Artsopolis: All Arts. Online. Anytime.

• Tell-a-friend
• Official web site

Meet Juan Bautista de Anza : George Washington of the West

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

April 19, 2008

Be the first to submit a review/comment!
Add Review/Comment

For many people in the American Southwest the name Juan Bautista de Anza is not a household word, but it should be. Anza was a Colonial Spanish military leader, trail blazer, governor of the Province of New Mexico, and successful frontier diplomat. Some historians have referred to him as the George Washington of the Southwest. On Saturday, April 19th the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum will host a unique program in which Juan Bautista de Anza returns to the Pikes Peak Region for the first time since his 1779 expedition to this area. During this free historical program Anza, (portrayed by Mr. Don Garate of the National Park Service), will tell the story of his many exploits, particularly his 1779 expedition through the Pikes Peak Region. While governor of New Mexico Province, Anza, allied with Ute guides, travelled through the Colorado Mountains with 800 soldiers in pursuit of Comanche raiders. The resulting decisive battle near present-day Pueblo led to a series of treaties between and among the Comanche, Ute and Spanish authorities ending Comanche raids in the region. This story is just one of Anza’s many achievements in the far flung Spanish colonial empire of the eighteenth century. According to Carol Kennis, program coordinator for the Pioneers Museum, Anza’s story is part of the “rich but often overlooked history of the American Southwest.” Don Garate, foremost authority on the life of Anza, is the Chief of Interpretation for the Tumacacori National Historical Park in Arizona. Mr. Garate, dressed in the deep red and navy blue uniform of the period, has presented his Juan Bautista de Anza persona to over 100,000 people of all ages in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Sonora. “Garate’s portrayal of this remarkable eighteenth century leader is masterful. He deftly brings Anza to life for modern audiences and allows history to speak for itself,” remarks Kennis. This exceptional presentation is made possible through a grant from the Colorado Springs-based Giddings Foundation. Although the program is free and open to the public reservations are required.

• At-a-Glance
• Media Reviews
• What's Nearby

• Ticket Info

  Tickets: free, reservations are required 719-385-5990

• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  April 19, 2008

  Times:
  2 p.m.

• Venue Info

  Colorado Springs Senior Center

  1514 N. Hancock St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903

  Full map and directions

• Accessibility Info

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.