History Of Salida:

The History of Salida and the surrounding area is a rich mix of many influences. The Ute Indians, for whom many of the local mountain peaks are named, originally settled the area. Chaffee County was established in 1879 and named for Jerome Chaffee, a United States Senator and local investor. Salida was incorporated a year later, in 1880. Early in its history, the area experienced an influx of explorers, miners, railroad expansionists, farmers and ranchers. The influence of each has dwindled over the years, but their mark on the history of the area is evident throughout the valley. For a complete historical timeline of Salida and Chaffee County including many old newspaper articles.