Tribune Opinion: Permanent marker, celebration will help mark anniversary of Dearfield
September 22, 2010
Weld County has a rich history, reflective of frontier tradition and westward movement.
From the creation of the Union Colony to the trading forts that dotted the shores of the Platte and Poudre rivers, our history tells the story of dreams and aspirations for a better life.
Nowhere is that more evident than in Dearfield, a community created by African Americans 100 years ago
25 miles east of Greeley.
This Sunday, Dearfield, most of which has been lost to the deterioration of time, will be honored with a permanent historic marker and a celebration that will include music, food and libations. The event is from noon-5 p.m. 25 miles east of Greeley off U.S. 34.
It is important Dearfield is remembered, not only for its uniqueness and historical significance, but also for the spirit in which this ill-fated town was established.
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Dearfield was founded in 1910 by Oliver Toussaint Jackson, an entrepreneur and messenger. Jackson filed a desert claim for 320 acres in Weld County to establish a black agricultural colony. One of its residents claimed “the fields will be very dear to us,” thus giving the community its name.
Early years of Dearfield were tough, full of struggle and starvation as the inexperience farmers tried to have successful crops on arid land.
But perseverance and hard work paid off, and the community’s crops were in high demand during World War I, when food was at a premium.
At its peak, 60 families made their home in Dearfield. But like many areas of the country, it would eventually fall victim to the drought and Great Depression of the 1930s. By 1940, only 12 people remained in Dearfield.
In 1995, Dearfield was placed on the National Historic Registry, and since, the Black America West Museum of Denver and Weld County residents have worked to preserve and restore some of the homes.
Dearfield is a significant, original and historic part of Weld County’s past, and we are pleased to see it honored on its 100th anniversary. If you haven’t, Dearfield is definitely worth the trip east, and the new interpretive marker will make it easier to find.
We appreciate the efforts of local politicians and residents who have helped to preserve and recognize this important part of our history.
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