The early residents of the Pine River Valley were
the Ute Indians. Their descendants remain in the area,
primarily on the Southern Ute Reservation and in the
Ignacio area at the south end of the valley.
The Pine River Valley was settled by non-natives
in the late 1800s. The first cattle were brought into
the valley in 1875 and the area gradually opened up
as ranchers discovered the fertile valley. Much of
the land was homesteaded by squatters rights.
The Town of Bayfield was incorporated in 1906. The
town has experienced the tragedies of fire (1902,
1905, 1920, and 1946) and floods (1911, two in 1927,
and 1957). After the floods of 1927, a proposal was
written for a dam on the Pine River for flood control
and irrigation. Vallecito Dam was started in 1939
and its lake now provides recreation as well as flood
control and irrigation.
Bayfield has since served as a supply town and social
center for area farmers and ranchers, and more recently
as a bedroom community for Durango. In recent years,
it has experienced rapid growth and has become the
fastest growing municipality in southwestern Colorado.
Between 1990 and 2000, Bayfield experienced about
a 45% increase in population. The town population
as of February 2003 was 1,695 with approximately 630
residences.
The town has acquired the old middle school and
gym from the School District for use as a community
center and is also looking at location options for
a new Town Hall. The Bayfield Town Hall houses the
town administration, meeting room, and Marshal's Office.
Bayfield is a statutory town based on Colorado Revised
Statutes.
Bayfield is governed by a Town Board consisting
of a part-time Mayor and six trustees. This board
is elected by the citizens and is responsible for
appointing other officials.
There are twelve full-time employees with several
part-time employees depending on the time of the year.
The town operates a Marshal's Office, Public Works,
Parks and Recreation Department, and a front office.
To access the official Town of Bayfield website,
click
here.
