Purcell

Purcell is no longer, but there is a private developer working on a "new Purcell" about 1 mile east of the original town site.

History

Purcell, Colorado, was established in 1909. Around 1908, Union Pacific RR built a light rail track from its Coverly-Greeley intersection to an area south of County Road 90, known as Hungerford Station. UPRR called it the Peaceful Valley Spur, but locals called it, “The Prairie Dog Express.” Mr. Lawrence Purcell, a Denver merchant and rural land developer, talked UPRR into extending its tracks across CR 90 and onto his lands, by selling the UPRR a much larger area for just one dollar. UPRR extended its tracks across CR 90 and built another Wye on the north side of Purcell. Remains of the old Hungerford Wye a ‘Y' shaped RR are still visible just south of CR 90. Thus, Purcell is the only known railroad town located between two Wyes and Hungerford Station soon ceased to exist. Purcell was the center of a fairly prosperous farming and ranching area for many years. Some 175 souls received mail in Hubert Waldo's post office. Dozens of homes were located in or near Purcell. There were also two grain elevators, a mercantile with gas pumps, car repair shop, grocery store, lumber yard, stock yards, Grange Hall, several churches and a multi-grade schoolhouse. An irrigation canal to bring Laramie River water to farmers surrounding Purcell was constructed, but later blocked by Wyoming politicians. The eroded remains of the old canal can still be seen across the lands northwest of the Purcell. This political double-cross and farming disaster for the Purcell area was detailed in James Michener's best selling novel on Colorado’s history, CENTENNIAL. Most of Purcell's original buildings, including its Grange and churches, were then relocated for use in nearby Pierce and Galeton, while the lumber yard and gas station were moved to Purcell’s SE corner. With a lack of area business, the UPRR ceased its Peaceful Valley service around 1946 and pulled up its tracks in 1954 for use elsewhere.

Geography

Purcell is on high ground with great views located at 40°38'17.31" N 104°36'4.398" W with Pawnee National Grasslands to the north and cattle ranches east, west and south. Area is high desert, fairly dry and windy.

Comment

It is shame with such an interesting history, I am guessing the average person driving down this road does not even turn off their cruise contraol as they pass by. I may call DISH network to see if they want to pick up their dish.