See USA -3-
After passing Four Corners, the race enters San Juan County, a summer resort area.
Texas became independent from Mexico 1835 and became the Republic of Texas 1836. It
became a state 1845. The area around the borders of Utah and Denver (West side of
Colorado) was purchased by United States from Texas.
Colorado became a territory in 1861. On August 1, 1876, on the centennial of US Independence, Colorado became the 38th state. From this Colorado is called the "Centennial State" and the 1st of August is an official holiday of Colorado.
Colorado is most famous for Denver beef. Denver was established due to gold and silver. It also produces lead and coal. The most important product is Climax's Molybdenum. It has the best quality in the world. Denver is an attractive home town for energy industries.
RAAM runs along Route 160 from Cortez to Durango. We see teepees that decorate the front of souvenir shops. The southern part of R160 goes through Mesa Verde National Park. It is the place of Anasazi ruins of Pueblo Native Americans who disappeared around 16th century.
The north of R160 is the San Juan National Forest. Here is the great outdoor leisure area that is good for camping, 4WD offroading or mountain biking. This is rare place because nature is so close for humans to relax and enjoying.
RAAM will head East bringing thoughts of the peaceful Pueblo Native Americans. Then it climbs up the dividing range more than 10,000 ft. After Durango lie the most difficult slopes to ascend and descend.
Rivers are divided to the East or West at this mountain range. After the mountain area,
RAAM will come to the gentle terrain southeast of Colorado. South from Springfield. Over
the border of Colorado and Oklahoma then into Boise City. This route crosses the route
used by George Custer as he lead the cavalry from Fort Lijon in February 1868 to their
demise.
At that war, the chief of Southern Cheyenne wanted to make friendly relations with white people. But Custer's troops were massacred when the Cheyenne made camp at Wasita.
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