Many centuries before the glitter of gold lured miners, trappers, and traders to the banks of Cherry Creek, the Native American, or Indians as the pioneers called them, made their homes along the banks of the meandering stream. Recent discoveries near the Rueter-Hess Reservoir indicate that some of the ancient people lived in the area from 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. The creek banks and early "house pits" provided shelter from winter winds and summer heat. Water and game were plentiful. Chokecherries, plums, juniper berries, and corn provided sustenance for the tribes.

Clay from deposits along the creek furnished the ancient residents with the material to craft utilitarian pottery and some ceramic crafts. Local deposits of petrified wood provided the raw material for stone tools and projectile points (arrowheads). Centennial Archaeology, Inc under the direction of chief archaeologist Erik Gantt shared information and a plethora of objects with the Parker Historical Society members in April. Leading one to conclude that tribes around the area were not nomadic but lived in the area. Other settlements in the Franktown caves also reinforce this conclusion.

As the pioneers moved into the area, members of roaming bands of Cheyenne, Kiowa, Ute, Arapaho, and occasional Sioux greeted them. Supplies of bison, deer, elk, antelope and smaller game-rabbits, ducks, beaver, and raccoon supplied the natives with adequate food.

By the 1880's, the creek banks were lined with tepees. Later deceased Hilltop resident, Bill Higman, sketched and painted a picture of the winter homes from a photo taken during that time.

Elizabeth Penneck Tallman related her experience with Parker's Indians in several articles printed by Colorado Magazine. Elizabeth explained that the Ute's, particularly the tribes headed by Chief Washington, Chief Ouray, and Chief Colorow used the trail up Tallman gulch to leave Cherry Creek and travel to their hunting grounds along Coal Creek and Running Creek.

Chief Washington took interest in John and Elizabeth Tallman and would stop by beg for food or barter. On one occasion, Chief Washington wanted to barter for the Tallman's son, Strafford, who had red hair. He offered Elizabeth one Indian pony, then continued to escalate the offer to twenty ponies. He became disgruntled when Elizabeth flatly refused.

Another time, Elizabeth returned from shutting up the animals for the night to find twelve braves sitting in her kitchen. Through sign language, they were able to invite Elizabeth to a scalp dance they were having that night. Since John was not at home, Elizabeth declined the offer but explained that all night she could hear the drums and chanting as the braves danced around the fire.

With advancing settlement, tribes were eventually forced into reservations. The Utes were moved to southwestern Colorado, but the Native Americans had left their mark on the Parker area.

Join Sandy Whelchel at 20-Mile Coffee and Books from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 10, 2006 for a book signing of her new book, Hide and Seek or her Parker History book.