11 Presidents Who Came To See Colorado’s Grand Valley”

31 Presidents have held office since Colorado became a state in 1876. From President Grant to President Trump, 11 of the nation’s chief executives have visited Mesa County, Colorado, for one reason or another.

From President Taft’s speech at the 1909 Grand Junction Peach Festival, to Franklin Roosevelt’s 1938 whistle-stop train tour at the historic depot, here are 11 times an American President visited the Grand Valley.

LOOK: 11 Presidents Who Have Visited Grand Junction Over the Years

Of the 31 American Presidents who have served since Colorado became a state in 1876, several have stopped in the Grand Valley. Some visited Grand Junction as part of a campaign stop, while others came to enjoy the great outdoors

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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Why Grand Junction Matters in Presidential History

Photo by Intricate Explorer on Unsplash

Since the arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande Railway in 1882, Grand Junction has been a crossroads for rail and air travel. Over the years, it became a natural hub for whistle-stop trains and presidential flights. By clicking the link above, you can watch a video featuring Daily Sentinel photographer Robert Grant's photos of presidents from Truman to Bush and Obama in Grand Junction's streets and at Walker Field. It goes to show Western Colorado gets more Washington attention than some might think.

President Taft and Colorado’s National Monument

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When President William Howard Taft came to Western Colorado in 1909, he made a few stops. His train went to Montrose to see the Gunnison Tunnel, and then on to Grand Junction to speak at the Peach Festival. During this visit, John Otto gave him a tour of the canyons that Taft would name the Colorado National Monument on May 24, 1911. The President did not return specifically for the monument dedication; instead, he signed the proclamation that created it.

MORE: Grand Junction History - From Frontier Town to Small City

If you came to western Colorado in 1880, you probably never would have guessed how the valley would look in 2023. Check out a timeline of significant events that brought Grand Junction from the frontier to a small city from 1880 to 1900.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

KEEP GOING: 5 Hikes that are Perfect for Colorado History Buffs

These five hikes are perfect for anyone interested in Colorado history. Although they are all different, the trails all lead to a piece of the Centennial State's past.

Gallery Credit: Kelsey Nistel