The River of Lost Souls, Colorado
By Charles M. Skinner in 1896
Nestled within the rugged landscape of Colorado, a river flows, steeped in mystery and shadowed by a haunting past. It is a waterway known by many names, each echoing a different chapter in its storied existence, but most famously as The River of Lost Souls, Colorado. This river, a vein of life carving its path through the land, holds within its depths not just water, but also whispers of forgotten soldiers, buried treasure, and unanswered questions that have lingered for centuries. Its story, passed down through generations, speaks of ambition, tragedy, and the enduring power of legend.
The tale originates in a time when Spain held dominion over the vast territories of the American West. A Spanish infantry regiment, dispatched from Santa Fe, New Mexico, received a daunting mission: to forge a communication line with distant Florida and, crucially, to transport a chest laden with gold to St. Augustine, intended to pay the soldiers stationed there. This was no mere stroll across the countryside; it was a perilous undertaking that would test the limits of endurance and courage.
The regiment, accompanied by their families, established a winter encampment near the site of present-day Trinidad, Colorado. The presence of their wives and children offered a semblance of comfort amidst the harsh realities of frontier life. As spring approached, the regiment prepared to continue their journey. The women and camp followers were instructed to remain behind, while the soldiers pressed onward along the canyon carved by the Purgatoire River.
And then, silence. The regiment vanished. They never reached their destination in Florida, nor did they ever return to their families in Trinidad. The mystery surrounding their disappearance became a source of endless speculation and enduring dread. What fate had befallen them?
A multitude of theories arose, each painting a grim picture of potential disaster. Did they attempt to navigate the treacherous currents of the Purgatoire in makeshift boats, only to be overwhelmed by the raging rapids? Were they caught unawares by a sudden and devastating flash flood, swept away into the unforgiving torrent? Perhaps they succumbed to the harsh elements, losing their provisions and perishing from starvation in the arid desert.
Another chilling possibility was that they fell victim to the indigenous peoples of the region. Had the Native Americans, perhaps seeking retribution for past injustices, ambushed the regiment, enacting a brutal revenge? Or did bandits, ever lurking on the fringes of civilization, seize the opportunity to plunder the gold and eliminate any witnesses?
Adding to the intrigue was the possibility of natural hazards. The Purgatoire River, even today, is known for its unpredictable nature. Did the regiment become ensnared in quicksand, sinking into the earth as the river flowed into hidden, subterranean channels? The possibilities were endless, and the truth remained elusive, shrouded in the mists of time.
Years later, an account emerged from an unexpected source. An Indian, speaking to a priest in Santa Fe, recounted a tale of a regiment surrounded by Native American warriors, reminiscent of the fate that befell George Custer’s command in Montana. According to this account, seeing no hope of escape, the colonel, in a desperate attempt to safeguard the gold, ordered it buried. This single, unverified story fueled generations of speculation and treasure hunts.
The legend of the hidden gold, thousands of glittering doubloons concealed somewhere within the canyon, became an irresistible lure. Countless individuals have since been captivated by the allure of riches, investing vast sums of money and countless hours in the search for the lost treasure of The River of Lost Souls, Colorado. Yet, despite their efforts, the gold remains undiscovered, adding another layer to the river’s mystique.
In the wake of the regiment’s disappearance, the Spanish priests, seeking to memorialize the tragic event, christened the waterway El Rio de las Animas Perdidas – The River of Lost Souls, Colorado. The name, heavy with sorrow and remembrance, served as a constant reminder of the lives lost and the mystery that lingered. The sound of the river’s turbulent flow, echoing through the canyon, was interpreted as the lamentations of the vanished soldiers, their spirits forever bound to the waters that claimed them.
As time passed and different cultures came to inhabit the region, the river’s name underwent a series of transformations. French trappers, drawn to the area by the fur trade, softened the Spanish title, renaming it Purgatoire, a French word for Purgatory. This new name, while still evoking a sense of somber reflection, lacked the explicit tragedy of the original.
Later, as American pioneers and "bullwhackers" traversed the plains, the French name was further distorted, evolving into the more colloquial "Picketwire." This final alteration, while stripping away much of the original meaning, became the river’s common name among the English-speaking settlers. However, the Americo-Spaniards, the descendants of the original Spanish settlers, continued to honor the original name and the tragic tale it represented. They kept the tradition alive, offering prayers for the souls of those who vanished in the valley of The River of Lost Souls, Colorado.
The story of The River of Lost Souls, Colorado is more than just a local legend; it’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. It’s a reminder of the human cost of ambition, the fragility of life on the frontier, and the mysteries that continue to captivate our imaginations.
Today, the river flows on, its waters carving their path through the Colorado landscape. Hikers, anglers, and adventurers are drawn to its banks, seeking solace in its beauty and perhaps, subconsciously, drawn to the echoes of its haunting past. They may not be actively searching for the lost gold, but the river’s legend lingers in the air, a palpable presence that adds an extra dimension to their experience.
The river’s various names – El Rio de las Animas Perdidas, Purgatoire, Picketwire – each tell a part of the story, reflecting the different cultures that have shaped its identity. But it is the original name, The River of Lost Souls, Colorado, that resonates most deeply, reminding us of the enduring mystery and the tragic fate of the Spanish regiment.
As long as the river flows and the story is told, the memory of the lost soldiers will endure, a somber reminder of the perils and uncertainties of the past. The river, forever etched in history and legend, will continue to whisper its tales of ambition, tragedy, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The legend of The River of Lost Souls, Colorado will forever be told.