Troubled Trails: The Meeker Affair and the Expulsion of Utes from Colorado

by Robert Silbernagel, Floyd O'Neil (Foreword)

When U.S. Cavalry troops rode onto the Ute Indian Reservation in northwestern Colorado on September 29, 1879, they triggered a chain of events that cost the Utes their a deadly battle at Milk Creek, the killing of all men at the Indian agency headed by Nathan Meeker, and the taking of three women and two children who were held hostage for 23 days. The Utes didn’t seek a fight with the whites, most of whom they viewed as friends. However, powerful whites in Colorado wanted the Utes expelled. The Meeker affair was an opportunity to achieve that.

In Troubled Trails , Robert Silbernagel casts new light on the story of the Meeker Affair. Using details from historical interview transcripts and newspaper articles, he reveals the personalities of the major characters—both Indian and non-Indian. He tells the story from many perspectives, including that of Indian Agent Nathan Meeker; the U.S. military; Nicaagat, a leader of the White River Utes; and Josephine Meeker, Nathan Meeker’s daughter, who was held hostage by the Utes. Silbernagel took great pains to tell a complete story, even following on horseback the trail taken by the Utes. As a result, his book paints a multifaceted picture of what took place and, most importantly, his portrayal brings the Ute side of the story into focus.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, History

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2011

About the author

Robert Silbernagel is a retired journalist and history writer who lives in Western Colorado with his wife, Judy.
In addition to books, he writes a regular history column for The Daily Sentinel in Grand Junction, Colorado. It's online at gjsentinel.com

Reviews

[Steve Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this a few years ago after buying it from a local bookstore and then getting it signed by author Bob Silbernagel ... then I set it down after about 40 pages because of other books and just life... I finally picked it up again and it is my favorite Silbernagel book to date. A fantastically researched and explained account of the Utes in Colorado and the Meeker Affair that led to their ultimate expulsion from the state. It is nuanced and clear. Silbernagel remains true to the history and fair to those involved. I highly recommend.

[Ike Rakiecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well-researched book about the events leading up to the Meeker Incident and the eventual removal of the White Mesa and Uncompahgre Utes from Colorado to the Uintah Reservation in Utah. It included abundant information that typically is not covered in other readings on the topic. One of the key figures was Nicaagat, a Ute leader who died trying to make peace or at least work towards a less difficult resolution to the conflict between the white settlers and the Ute People.

[Kayler Rose Publishing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Very well written and well researched. Wonderful how it told about the episode from the Utes point of view also. I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the Meeker Affair. I couldn't put it down. I felt as if I were there on the trail with Josey and Nicaagat.