Page 21 - Lariat Loop

The constitution was written October 24, 1859 by Robert W. Steele, a lawyer who had worked in the Nebraska legislature and was elected governor of the Je erson Territory. He was known for great honesty and love for justice. Steele’s homesite of 1859-61 was honored by the Daughters of Colorado. Preacher Dr. Joseph Casto advertised in the Rocky Mountain News and The Golden Mountaineer that building lots were available at no cost to anyone who would build on them.
In 1859, three cities within miles of one another, Mount Vernon, Golden City, and Golden Gate City incorporated within the new Je erson Territory, and the geographic boundaries of Je erson County were drawn. The territorial capital moved to Golden until Denver took it in 1868.
In 1888, William Matthews bought four full town lots. Nick Matthews, William’s descendent, sold 353 acres to the new Je erson County Open Space Program and William Winters also sold to Open Space in 1974. Open Space has contracted for
several cultural studies, which document evidence of the prehistoric and historic uses of Matthews/ Winters Park.
Historic Mount Vernon towne home still stands.
Lariat Loop Scenic & Historic Byway 17
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