In the early 19^th century, various fur trapping companies set up posts along the front range of the Rocky Mountains in what is now Colorado: Bent and St. Vrain (Fort Lookout), Sublette and Vasquez, Fort Jackson, and Fort Lupton. These “forts” were built in the 1830s within 10 miles of the South Platte River” forming a chain connecting the fur traders.

Trappers based at these forts and working for larger companies went out into the wilderness to trap beaver and buffalo or to trade with the various native tribes living in the area including the Arapahoe, Cheyenne, and occasionally the Crows, Pawnees, Shoshones and Blackfeet. Many of the pelts collected by the trappers, either through trapping or trade, would be collected or sent back east for sale.

It is difficult to track the movements of the trappers as there is little written evidence of their travels, but a few were known to have traveled along the South Platte River and likely through the Fort Morgan area.

Gold Seekers through Fort Morgan: Journals from 1859

The earliest travelers set off for the Rocky Mountains even before it was certain there was gold. Confirmation wouldn't come late in the summer of 1858; anyone setting off after that point would face the cold winter of the plains and arrive when little gold could be prospected. So, most, left for the gold fields as soon as possible the following spring. 

Some of the travelers reported meeting Indians, there were Cheyenne, Arapahoe, and Sioux in the area at the time, but in 1859, the whites were more a curiosity than a threat. Edward Dunsha Steele reported passing “a Camp of Shians [Cheyennes] on Bever [Beaver] Creek” on July 23^rd and after remaining in camp on the 24^th “it being Sunday – were visited by Shian [sic] Indians – also by a distinguished Sioux called Red Plume”.