Colorado Petrified Forest Ranch and the National Monument Just south of the small town of Florissant, Colorado, in a saucer-shaped valley about three miles in diameter, lies one of the richest fossil beds in the world. First discovered in 1871, the ancient lake bed was part of the “public domain” and subject to the terms of the 1862 Homestead Act. Before anyone realized the geologic significance of the fossils, the land had been government surveyed, laid out in squares like a checkerboard, and opened for homestead claims. By 1905, 33 homesteads of 160 acres each were established on the valley floor. Required to improve their land, the settlers built homes and fences, plowed and cultivated the land, and constructed wagon roads throughout the fossil beds. The effects of the Homestead Act changed the integrity and landscape of the Florissant valley, placed it into private ownership, and would hinder efforts at federal protection and preservation for the next 90 years. ![]() Singer Family ![]() Singer Family
In 1921 they sold the Haswell ranch and moved their family to the Pikes Peak region—a rapidly growing tourist mecca. Six years later, they bought the Petrified Forest Hotel and Resort of Florissant. Once known as the Petrified Stump Ranch and containing several petrified tree stumps and acres of fossil shale, this tract was one of the first parts of the fossil beds to be claimed under the original Homestead Act. Besides the natural wonders on the property, the high mountain ranch had a rustic hotel situated on a natural bench on the western slope of the fossil beds. From its front porch, visitors could look eastward at acres of grassy meadows, ridges crowned with pine trees, and scenic views of the backside of Pikes Peak. They could explore the ranch, stay overnight in one of eleven guest rooms, walk the trails to the petrified tree stumps, or collect fossils in an on-site quarry. The lodge could also accommodate large groups in a great hall highlighted with a giant fireplace made of petrified wood.
![]() NPS ![]() Singer family ![]() Singer Family
In 1954 Palmer J. Singer died unexpectedly and was buried in Colorado Springs. He left a rich legacy as a veteran Colorado stockman, family man, and an environmentalist dedicated to the protection of natural resources and outdoor recreation. Agnes, an experienced business woman, would continue to operate the ranch alongside her grown children.
Pressure began to build in the early 1960s to reconsider the fossil beds for federal monument status. Environmental groups refocused their priorities from air and water pollution to the preservation of the country’s natural wonders. In 1962 a new and more friendly national park study, generated in part by Mrs. Singer’s earlier request, concluded the area should be established as a national monument—a huge victory for supporters and the first step in the efforts for federal protection for the fossils. Finally, after years of debate, and a lively legal battle, Congress established Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in1969. Agnes sold the ranch to the Park Service three years later and the valley of the fossils was whole once again.
Agnes died in 1981 and was buried next to Palmer in Colorado Springs. During the 45 years that the Singers owned the ranch, they kept the land intact, served as de facto conservationists, promoted tourism, and introduced the fossil beds to thousands of families, students, and outdoor enthusiasts. Although the historical lodge and outbuildings were demolished in 1974, the memory of the Singers’ ranch and their contributions to the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument will never be forgotten.
Reseached and written by Lloyd Lacy with help of the Singer family
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Last updated: October 24, 2020