October History Talk: Domínguez-Escalante Education Project (DEEP)

Leading up to the 2026 celebration of the United States marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Colorado marking the 150th anniversary of our entrance into the Union, the Palisade Historical Society's October history talk will be Carol Hunter, founder and Coordinator for the Domínguez-Escalante Expedition Education Project (DEEEP). The talk will begin at 6 p.m. at the Ordinary Fellow Winery, 202 Peach Avenue in Palisade.

The Domínguez-Escalante Expedition was a Spanish journey of exploration conducted in 1776 by two Franciscan priests, Francisco Atanasio Domínguez and Silvestre Vélez de Escalante, to find an overland route from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to their Franciscan mission in Monterey, California. On August 6, 1776, they entered Colorado from New Mexico and traveled through what is now known as Western Colorado. The journey lasted 159 days across 1,700 miles. Father Dominguez led the expedition, and Father Escalante kept the journal. The group named their campsites after Catholic saints. On Sept. 4, 1776, they camped in a meadow near a cold stream on the northern flank of Grand Mesa near where Collbran was eventually settled. In the journal, the campsite was named Santa Rosalia. The Plateau Valley Historical Society holds a Santa Rosalia Day celebration in September.

Carol believes this 1776 Expedition should be highlighted, especially with the 250/150 anniversary celebrations coming up. Carol will interact with the audience, answering questions about the 1776 Expedition and DEEEP's history and adventures. Her particular focus is sharing its important story using accessibility for all and as a gift for the school children of Colorado.

The talk will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16th at The Ordinary Fellow Winery 202 Peach Avenue in Palisade. This program is open to the public in a relaxed and comfortable setting for people to learn about Palisade's unique history and enjoy a glass of wine. The tasting room opens at noon, so come early. There is no admission, but donations are appreciated.