Felipe Baca
Felipe Baca of Trinidad, CO, farmed and ranched in southern Colorado. Baca, whose family had lived in New Mexico since about 1600, was born in 1828 near Taos, NM. He and his wife, Dolores, and their children moved to the area around Trinidad, CO in about 1860. Baca ran a general store and served as one of the town's founders. Trinidad served as an important stop along the Santa Fe Trail.
Baca was also responsible for construction of a 400-acre ditch to irrigate area farmland; it is still known as the Baca Ditch. In 1870, Baca served in the Colorado territorial legislature (Colorado would become a state in 1876). In 1873, Baca and his wife purchased a ranch with a large adobe home in Trinidad, which is now part of the Trinidad History Museum. The house was paid for entirely with wool from Baca's sheep. Baca died just one year later. He was honored with Baca County, CO, being named for him.
Baca was also responsible for construction of a 400-acre ditch to irrigate area farmland; it is still known as the Baca Ditch. In 1870, Baca served in the Colorado territorial legislature (Colorado would become a state in 1876). In 1873, Baca and his wife purchased a ranch with a large adobe home in Trinidad, which is now part of the Trinidad History Museum. The house was paid for entirely with wool from Baca's sheep. Baca died just one year later. He was honored with Baca County, CO, being named for him.