E32 - Disturbance: Golden City, 1859

Today we add Golden City to the West Kansas Territory (future Colorado) - July of 1859. The Boston Company arrives in Golden on June 12, after helping Thomas Gibson with that EXTRA (from episode 13) - a printing job for the Rocky Mountain News. The group land in Golden (nameless at the time) and finds the location perfect for a supply town. First, a Quick Look at Golden's interesting geology, then we dive into Parfet Park... Why you ask? Parfet Park (10th street and Washington Ave.) was the location of the first (permanent) structure in Golden, built by members of The Boston Company. Golden City is platted in Clear Creek Valley, the new town grows rapidly, but, it becomes evident that a major oversight has been committed, there's neither law, nor a lawman - no court, no judge, no lawyers, no jail! - This "system" is tested in September of 1859 - A drunken local businessman gets a little "too" wild for the townspeople. A "desperado" he is later labeled... Mr. Vanover, in his intoxicated condition, made some threats, shot his revolver at some kitchenware - he yelled a lot, and he was (supposedly) a wanted man (for what crimes nobody knew) - but he never touched anybody - BUT, he didn't hurt anyone. Edgar's threats of violence alarmed the townsfolk, and by the afternoon, after chasing him into a nearby cabin, his fate was "calmly" discussed by the crowd. By the "town." The two options: Banishment or execution. A vote ensued, and banishment was NOT the winner! Moments later, Edgar Vanover was hanging dead; his body attached to a meat gallows by the neck. After the lynching, he was buried in the vagrant section of the town cemetery (Cemetery Hill, now Goldco Circle between first fifth streets) - he's still there. Vanover is later honored by the town of Golden... In 2006, Vanover Park was dedicated - but you won't find a historical marker there telling THIS story... Summary justice in the wild, wild, West. Kansas Territory, 1859