File:Lavetacolorado.jpg

The little town of La Veta, Colorado, was founded by Colonel John M. Francisco and Judge Henry Daigre in 1868. Copyright 2006-2007 Charles M. Sauer

There is a difference between the small town of La Veta and the various nearby mountain passes. Many names are used.

LA VETA = small town founded by Colonel John M. Francisco and Judge Henry Daigre in 1868.

VETA PASS = When the Denver & Rio Grande traveled over the nearby Sangre de Cristos mountain range they traveled over what was called Veta Pass. "Veta Pass" was the name of the official stop on D&RG Railroad that ran east-west over the mountains. Many believe Helen Hunt Jackson referred to (what today is known as Mt. Maestes) Veta Mountain in her journals. The "From the ..... in a lifetime? A dream." refers to her travels on the railroad from the beginning of the climb at "Mule Shoe" corner to the crest at "Veta Pass" overlooking Veta Mountain.

LA VETA PASS = Name of dirt road that was created in 1900 when the D&RG tore up their railroad**. Both rails & ties were removed leaving a dirt road. The Stone Depot that was built in 1877 was abandoned and still stands today. Early automobiles were able to find access over the Rockies on this dirt road. The road was used so much it was finally paved by the Highway Department (in the 1930's) and became Highway 160.

OLD LA VETA PASS = The current name of the original Veta Pass. In 1965 the Highway Department decided an easier route for auto traffic would be to re-route the highway to the north of La Veta Pass. The new northern route was called NORTH LA VETA PASS.

NORTH LA VETA PASS = The current name of the extension of the Highway 160 that was pushed further to the north of what is now called OLD LA VETA PASS.

IT GETS CONFUSING: The current train company, that runs tourist trips, stops at the very top at a place long called "FIR" (**In 1900, when the D&RG abandoned Veta Pass, they pushed their railroad further to the south about 6 miles.) The new route still includes a stop called "FIR." La Veta Pass is referred to in the train's literature to mean the railroad crosses over a wide stretch of land (including Old La Veta Pass AND the current La Veta Pass).

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Source: Self 1/25/2015