History and Demographics

History

Did you know that Del Norte was on the shortlist to be the Colorado state capital? [5]

Del Norte’s name was inspired by its location, where the Rio Grande del Norte, ‘large river of the north’ flows into the San Luis Valley. The area was first inhabited by Ute tribes in warmer months seeking wild game, plants, water, and timber, with Spain and Mexico following suit. Land grants issued by Mexico encouraged settlement, but this proved difficult as Utes fought to preserve their sovereignty. After the U.S.- Mexican War, Euro-American migration accelerated and the town was formed In 1871. Del Norte quickly grew as a supply station for freighters and miners from the East Coast and Europe. Now, it’s a gateway for gravel cyclists to access the unpaved roads and trails of the Rio Grande National Forest, and the renowned Continental Divide Bike Route. [1]

Founded in 1871, Del Norte was the main service and financial supply center for mining activities in the San Luis Valley. [8] Del Norte is the county seat of Rio Grande County, [9] and has a population of 1,458 [10] .

Human habitation in the San Luis valley dates back to nealy 10,000 BC when nomadic people called Folsom Man hunted in the region. Around 1300 AD the members of the Ute Tribes are believed to use the area for hunting and gathering. The Spanish exploration of the region began in the late 16th century as they explored the area for gold. [9] The land was transferred to the United States after the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo in 1848 and the surrounding San Juan Mountains were opened to mining with the signing of the Brunot Treaty in 1873 brokered by Chief Ouray of the Ute people [10].

Current economic sectors are led by Health care (22.7%) Construction (13.7%) Retail (10%) Accomodation and Food Services (8.3%) and Agriculture (7.3%) while recreation only counts for 0.6% [11]

No Labradors were harmed in the filming of this video.