Library Symposium to Celebrate 150th Anniversary of the Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush

Colorado Springs, Colo. - The 6th annual Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium, “Rush to the Rockies! The 1859 Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush,” will transport those attending the free event to a time that transformed the West. The symposium will be held June 6 at East Library, 5550 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs.

Presenters will share their knowledge on the transforming times, characters, and forces that resulted from the gold rush 150 years ago. Speakers will tell the stories of those who traveled the Smokey Hill Trail, who photographed the booming region, and who made new lives for themselves during tough economic times.

The lives of women, miners, and even pack animals, will be discussed, as well as Indian removal and the Sand Creek Massacre. Chautauqua performances of Augusta Tabor and Winfield Scott Stratton will follow a complimentary light lunch.

Reservations are required for this free event. Call (719) 531-6333, ext. 2253, or register online at http:\\ppld.org. The symposium will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a reception and authors' book signing.

Presenters will include: Matt Mayberry, Lee Whiteley, Nancy K. Prince, Ed and Nancy Bathke, Joanne Dodds, Gayle Gresham, Linda Bjorklund, Ginny Kilander, Mary Jane Bradbury, Richard Marold, John M. Hutchins, Earl Pittman, Katherine Scott Sturdevant and Stephen Collins.