Town of Rico

History of Rico

Spanish for "rich," Rico's wealth lies in its mines and the accompanying history. Trappers first worked the valley in 1832-33, taking mainly beaver and other fur-bearing animals. The first gold was discovered in 1866 by Colonel Nash, a Texan who led a team of 18 prospectors. His work was cut short, and in 1869 Sheldon Shafer and Joseph Fearheiler, prospectors heading for Montana, uncovered Nash's beginnings.

The Utes drove away many initial miners, and the mining rush didn't truly begin until 1878 when the Utes signed the Brunot Agreement, thus surrendering their land claims in the San Juan Mountains.