Latham

Latham

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Latham on the Overland Trail

Located just outside of Greeley, and along the floodplains of the South Platte, we find the Latham Station. Built in 1862 and originally called Cherokee City, Latham was an important part of the Overland Trail. As a junction point, there were often stages heading in and out from three different directions along with countless wagon trains heading west.

The old trees of the area still stand, a welcome sign to the weary travelers. The original station was a long one and a half story structure facing the south. Added later were a horse barn and storage building for the many supplies. Part of the station burned down, and has since been rebuilt as a private residence. At times, the station would house as many as 40 stage passengers.

A trail along the east side of the South Platte would guide travelers to Denver. If they were headed to LaPorte, they would cross the Platte here and follow the Cache la Poudre to the foothills. Many diaries tell tales of quicksand and the difficulties of crossing the Platte during the flood seasons. To many travelers, the South Platte is "a mile wide, and an inch deep".

For the most part, Latham was a secluded and quiet place after the stages of the day ran through. Latham did house a few soldiers in its time due to the threat of Indian attacks. Fortunately, Latham was one of the few Overland Trail posts that were not ever attacked.