Existing comment:
Hornbek Homestead:
The 1878 Hornbek Homestead was the first homestead claimed in the Florissant Valley. Adeline Hornbek was a single mother of four, who took advantage of the Homestead Act's provision for the "head of the household" to file a land claim. Prior to this time, it was uncommon for women to be landowners in the west. Adeline was "proving-up" her homestead claim at the same time that Samuel Scudder and other paleontologists were conducting the first large scale excavations in the valley.
The Homestead Act: A homesteader could file claim on a 10 acre parcel for $14. In order to gain title to the land -- to "prove up" -- she (or he) had to follow these requirements:
* To be a loyal U.S. citizen (or declare intent to become one)
* To be head of family,
* To be over 21 years old,
* To continuously reside on and improve the land for five years, and
* To build a 12x12' house with at least one door and one window.
Women did not yet have the right to vote in the 1870s, and their opportunities to own property were few. Despite this lack of opportunity, and the loss of two husbands, Adeline Hornbek retained her pioneer spirit. In March 1878, she filed claim on 160 acres in the Florissant Valley under the terms of the 1862 Homestead Act. Within seven years, Adeline had not only "proved-up" her claim, but had expanded her homestead to include this large house, nine outbuildings, and $4,000-worth of livestock. As if homesteading chores and raising a family did not keep her busy enough, she also worked at the general store in Florissant.
The house to your left is all that remains of the pioneer homestead of Adeline Hornbek. Adeline came to Florissant in the 1870s to make a fresh start with her children -- Frank, Annie, George, and Elliot -- and ended up as one of the town's leading citizens.
Take note of the fine log-work on Adeline's house. The outbuildings have been moved onto the site from other historic ranches and date from 1890 to 1930. As you explore the buildings and grounds of the homestead today, remember and respect Adeline Hornbek's pioneer spirit by treading lightly and leaving no trace of your presence.
Adeline Hornbek and her four children homesteaded here during the 1870, and by 1904 owned more than 280 acres and 40 head of cattle. |