Willoughby: Ferdinand Hayden’s influence on the history of Colorado and Aspen

Willoughby: Ferdinand Hayden’s influence on the history of Colorado and Aspen

You may have read what I have written before about USGS scientist-trailblazer Ferdinand Hayden or seen his Geologic Atlas of Colorado from 1879. His early history and influence of Colorado in the 1870s, when examined chronologically, adds a sense of the pioneer exuberance and optimism that fueled the settling of places like Aspen. Hayden, referred to always in Colorado papers as Prof. Hayden, was frequently interviewed and quoted going all the w…