Craig Daily Press

Craig — Compiled and written by Chuck Mack

This article was originally written by W. S. Price for the Steamboat Pilot on Feb. 25, 1903

Craig is the trading center of the greater part of the western half of Routt County and bids fair with the development of irrigating systems to be an important trade center. It is connected with Hayden and Meeker by daily mail service and Baggs, Wyo., by thrice-a-week stage line. Small grains, vegetables and fruits are profitability raised on the ranches of the Yampa River and Fortification Creek, near the junction of which Craig is situated, but the chief interest is centered in stock growing and the raising of hay.

Craig has an excellent school with three departments; two churches, one a Christian church, Rev. Ellis, pastor; the other a Congregational church, Reverend H. E. Anderson, pastor, both of which were completed last year.

Among business concerns and tradesmen of Craig the following may be noted; Bank of Craig (J. W. Hugus & Co.), Craig Hotel, City Drugstore, the Craig Courier, G.C. Snider, editor; Craig Drugstore, C.A. Ranney, proprietor; J. W. Hugus & Co., general merchandise; W. B. Goddard & Co., general merchandise and meat market; Fred Rose, harness maker and saddler; William Montgomery, shoe maker; J. J. Mitchell, jeweler; two livery and feed stables, the Lone Star, W. H. Coleman, proprietor, the other owned by E.B. Thompson; W. F. Teagarden, real estate; W. F. Rose, civil engineer and U.S. Land Commissioner; three blacksmith shops; Cabinet Shop, Robinson proprietor; F. B. Ranney, taxidermist, and J. I. Ellis, civil engineer.

J. W. Hugus & Co.’s store, under the management of Arthur Seymour, is a model of excellence, carries a complete stock of everything the stock man and ranch man needs and uses, and gives the buyers a choice, that the Hugus stores and buyers are noted for.

The Bank of Craig, with Arthur Seymour as cashier and C. W. Seymour assistant cashier, enjoys the confidence of the community to an unlimited extent, brought about by the wise and prudent management which characterizes all Hugus banks.

Surrounding Craig are some of the largest stock ranches in the county and all this immense grazing section draws its supplies from Craig. The location of the town is ideal and the foundation has been laid for a large city. The people are enterprising and progressive and extend a hearty welcome to strangers.

The Craig Opera house is one of the finest buildings in the county and is a monument to the enterprise and public spirit of the town.

Craig may be reached by stage from Rifle, via Meeker, from Rawlins, Wyo., or from Walcott by way of Steamboat Springs. The Rifle route is the most advantageous in many ways.

Long-distance telephone connections are made and there is a movement on foot for the establishment of an electric light plant. The Craig flouring mill furnishes a home market for all wheat grown in the valley.

Craig and vicinity offer splendid opportunities for investment, and as its water resources are developed and irrigation systems completed, must increase rapidly in wealth, population and influence.

The Routt County Courier, edited by Grant S. Snyder, ably represents Craig and vicinity.