10 per day to each man.

These placers will be actively worked the coming season, and will give employment to a large number of men. No Indians in San Juan. To those contemplating a journey to San Juan, we would say that there is no more danger from Indians than there is in the Eastern States. The Ute Indians occupy the territory immediately surrounding their agency, and are seldom seen in the settlements south of Colorado Springs. They are friendly when met, and have been friends of the white man for a period of over twenty-six years.

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