Ouray: Chief of the Utes

by P. David Smith

A fascinating account of Colorado's most famous and controversial Indian chief. A man of keen perceptions and a talented diplomat, a negotiator and a peacekeeper, many believe Ouray was the greatest of all chiefs.

Genres: History

222 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1987

Reviews

[John Nelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the late nineteenth century, Colorado's legislature decided to honor important figures from the state's founding era with stained glass portraits placed in the third floor rotunda of the state capitol. These portraits became known as Colorado's Circle of Fame.

The selection of the honorees proved to be more difficult than anticipated. Colorado was a small and provincial state. Every candidate but one, no matter how august and worthy, had made enemies who vigorously opposed his selection. The one exception, and the first person to be honored, was Ute Indian Chief Ouray, who worked throughout his life to promote peace between Indians and white citizens of the state.

Not too long ago, virtually every elementary school student in the state knew this story. Now, it is virtually forgotten. The schools no doubt have moved on to a more politically correct, and less substantive, version of history.

This biography of Ouray is written by attorney and amateur historian P. David Smith, who, fittingly enough, lives in the small town of Ouray, Colorado, located high in southwestern Colorado's San Juan Mountains. His hometown's name is just one of several places in Colorado bearing Ouray's name. Incidentally, for people whose memories go back to the 1970s, Ouray was the residence of C.W. McCall, who briefly became famous when his song "Convoy" hit the charts.

Another place bearing Ouray's name is Camp Chief Ouray, a YMCA camp located in Grand County, Colorado, at least 250 highway miles from the town of Ouray. Many native Coloradoans fondly remember attending camp there, or at least spending the weekend, and I myself was a counselor at CCO during the mid-1980s. All of these points are reminders of how well known Ouray's name once was in Colorado.

Unfortunately, this biography does not do much to bring Ouray back to prominence. The writing often is amateurish (it's unnecessary and annoying for the author to emphasize points he considers especially important with an exclamation point!), and I got a better feel for Ouray's character from an article in American Heritage Magazine some years back. Surprisingly, the honoring of Ouray in the Circle of Fame is not even mentioned in this book. On the other hand, the book does a competent job of covering the major events of Ouray's life, and contains some worthwhile photographs of Ouray, the Utes, and nineteenth century life in Colorado in general.

[Robert Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best Colorado history book I have ever read. The same thing happened to the Utes in Colorado that happened to every other tribe in the United States. The stories are remarkably similar. Ute territory was close to 50% of Colorado. As settlement and opportunity increased, we found ways to intrude and provoke until someone got hurt. That served as justification to take more, and displace people and their way of life. Ouray understood that history and was tactical in ensuring the Utes kept territory longer than other tribes. His tactics made him controversial with his own people. Ironically, the Utes were removed from land through the beautiful, and rugged San Juan mountain, Sanger de Cristos, and other spectacular ranges in Colorado to the desert of Utah. Utah, of course, named for the Utes meaning “people of the mountains.” This book is not particularly well written, but it is incredibly well researched and anyone with an inclination to learn some history would appreciate it.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

While spending some time in Colorado, I wanted to read local history. I am familiar with the Uintah-Ouray reservation in eastern Utah and was intrigued by this chief I knew nothing about. I felt I should. My first surprise is that the Utes lived primarily in western Colorado. I was taught the Mormons met with Utes when they arrived in Utah in 1847. I am less certain that Walkara and Tabiona were Ute. I thought that the Utes, like the Dine/Navajo, still lived on ancestral homelands. This is not the case. The Utes were moved away to less desirable land, like almost all Native Americans.
The first chapters are rough, but the reading becomes easier as the author finds his stride. He was neither journalist or historian, but the story itself is compelling.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Language is very outdated. Still, appreciated reading in the context of the times and liked the addition of historic photographs

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Streets, a town, a county, and many other landmarks in Western Colorado bear his name, and rightly so, for Chief Ouray was a wise and brave leader with a fascinating biography. Smith's presentation is solid and informative, and rewards the reader with a well rounded understanding of the man, his people, and the broken promises that swallowed up their land. Of particular interest is the duality of peace and violence that dwelt within the man. He was a fearless Ute/Apache warrior who did not hesitate to kill as means of preserving the larger peace. Smith's description of Ouray's killing of Hot Stuff (named so because of an accident with a chemistry set) led me to seek out the exact spot while visiting the Ute Indian Museum near Montrose, CO. Not sure if I found the spot, but the museum is well worth visiting and admission is only three dollars.

[Sean Brady]

Classy guy. Tough task. Transitioning from Indian rule in Colorado to the white man. Realizing the reality of the situation and delaying the inevitable. Dealing with white men lying and making the Utes realize the reality of the situation.