Expedition 1776: The Journey of Domínguez & Escalante

In 1776, as British colonists launched a revolution along the eastern seaboard of North America, events in the Rocky Mountain West inaugurated another pivotal chapter in American history. That year, two Franciscan priests named Domínguez and Escalante set out from Santa Fe into territory unknown, lands claimed by Spain but controlled by the Tribes who called it home. With Indigenous guides and the help of Native tribes, the Padres and their party of twelve navigated harsh terrain, mapped vital trade routes, and documented Native cultures that had thrived in the region for centuries before Europeans arrived. Visit History Colorado's museum exhibition to explore this incredible journey!