Tallow River Trappers
The Tallow River Trappers is the living history department of the South Platte Valley Historical Society.
In the Cheyenne language, the South Platte River was known as the Tallow River. For Indians and trappers alike, tallow was synonymous with good eating and therefore good times. The South Platte River with its abundance of buffalo, grassy plains, and mild climate, was indeed the "Tallow" River.
The lower portion of the South Platte Valley Historic Park, along the South Platte River, is dedicated to rendezvous and primitive camping. This area is partially wooded. Water is available on site, as is limited firewood and "Hooters." In order to protect the grounds for future users, above-ground fire pits are required for campfires. An area is designated for "tin tipis" for those not wishing to go primitive.
Historically, all of the American fur trade rendezvous' were held in present day Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho. No rendezvous were ever held in Colorado, much less at Fort Lancaster. The purpose of each rendezvous held at the South Platte Valley Historic Park is to recreate the look and feel of the late fur trade era, rather than to recreate a specific event. The Tallow River Trappers in conjunction with the South Platte Valley Historical Society holds three major rendezvous through out the year.. The Frozen Toes Rendezvous is the first rendezvous of the year and is held the last weekend in February. The Lancaster Restoration Rendezvous is held Memorial Day Weekend. Finally, the Trapper Days Rendezvous held on the weekend following Labor Day coincides with the town of Fort Lupton's Trapper Days Celebration. Day time activities at these events include shooting, tomahawk and knife throwing on the range, a woods walk, and fire starting contests add to the fun of the rendezvous.
A women's and children's encampment, the Hunter's Widow Rendezvous is held the weekend following Trapper Days. In early October the Colonial Encampment event is held and gives focus to the period of the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.
While at rendezvous it is a regular practice (but certainly not required) of many of the participants to share their fixin's one evening for a group potluck. In the evening there is sitting around the campfire, trading stories and lies. Many times one or more folks will bring out their guitars or fiddles and there will be singing and making merry till well into the evening.
Each rendezvous features a "Traders Row" where traders sell replica and hand made goods of the type used by fur trappers and mountain men. For the more adventurous, who want to experience mountain life first hand, there are traders that can outfit you with everything you need from clothing and shelter to cooking utensils.
Whether you are interested in becoming a participant, or just want to observe, feel welcome to come and experience the excitement of seeing history come to life at these reenactments of the times of the mountain man.
In the Cheyenne language, the South Platte River was known as the Tallow River. For Indians and trappers alike, tallow was synonymous with good eating and therefore good times. The South Platte River with its abundance of buffalo, grassy plains, and mild climate, was indeed the "Tallow" River.
The lower portion of the South Platte Valley Historic Park, along the South Platte River, is dedicated to rendezvous and primitive camping. This area is partially wooded. Water is available on site, as is limited firewood and "Hooters." In order to protect the grounds for future users, above-ground fire pits are required for campfires. An area is designated for "tin tipis" for those not wishing to go primitive.
Historically, all of the American fur trade rendezvous' were held in present day Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho. No rendezvous were ever held in Colorado, much less at Fort Lancaster. The purpose of each rendezvous held at the South Platte Valley Historic Park is to recreate the look and feel of the late fur trade era, rather than to recreate a specific event. The Tallow River Trappers in conjunction with the South Platte Valley Historical Society holds three major rendezvous through out the year.. The Frozen Toes Rendezvous is the first rendezvous of the year and is held the last weekend in February. The Lancaster Restoration Rendezvous is held Memorial Day Weekend. Finally, the Trapper Days Rendezvous held on the weekend following Labor Day coincides with the town of Fort Lupton's Trapper Days Celebration. Day time activities at these events include shooting, tomahawk and knife throwing on the range, a woods walk, and fire starting contests add to the fun of the rendezvous.
A women's and children's encampment, the Hunter's Widow Rendezvous is held the weekend following Trapper Days. In early October the Colonial Encampment event is held and gives focus to the period of the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.
While at rendezvous it is a regular practice (but certainly not required) of many of the participants to share their fixin's one evening for a group potluck. In the evening there is sitting around the campfire, trading stories and lies. Many times one or more folks will bring out their guitars or fiddles and there will be singing and making merry till well into the evening.
Each rendezvous features a "Traders Row" where traders sell replica and hand made goods of the type used by fur trappers and mountain men. For the more adventurous, who want to experience mountain life first hand, there are traders that can outfit you with everything you need from clothing and shelter to cooking utensils.
Whether you are interested in becoming a participant, or just want to observe, feel welcome to come and experience the excitement of seeing history come to life at these reenactments of the times of the mountain man.
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Current TRT Officers are:
Tony Thom - Captain Travis Butterworth, Lou Gebhart - Lieutenants Tom Wellborn - Purser Jewel Wellborn - Scribe |
TRT Annual Rendezvous Events:
Frozen Toes Rondy Lancaster Restoration Rondy Trapper Days Rondy Hunter's Widows Rondy Colonial Encampment TRT Camp Outs |