In 1859, the Colorado Gold Rush brought an influx of prospectors to what was then Nebraska Territory. At the time Joel Estes settled and gave his name to Estes Park, just 16 miles south, Alonzo Nelson Allen was cutting the first trail from Ward into the area that became Allenspark.

Digging Allenspark tells how local historian Edie DeWeese and a team of archaeologists came to investigate Allen’s 1864 original cabin site. Folks from the Indian Peaks Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society, along with Kris Holien, of Estes Park, and Dr. Bob Brunswig, of the University of Northern Colorado, set about to prove (or disprove) local lore about Allen and his cabin. Their work resulted in valuable additions to Colorado’s historic record and a fascinating trove of finds.

Digging Allenspark: The Quest for the First Cabin, written by DeWeese and published by the Allenspark Wind, has just been released. The short, full-color volume presents biographical information about Allen, including new research and details provided by his descendents. Large photographs give a close- up view of the archaeology - site, process, finds, and results.

The dig would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of Allenspark friends and neighbors, and especially the Hilltop Guild, a local civic organization that owns the plot where Allen’s fireplace still stands. They have taken on conservation of the artifacts found in the dig.

Digging Allenspark is available in Estes Park at Macdonald Book Shop and in Allenspark at Distant Harbors Gift Shop. Additionally, it is available from AllensparkWind.com or Allenspark Wind, Box 275, Allenspark, CO 80510.