Challenges of Rural Living
Park County in the 1800s falls into the category of the “wild west.” It was not an easy life for the settlers of Park County as they experienced the hardships of living on the frontier. Living in an alpine environment presented residents of Park County with numerous hazards from mother nature. They often faced the constant threat of fire, lack of potable water, and harsh winters. Along with environmental struggles, the settlers of Park County experienced disease, outlaws, and conflicts with Native American tribes.