The Rockies
Majestic, inspiring, and seductive, the Rocky Mountains dominate the American mid-western landscape. These mountain ranges are America's greatest natural wonder and house many of the nation's national parks, including the first designated national park, and most famous, Yellowstone. The Rockies are home to a vast array of wildlife and provide a temporary refuge to millions of tourists who seek to hike its peaks, ski its slopes or ride its rivers. But the Rockies can be as dangerous as they are beautiful. Sudden changes in weather and conditions can quickly turn a pleasure excursion into a struggle for survival. The Rockies would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture, Natural History, Ecology, and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.
Taming the Mountains
From railroad magnates to skiers to rock climbers, many have tried to tame the mountains. But as many have known over the centuries, you may enjoy and use the mountains for economic gain, but you can never tame them.
OBJECTIVES: Students will examine the history and cultural impact of America's greatest mountain ranges. They will explore the terrain of the ranges as well as the role of the Rocky Mountains in American history and American culture.
NATIONAL STANDARDS:
The Rockies fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: Chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, historical research capabilities, historical issues-analysis and decision-making for Eras 1—10.
Discussion Questions
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The Rockies are millions of years old, yet geologists consider them to be young. How can this be? Why do geologists consider these ancient mountains to be veritable youngsters?
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The Rocky Mountains posed a formidable obstacle to travelers in the past. How did travelers circumvent the Rockies in the first century after the founding of the United States?
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Silverton is in southwest Colorado. How did this town get its name?
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Discuss some of the difficulties railroad builder William Jackson Palmer and his workers faced in building the Durango-Silverton Railroad.
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Wealthy easterners provided the financial backing necessary for William Jackson Palmer to build his railroad. Why were these financial backers willing to finance the risky venture?
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How did Palmer's railroad change the town of Silverton?
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Silverton turned into a
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Tourists today can ride the restored Durango-Silverton Railroad. How is this railroad a
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Discuss the challenges and difficulties of building a road through Glacier National Park using Logan's Pass.
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John Turner was a potato farmer in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. How did his farm evolve into the Triangle X Ranch?
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Using a corporation as a cover, John D. Rockeller, one of the richest men in American history, bought up thousands of acres in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Why? Did his ends justify his means?
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How did Rockefeller's land become part of Grand Teton National Park?
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Discuss the origins and military history of Colorado's ski resorts.
Extended Activities
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On a global map, trace the route travelers, explorers and settlers used to pass the Rockies before the railroads.
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Create a vacation brochure luring tourists to spend their vacation, and their vacation dollars, in the Rocky Mountains.
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Imagine that you are a member of the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. Write a letter home to your family telling of your experiences and adventures as a
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Primary Sources
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(Published posthumously by the Gazette, April 8, 1923)
The following account of the founding of Colorado Springs was given in 1896 by city founder Gen. William Jackson Palmer, a veteran of the Civil War and builder of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad, at the 25th anniversary celebration of the city's founding. In the address, Palmer read personal letters he had written at the time to illustrate his first impressions of the Pikes Peak region. The Gazette reprinted the entire address on April 8, 1923.
Air Dates
