Summer/Fall 2025 - The Domínguez and Escalante Expedition in Ute Country

Just weeks after American colonists launched a revolution that would lead to a new nation, two Spanish priests took a small expedition deep into the heart of Colorado. Theirs was a mission of discovery, conversion, commerce, and empire. But, as State Historian’s Council member Nick Saenz points out in this issue’s cover article, the Domínguez and Escalante expedition was entering an Indigenous space—the homelands of many Tribes whose central role in the story has largely been ignored. We’re thrilled to bring you this fresh look at one of the most famous moments in Colorado history, all new from The Colorado Magazine!

Also in this issue: a look at the historical stories sitting right under our noses in Trinidad; the story of the oldest surviving photo of Colorado and the man who made it; and a modern take on the tale of “Baby Doe” Tabor.

All of this plus a thoughtful critique of our national dialogue around museums from another State Historian, Claire Oberon Garcia of Colorado College. It’s a jam-packed new issue of The Colorado Magazine! 

Thank you for supporting our work! We couldn’t do it without you.

—Sam Bock, Managing Editor and Director of Publications

Join our digital volunteer network on Zooniverse and help us transcribe documents. As a way to make our collection more accessible, this work will create additional resources and knowledge about Colorado history and will have significant impact for researchers throughout the world. 

From oral histories to lectures to in-depth stories about special Colorado people and places, our podcasts offer opportunities to learn more about our state and its history.