The Grand Lake Shootout of 1883: Colorado’s Historic Political Rivalry and Gunfight
In the late 19th century, the scenic tranquility of Grand Lake, Colorado, was shattered by a violent political dispute that culminated in one of the most infamous events in local history: The Grand Lake Shootout of 1883. This dramatic clash stemmed from fierce competition over the county seat designation, which sparked tensions between rival towns and local officials.
The Political Dispute
In the 1880s, Grand County, Colorado, was embroiled in a heated political contest over which town would serve as the county seat. The two contenders were the town of Grand Lake and Hot Sulphur Springs. In 1882, a closely contested election saw Grand Lake win by a narrow margin of 93 to 71 votes. The outcome of the election further deepened existing divisions within the county government.
As the dust settled, tensions grew within the political landscape. A Grand County commissioner resigned, and another was arrested for murder. The aftermath left only Commissioner J.G. Mills to oversee county matters. The governor, aiming to restore order, appointed two new commissioners: E.P. Webber and Barney Day.
Simmering beneath the surface of this political upheaval was a legal dispute over tax collections and property seizures. Sheriff Charlie Royer and Deputy Sheriff Bill Redman became embroiled in the conflict, ultimately facing arrest after defying orders to halt these practices. Mills, Webber, and Day demanded that their actions be stopped until the treasurer could rightfully handle the tax-related matters. However, Royer and Redman were released soon after their arrest, further intensifying tensions between the opposing factions.
The Ambush: July 4th, 1883
The tension reached its boiling point during the Commission’s next scheduled meeting on July 4, 1883. The meeting was to be held in Grand Lake, but as the commissioners prepared to convene, violence ensued. Sheriff Royer, Bill Redman, and Commissioner J.G. Mills had secretly plotted an ambush to prevent Webber, Day, and County Clerk Thomas Dean from reaching the courthouse.
Royer, Redman, and Mills donned black bandanas and positioned themselves by the west edge of the lake, hiding behind boulders as their political rivals approached. As Webber, Day, and Dean neared the ambush site, shots rang out. A chaotic shootout followed, leaving Webber and Day fatally wounded. Dean was also struck, but managed to escape amid the gunfire.
Mills, one of the key conspirators, was killed during the shootout—likely shot by one of his own allies in the chaos. His death would mark the end of the ambush, but the consequences of the event would continue to reverberate throughout Grand County.
Aftermath of the Shootout
Though the political rivalry came to a bloody end on that fateful July 4th, the consequences of the shootout extended beyond the deaths of key figures. Redman managed to escape, but Sheriff Royer was later apprehended and questioned about his involvement. Two weeks after the shootout, Royer was found dead in Georgetown, Colorado, having reportedly committed suicide. Redman continued to evade capture for some time, but his body was eventually discovered near the Utah border in August, succumbing to wounds he had sustained during the shootout.
The Grand Lake Shootout, while rooted in a local political dispute, serves as a stark reminder of how high tensions can boil over in small, frontier towns. The events of that day cemented Grand Lake’s place in history, leaving behind a legacy of political strife, violence, and unresolved questions about the town’s future.
Historical Legacy and the County Seat Shift
Following the shootout, the county seat was eventually moved from Grand Lake to Hot Sulphur Springs. By 1888, the Grand Lake courthouse and jail—once the site of significant legal and political maneuvering—were abandoned. While Grand Lake lost its bid for political dominance, the town remains proud of its historical legacy, and visitors today can reflect on this pivotal moment in Colorado’s history.
The Grand Lake Shootout is now part of the colorful tapestry of stories that form the town’s heritage. The former Grand County Courthouse, where this drama unfolded, remains a historical site. Visitors to the area can learn about this dark chapter in local history, which serves as a reminder of the often turbulent nature of life in the Old West.