The Homestead Act was passed by congress in 1862. It gave citizens (or intended citizens) willing to work the land for 5 years the title to 180 acres. This is an example of a final homestead certificate from Elbert County. Pete Sanchez Papers, LHC. |
The Tyson Family homesteaded about 3 miles south of Castle Rock. They were killed in a flash flood of West Plum Creek in 1864. Douglas County History Research Center #1995.060. |
The Twenty Mile house provided a respite for travelers on the Cherokee Trail. It was built in 1864. Douglas County History Research Center #1992.011 |
The Oaklands School was established in 1866. The building is currently located at South Elementary School in Castle Rock.
Drawing by Mary Cornish, LHC |
Benjamin Quick was an early settler of the area around Perry Park in the south central portion of Douglas County. From Portrait and Biographical Record of Denver and Vicinity (in LHC). |
George Manhart's store provided supplies and mail to the early town of Round Corral (later called Sedalia.) Douglas County History Research Center #687.567 |
William Henry Jackson was the photographer with the Hayden Survey to study the western area of the United States. This photo was originally a plate glass negative of an area in Perry Park.
Photo courtesy the Denver Public Library Western History Collection. |
Douglas County's first courthouse in Castle Rock still stands on 4th Street. It is sometimes known as the Cantril Courthouse after William Cantril who was the contractor that built it. LHC #678.03. |
