The Tale of The Ark’s Tombstone
By Kathy Bedell © Leadville Today
When you live in a city with a history as rich as Leadville’s, sometimes it’s hard to separate the truth from tall tales. Maybe that’s because some of the things that actually happened here are so unbelievable. Or it could be that events recounted at the local pub acquire more artistic details with every pint.
This is one of those stories, told to me by an old-timer many years ago. Since first published in 1994, “The Stagecoach Story” has traveled around the world and been translated into several languages. After all, who can resist a genuine old west tale?
Some of Leadville’s more adventurous stories are derived from the short-lived stagecoach days. Although this mode of transportation is a classic symbol of the old west, its service quickly came to an end with the completion of the transcontinental railroad. In Leadville, it had an even shorter life; but those three years (1877-1880) were packed with enough harrowing experiences to last a lifetime.
This story revolves around a tombstone that can be seen along the old stagecoach road off Hwy 24 south, just before the turnoff to Twin Lakes. You have to know just where to look . . . but here’s the story.
Although the stage lines carried passengers, the majority of their profit came from transporting mail and freight. The government gave out very profitable mail contracts, and competition among the stage lines was fierce. But so was the danger.
Stagecoach drivers in the old west were some tough hombres, with the job of getting their wagons to the station on time, and avoiding a myriad of hazards along the way. And in mining towns like Leadville, where fortunes were extracted from the ground and transported to Denver, robberies were a given.
In 1879, it is said that Sheriff Kirkham (somewhat verifiable, although it’s unclear if he was a deputy or perhaps even a city officer.) was facing a slew of stagecoach hold-ups along the route between Leadville and Buena Vista. It was the work of one bandit who seemed to have inside information on when the gold shipment would be on board, as that was the only time the robber struck. The sheriff came up with an idea to capture the crook, only this time he kept his plan to himself. He didn’t tell his deputies. He didn’t let his close friends or even let the bank in on his scheme. He didn’t even tell his wife!
The location of the Kirkham Tombstone can be seen along Highway 24 just north of the Twin Lakes (Hwy 82) turnoff. Photo: Leadville Today/Kathy Bedell
On March 7, Sheriff Kirkman put his plan into action and dressing in disguise as a woman, boarded a stagecoach carrying some very precious cargo. Just as he suspected, when the stagecoach neared the Twin Lakes junction, the lone bandit appeared, ordering the gold to be handed over. The sheriff sprang into action, ripped off his disguise, and drew his weapon. “Halt!” Sheriff Kirkham yelled. “In the name of the law!”
The bandit was clearly surprised, and took off running, ignoring the lawman’s order. Sheriff Kirkham brought down that stagecoach robber with one bullet in the back. When he reached the body, he anxiously turned it over to discover the identity of the brazen bandit. It was his wife, dressed in disguise as a man!
More than 25 years ago (1994) Colorado Journalist Kathy Bedell forged the mighty Arkansas River to see the Stagecoach Tombstone up close. “Those cowgirl boots filled straight up with water!” Photo: MJ Johnston.
Sheriff Kirkham could not bear the shame and embarrassment of his wife’s actions, so instead of bringing her back to town for a proper burial, he laid her to rest along the old stagecoach road. The epithet reads: “My Wife – Jane Kirkham – Died March 7, 1879 – Aged 38 years, 3 months, 7 days”
The tombstone can still be seen from Highway 24 when you’re headed south, just before the Twin Lakes turnoff. In fact, it’s on the other side of the Arkansas River, directly across from the Highway 82 sign. But, if you head out to see the somber relic for yourself, please keep one eye on the road. Stagecoach travel was hazardous enough!
Journalist Kathy Bedell owns The Great Pumpkin, LLC, a media company located in Leadville, Colorado which publishes LeadvilleToday.com and SaguacheToday.com.
Documentary & Discussion About River’s Future
While the Rocky Mountain PBS Documentary was originally released over one year ago, its message and information become more relevant each spring run-off that cycles by in Leadville Today. That’s why Lake County residents and community stakeholders who have a vested interest in the Arkansas River Valley should consider attending tomorrow’s (Tuesday) June 25 showing of the film, “The Arkansas River: From Leadville to Lamar,” at the Twin Lake Schoolhouse at 6:30 p.m.
Follow the Arkansas River from its headwaters to the Eastern plains in this hour-long documentary about this mighty waterway, exploring the economic and social importance of the river including its recreational, municipal, and agricultural value.
According to the film’s website, by the year 2050, the population of Colorado is expected to double. But future growth and economic development hinges on a dependable water supply. In response, the State is implementing a water plan that will meet the needs of recreational, municipal and agricultural users.
The Arkansas River basin is an important part of that plan, and this documentary will educate and inspire viewers to care for this critically important resource. The program originally aired on Rocky Mountain PBS on Thursday, May 31, 2018 and was presented at free screenings in communities throughout the region.
The film was written and directed by Samuel Ebersole and produced by Samuel Ebersole and Dustin Hodge.
After the film’s presentation in Twin Lakes on Tuesday, a discussion will be led by several water experts including
- Greg Teter, Parkville Water,
- Sarah Mudge, Commissioner and Chair of Lake County Commissioner Board,
- Cheryl Wells, Lake County Water Advisory Council
- Robert Krehbiel, PE, assisting with Lake County Water Augmentation Plan.
Come, learn about the water resources and the many uses of the Arkansas River. The Twin Lakes Schoolhouse is located at 231 Lang Rd (turn north at the Twin Lakes Inn). This program, like so many other worthwhile in this alpine village, is made possible in partnership with the Friends of Twin Lakes; they may be reached at friendsoftwinlakes@gmail.com.
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