George's first appearance out west was in 1838 at Fort Hall, ID. Fort Hall was a favorite gathering place for free trappers and Simpson joined a veteran trapper named Old Bill Williams' group. Williams' group had trapped successfully along the rivers throughout Idaho. Simpson arrived at Fort Laramie in June of 1841 and joined some trappers headed to Bent's Fort. At Bent's Fort, Simpson began a new life as a trader with the Indians he partnered in the building of a post called El Pueblo that established the town of Pueblo, Colorado. The Post was compete with stores, blacksmith, and local agriculture.
In 1849 he decided to visit his St. Louis home by traveling on a Mississippi riverboat. There was a cholera outbreak on the boat and the victims were being buried along the banks on the trip north. Simpson requested that if he were to fall victim to the plague that his body be delivered to his father in St. Louis. George did fall victim to the plague and was presumed dead and put into a coffin and packed with ice, where he crawled out of the coffin fully recovered right before the crew's eyes.
Simpson briefly visited California before settling in Southern Colorado. He held various civil positions and wrote articles for the local paper. Throughout his lifetime, Simpson was plagued by a lack of discipline, weak will, and alcohol dependency.
Over the years Simpson's monument has fell victim to vandalism, theft, and graffiti. His grave is actually a tomb carved out of the rocky mesa.
George's first appearance out west was in 1838 at Fort Hall, ID. Fort Hall was a favorite gathering place for free trappers and Simpson joined a veteran trapper named Old Bill Williams' group. Williams' group had trapped successfully along the rivers throughout Idaho. Simpson arrived at Fort Laramie in June of 1841 and joined some trappers headed to Bent's Fort. At Bent's Fort, Simpson began a new life as a trader with the Indians he partnered in the building of a post called El Pueblo that established the town of Pueblo, Colorado. The Post was compete with stores, blacksmith, and local agriculture.
In 1849 he decided to visit his St. Louis home by traveling on a Mississippi riverboat. There was a cholera outbreak on the boat and the victims were being buried along the banks on the trip north. Simpson requested that if he were to fall victim to the plague that his body be delivered to his father in St. Louis. George did fall victim to the plague and was presumed dead and put into a coffin and packed with ice, where he crawled out of the coffin fully recovered right before the crew's eyes.
Simpson briefly visited California before settling in Southern Colorado. He held various civil positions and wrote articles for the local paper. Throughout his lifetime, Simpson was plagued by a lack of discipline, weak will, and alcohol dependency.
Over the years Simpson's monument has fell victim to vandalism, theft, and graffiti. His grave is actually a tomb carved out of the rocky mesa.
Family Members
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Maria Isabel Simpson Beard
1844–1921
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Roberto Joseph Simpson
1846–1914
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Pedro Advinuella "Peter" Simpson
1848–1921
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Jose Merced "Joe" Simpson
1850–1890
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Juanita "Juana" Simpson Camp
1858–1886
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Marina 'Jennie' Simpson Camp
1860–1886
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Luciana Frances "Lucy" Simpson Pawley
1864–1955
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Raphaeletta Semmes "Rafaelita" Simpson Gordon
1870–1960
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