Fort Morgan - Eastern Colorado

• Fort Morgan Featured Advertisers »
• All Fort Morgan Advertisers »
• Fort Morgan Calendar of Events »
• Fort Morgan RV Sales, Service & Rentals »
• Fort Morgan Area Maps »
• Where is Fort Morgan »

 

The town of Fort Morgan was named in honor of Colonel Christopher A. Morgan of the United States Volunteers. The town was once just a fort, built in 1865 by confederate soldiers released from prison under the condition that they would move to the west to fight Indians. The fort stood as the only military presence between Julesburg and the more populated areas near the mountains, protecting the mail service and pioneers along the Overland Trail. But when the Union Pacific Railroad was finished in the area, the fort was destroyed and the 1200 soldiers moved on to Fort Laramie. It wasn't until 1884 when Abner S. Baker began an irrigation project for the area that the town of Fort Morgan became a thriving agricultural community. The improvement of the area was so impressive that in 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt stopped on his trip cross country to congratulate the people for their hard work in creating a strong town.

Today, there is no visible remains of the fort in the area. However, the area is now known as the commercial and retail hub for all of Northeastern Colorado. The area that was once only known for it's farming is now more diverse with a manufacturing sector of 22% (higher than most other places in the country) and international exporting. The area also boasts a population just over 11,000 and over 40 acres of parks to enjoy during the spring and summer months. Be sure to stop by the Fort Morgan Museum, dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting Fort Morgan culture and history.

9 miles east of Fort Morgan is the small town of Brush, Colorado. This food and energy hub of the plains is one of the few cities in the state that has its own water wells with water so pure that chlorination is not required before it is put into distribution. This town is named in honor of Jared L. Brush, a Colorado cattle pioneer.

Rocky Mountain Wildlife in Keenesburg Colorado

The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg is open for Visitors every day -- 7 days a week except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day and bad weather. You'll be welcomed by TWAS staff and volunteers, where you'll pay your entrance fee and receive an orientation about the Sanctuary's work, as well as the rules and regulations. From there, you'll take a guide book and walk on observation decks above the animals. TWAS has more than 220 Lions, Tigers, Bears, Leopards, Mountain Lions, Wolves, and a few smaller carnivores such as Bobcats, Lynx, Foxes, and Coyote. They have also rescued 3 Horses, 4 Emu, a Camel, as well as Cats, Dogs, Parrots and other Birds. Most visitors stay an hour or two, but you are welcome to stay as long as you like while we're open. Most ramps and decks are wheel-chair and stroller accessible.

Fort Morgan is located 80 miles northeast of Denver, at US Interstate 76 and US Highway 34.

Fort Morgan is near: Julesburg & Sterling

All Fort Morgan Advertisers

Jackson Lake State Park
The park, located near Orchard, is known for its warm-water, with sandy bottom and shore offering 242 campsites, boating, wildlife viewing, OHV area, fishing, and swimming on a 2,500-acre lake.

For More Information Contact:

Fort Morgan Maps

Scenic Byway Maps
Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic Byway

Return to the Top

The Colorado Vacation Directory

Colorado State Map

E-Newsletter Mailing List