Where and When

• Montrose is a city in western Colorado, in the Uncompahgre Valley. It serves as the county seat of Montrose County.
• Elevation: 5,807 feet 
• Incorporated May 2, 1882. 
• Area: about 18.5 square miles.
• Montrose sits entirely on land (no lakes or big rivers within the city. 

Population and Demographics

• As of the 2020 Census, Montrose had 20,291 residents. 
• By 2025 estimates, it has grown to about 21,969, marking around a 7-8% increase. 
• Median age: mid-40s.

History and Origins

• Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by Ute tribes. Montrose could only be legally settled after the Ute removal in 1881.
• The town went by several early names: Pomona, Dad’s Town, Uncompahgre Town. The final name, “Montrose,” was suggested by Joseph Selig, inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s novel A Legend of Montrose.

Water and Agriculture

• The Gunnison Tunnel (completed 1909) diverted water from the Gunnison River into the Uncompahgre Valley. That was transformative: without it, much of the fertile farming that defines the area wouldn’t be possible. 
• Agriculture remains important: fruit, grains, vegetables, ranching. Montrose went from a mining-supply hub to an agricultural gateway thanks to irrigation and favorable geography. 

Museums, Landmarks and Culture

• Ute Indian Museum: Located on the former homestead of Chief Ouray and Chipeta; includes memorial park, Chipeta’s crypt, native plant gardens. 
• Montrose County Historical Museum in the 1912 Denver and Rio Grande Depot: artifacts from pioneer life, mining, homesteading, agricultural equipment, even log cabins. 
• Museum of the Mountain West: historic buildings moved to site, old western town stores, a carriage shop where the famous boxer Jack Dempsey trained.

Events and Traditions

• The city celebrated its 125-year anniversary in 2007 with lots of local and cultural programming: walking tours, preservation awards, a Monte De Rosas festival honoring Hispanic history.
• There are various historical “walks” and ghost walks (especially around Halloween) organized by the Historical Museum. 

Notable Folks

• Dalton Trumbo (b. 1905) – Born in Montrose. Novelist and screenwriter, famous (and infamous) for being one of the Hollywood Ten, blacklisted during the Red Scare. Some of his major film works: Roman Holiday, Spartacus, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. 
• Anna Lee Alred – First American woman licensed as a jockey. Born in Montrose.
• Pat Valenzuela – Also born in Montrose; went on to win big races like the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.
• Myron “Mike” Ullman – Former CEO of J.C. Penney and past Starbucks chairman. Lives in Montrose.

Dark, Bizarre and Rumors

• Sunset Mesa Funeral Home Scandal: Probably the most macabre recent headline. In 2018 a funeral home in the Montrose area (Sunset Mesa) was investigated for illegally selling human body parts and mishandling remains. The FBI raided, and years later the operators pled guilty to stealing body parts from hundreds of families. 
• Pronunciation debate: Even locals differ! Common pronunciation is “MON-trose” (first syllable stressed), though some say “mont-ROSE.”

Why Visit Montrose?

• Gateway to Natural Beauty: Montrose is a jumping-off point for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the San Juan Mountains, and other spectacular western Colorado scenery. 
• Outdoor Recreation in Every Season: From hiking and biking to water sports and winter adventures, the geography is varied and accessible. 
• Historic Downtown Vibe and Museums: Plenty of charm downtown, historic architecture, small museums that offer depth.
• Cultural Mix: Hispanic heritage celebrations; local art; historical preservation is taken seriously.