Dig It - 10/17/24

Hello again to all you seekers out there. Today we are going to look at a bracelet that was made at the Garden Of The Gods outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Garden Of The Gods is a fascinating series of geological formations caused by the uplifting of the Rocky Mountains, especially Pikes Peak. Originally, these sandstone beds were deposited horizontally. Then, when Pikes Peak rose up millions of years ago, the beds were uplifted and tilted vertically creating the dramatic scenery we see today.

The earliest evidence of Native Americans in the area appear during the late archaic periods around 1,300 B.C., but it is likely they go back even earlier. By 250 B.C., there is evidence of Native Americans camping in the park and using the rock formations for shelter. A number of tribal groups claim the area, but the strongest claims appear to be from the Ute and later Cheyenne peoples. The area was first surveyed in 1859 and part of it was made into a public park in 1917. Charles E. Strausenback, built The Garden of the Gods Trading Post in 1929. One article I read mentioned he had other stores before 1929, but it did not say where they were or what they sold.

Now this here bracelet is stamped on the inside, 'Solid Silver / Hand Made / At The Indian /Garden Of The Gods Colo.' I was told by the knowledgable dealer, from whom I purchased this bracelet, that this stamp dated the piece between 1924 and 1929. So perhaps this refers to one of Strausenback’s earlier stores. The bracelet is ingot silver, beautifully made with an elaborate strap or band. This wonderful piece of Art and History is available for purchase.