PALISADE - The legendary peaches now shipped across the country had humble beginnings in the Grand Valley.
Some of the first peach trees were planted by an early settler named John Harlow and his wife, Jean, in 1882.
By 1894, the first peach, pear, apple and grape orchards appeared in the area now known as the Vinelands. The soil was rich but rainfall was scarce, so barrels of water were hauled by wagons from the river to water young trees.
Harlow realized arid conditions in the valley would need help, so he helped to design and build a canal system which would bring water to the land from the Colorado River.
In 1887, Harlow won first prize in the Mesa County Fair for his delicious peaches. He had learned to fertilize the land and became one of the most successful fruit farmers in the area.
In 1913 the U.S. Reclamation began construction of a system of irrigation canals to support agricultural efforts. Water from a 480-foot wide roller dam across the Colorado River began diverting water to the orchards.
By the early 1900s, more than 25,000 pounds of peaches were being shipped daily from Palisade across the region.
Apples, apricots and cherries were the next crops to follow in the optimal growing conditions.
Often referred to as "The Banana Belt," the mild climate and unique terrain create near-perfect peach and grape growing conditions. Winds moving through Debeque Canyon are compressed and warmed to prevent crop killing frosts in the spring.
Since the area also boasts a 182-day growing season and an average 78% of sunshine, it's no wonder Palisade has become "The Peach Capital."
Each year, Palisade celebrates with the Palisade Peach Festival in August. The festival is believed to date back to the late 1800s, as historic photographs indicate the town celebrated "Peach Days." In the 1920s, a 'Peach Queen' began to be crowned at the fest.
As part of Colorado's 139th Birthday, History Colorado is having a special, free open house Saturday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Stephen H Hart Library and Research Center will be displaying food-related archive material and photographs such as the one featured in this story.
(© 2015 KUSA)
