Chief Niwot and Boulder Valley
Up through the mid-19th century Southern Arapaho hunting parties had ventured as far north as Boulder Creek. The tribe considers Valmont Butte, east of present day Boulder, a sacred site where rituals and ceremonies were performed. It was one of these hunting parties, led by Chief Niwot, that encountered the first gold seekers to enter Boulder Valley in the fall of 1858.
Led by Captain Thomas Aikins, the gold seekers came from Fort St. Vrain, 30 mi (48 km) east. Chief Niwot and his deputies, including Bear Head and Many Whips, who were camped near Valmont Butte, immediately rode to meet them, greeted them peacefully, and promptly told him and his party to go away.
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