Colorado's oldest surviving Civil War soldier at one time. He enlisted in the 1st Colorado Regiment in 1862 and helped turn back the Texans, in the "Battle of Glorieta Pass", (north-central New Mexico). He was the last surviving member of the original regiment. In 1864 he re-enlisted joining the 3rd Colorado Regiment serving in many Indian engagements, including Sand Creek. He was the last survivor of that regiment as well. For nearly 50 years Sopris was an active member of Lincoln Post No. 4 G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic). In 1883 when the Grand Army met in Denver for the first time. He raised $28,000 for entertainment of the veterans. He was active again in the grand encampment there in 1905 and the last time in 1928. General Sopris gained his military title through years of service with the Colorado Militia in the early days. He was the sole survivor of a family of 10 children. He appeared in a Memorial Day parade Thursday, May 30, 1929, when he was 86 years old and said, "Never rode in a parade yet--never will; when I can't march, I'll stay home." He is the son of Denver-Founder Richard and Elizabeth Sopris.
Colorado's oldest surviving Civil War soldier at one time. He enlisted in the 1st Colorado Regiment in 1862 and helped turn back the Texans, in the "Battle of Glorieta Pass", (north-central New Mexico). He was the last surviving member of the original regiment. In 1864 he re-enlisted joining the 3rd Colorado Regiment serving in many Indian engagements, including Sand Creek. He was the last survivor of that regiment as well. For nearly 50 years Sopris was an active member of Lincoln Post No. 4 G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic). In 1883 when the Grand Army met in Denver for the first time. He raised $28,000 for entertainment of the veterans. He was active again in the grand encampment there in 1905 and the last time in 1928. General Sopris gained his military title through years of service with the Colorado Militia in the early days. He was the sole survivor of a family of 10 children. He appeared in a Memorial Day parade Thursday, May 30, 1929, when he was 86 years old and said, "Never rode in a parade yet--never will; when I can't march, I'll stay home." He is the son of Denver-Founder Richard and Elizabeth Sopris.
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