Nestled in Mosquito Gulch just outside Alma, Colorado, the historic Buckskin Cemetery holds stories dating back to the late 1800s — tales of miners, pioneers, war veterans, and families who helped shape South Park.
In the summer of 2025, visitors joined two of South Park’s most dedicated historians — Laura Van Dusen and Christie Wright — for a guided tour through this remarkable site. The event was sponsored by the Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative (MRHI), whose work helps preserve and share the region’s rich history.
Meet the Historians
Laura Van Dusen is the author of the Parked in the Past series, known for her detailed, narrative-style histories that capture life in South Park and beyond. She combines meticulous archival research with on-the-ground exploration, often uncovering details that bring historic figures vividly to life.
Christie Wright, author of the South Park Perils series, is equally passionate about uncovering the region’s past. Her work focuses on little-known and sometimes darker stories of Colorado’s frontier days, often weaving in the voices of those who lived through them.
Together, Laura and Christie have spent years documenting South Park’s history through books, articles, and community events — making them an ideal team to lead visitors through the Buckskin Cemetery Tour.
A Cemetery Full of Stories
The tour highlighted both well-known and often-overlooked figures laid to rest here:
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Ida May Snell — A beloved Alma child who passed away at just three years old, remembered for pushing her toy baby carriage down Main Street.
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Corporal Daniel M. Clark — A Civil War veteran whose service spanned the 2nd Colorado Infantry and Cavalry, with traditions like leaving coins on his grave to honor his memory.
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Pioneers, miners, and townsfolk — From tragic mining accidents to enduring local legends, each headstone has a story that connects us to South Park’s past.
Preserving History with MRHI
During the event, an MRHI volunteer used a large map of the cemetery to guide visitors to the historians — a perfect example of how MRHI supports heritage tourism and community engagement.
Beyond the Buckskin Cemetery Tour, MRHI hosts a variety of programs and projects to safeguard South Park’s natural and cultural resources.
A Stop on the Buckskin Gulch Auto Tour
Buckskin Cemetery is also part of the Buckskin Gulch Auto Tour, which offers even more opportunities to explore South Park’s mining history, ghost towns, and scenic landscapes.
If you missed this year’s tour, you can still visit the cemetery on your own or plan ahead for the next guided event.
Watch the Video
We’ve put together highlights from the 2025 Buckskin Cemetery Tour so you can experience the stories, scenery, and atmosphere for yourself.
Alongside the video, you’ll find a gallery of images from the day — from close-ups of historic headstones to sweeping views of the Mosquito Range.
Learn More & Get Involved
📚 Read more from the tour’s historians:
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🌄 Explore with MRHI: Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative
- 🚗 Plan your own drive: Buckskin Gulch Auto Tour
We invite you to visit Buckskin Cemetery, join future tours, and help us keep South Park’s history alive for generations to come.