Let's Rendezvous at Grand Encampment

A time machine won’t be needed this weekend to get a glimpse into the ways of life in the 19th century. All one needs to do is head to the Grand Encampment Museum on July 25 and 26.

Volunteers dress in period clothing and teach the public the old ways. The museum has all the buildings open so everyone can visit them and get a glimpse of days gone by. History comes to life through the efforts of Tim Nicklas, the director of GEM, and the many volunteers and staff that are dedicated to preserving history.

Just across the irrigation ditch white canvas flutters in the breeze, smoke from wood fires can be seen drifting across the pasture, and the crack boom of a percussion cap followed by the powder charging in a muzzleloader brings attendees into the 1840s Mountain Man Rendezvous. Clothing at the rendezvous is more primitive than at living history. Mountain men wearing their “skins” can also be seen in muslin or calico shirts and women in long skirts with belted shirts wander amongst teepees and canvas tents.

Although camping is allowed, water and wood are the responsibility of the camper, dogs must be leashed and other animals, including horses, mules or goats are allowed.

The Town of Encampment was christened Grand Encampment when the mountain men, trappers and other brave souls walked along the river into the canyons, and through the mountains to make a new life. The modern-day rendezvous is an opportunity for trading, just like in the old days, but it’s also a time to catch up with friends and hear the gossip. Kids are a huge focus of this event because they are the future. The skills, history and folklore of yesteryear will be lost if it isn’t passed down to the kids.