Enos Mills Statue Project

The Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park is proud to announce a special project to place of a bronze statue of Enos Mills, the father of Rocky Mountain National Park, at the Colorado State Capitol Building’s Sculpture Park. The statue has been created by Bonnie Fulford of Estes Park, Colorado, and will serve as a memorial to Enos Mills’ dedication and commitment to the environment and the education of the public about conserving wild spaces, especially those in Colorado, and as an enduring reminder of his role in the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park. This is the first time ever that The State Capitol Building Advisory Committee have agreed to the placement of a statue to any single individual, which demonstrates their agreement about the importance of Enos Mills.

The Enos Mills statue includes his dog “Scotch’, his friend and companion.

"The Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park is very pleased that early Colorado pioneer Enos Mills, will be recognized by the state of Colorado by allowing placement of a statue honoring him on the Capitol grounds. We are thankful to Rebecca and Mike Barrett of the Link Gallery for spearheading the effort, to Bonnie Fulford for the creation of his likeness, Hugh Fowler and the Capitol Building Advisory Committee for getting things through the proper channels, to Governor Ritter for his endorsement, and to the House and Senate for the votes of support."

The concept for this project has been underway for over a year. Acceptance of this gift by the Senate and House of Representatives to the State of Colorado will now allow us to move forward with the project's next phase which includes the solicitation of donations to help underwrite its cost. The Enos Mills Statue Project expenditures are being finalized. A prospectus will be available upon request.

In the current moment of the Earth’s history most of its inhabitants have become more aware of the importance of forests for the survival of mankind and they have become more appreciative of the lands that have been set aside for the spiritual nurturing of the people. Rocky Mountain National Park has always been Colorado’s premier National Park but it is also known internationally as a place of awe inspiring grandeur. More than 3,000,000 people visit each year and it has become Colorado’s number one destination. Its very existence provides an economic underpinning for hundreds of Colorado businesses. Today all of this would not exist if it were not for Enos Mills’ tireless work toward the establishment of the Rocky Mountain National Park and the setting aside of wilderness lands for future generations. This is why the State of Colorado has chosen to recognize his work through the singular and unique honor of placing his statue in it’s Capitol Building Sculpture Park. No single individual has ever been awarded a memorial site in the Sculpture Park. Previously the State of Colorado has honored him by declaring January 31 rst as Enos Mills Day and through this current legislation further honors his memory and many good works.

Contributions are needed to fulfill placement of this sculpture, and those interested in helping further this cause are asked to e-mail: cacep@earthlink.net to make a donation, or to contact the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park by phone at 970-586-9203 or write to Enos Mills Statue Project, P.O. Box 4135, Estes Park, Colorado, 80517. The Cultural Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

To learn more about Enos Mills visit the Enos Mills Cabin Museum and Gallery at: enosmills.com.