Shawsheen

Shawsheen was a Ute Indian Princess.
Shawsheen (Shosheen) was Chief Ouray’s sister. Her name means “Shining Water.”

Shawsheen was captured by the Arapaho Indians while hunting.
During the summer of 1863, Shawsheen was in the Big Thompson Canyon on a hunting trip when she was captured by a band of 200 Arapaho.

After she was held prisoner for three years, a group of soldiers from Camp Collins (Ft. Collins today) were riding in the area known today as Island Grove Park. The soldiers saw Shawsheen tied to a cottonwood tree, and they released her. The soldiers called her “Susan” and returned her to her people.

Shawsheen saved Mrs. Meeker and her daughter in 1879.
Shawsheen never forgot the soldiers' kindness. When she learned of the White River Massacre, she went to the Ute camp where the women were being held. She burst into the lodge shouting at the men. The men were surprised at her outburst and released the women.

Shawsheen was remembered for saving Mrs. Meeker and Josephine.
Mrs. Meeker and Josephine said that Shawsheen saved their lives. The cottonwood tree where Shawsheen was found was named “Susan’s Tree.” It was still standing in Island Grove Park until the early 1900’s when it died.

Another monument was built to honor Shawsheen, but it too became worn and weather-beaten, so it is gone today. However, today Shawsheen Elementary School stands as a monument for the Ute Princess.