Unfamiliar Face Frederick Niwot

The Courier often profiles "familiar faces," community members around Niwot and/or Gunbarrel that you might see on a regular basis, but don't know their story. These individuals do a lot for our community to make it the tightly knit and functioning area it is. Yet there are many familiar names without a corresponding face.

We call those "Unfamiliar Faces."

This week's Unfamiliar Face is Frederick Niwot. His name appears on signs directing motorists to exit 235 on I-25 but, as much as we might appreciate the direction, few know who he is.

Niwot has long been celebrated for its rich history and connection to Chief Niwot for which the town is named, but there is an additional layer to its story-a familial link through a lesser-known relative, Frederick Niwot.

Frederick Niwot, whose name has surfaced in recent research by the Niwot Hysterical Society, is believed to have been a distant relative of Chief Niwot, connected through an extended lineage.

While Chief Niwot is revered for his dedication to peace and reconciliation during a time of conflict between settlers and Native tribes, Frederick Niwot's contributions revolve around infrastructure.

Best known as the designer of the layout of businesses at the intersection of exit 235 and I-25, he was the leading force in the development of Firestone and Frederick and the paving of the surrounding roads along with local engineers Daniel Dacono and Bob Firerock.

As the Niwot Hysterical Society delves deeper into Frederick Niwot's family story, the NCAA is considering ways to honor both relatives together. NCAA member Jim Denial has proposed a historical landmark plaque at the interstate's offramp, featuring both Chief Niwot and Frederick Niwot on horseback.

The story of Frederick Niwot is a reminder of the interconnectedness of history and the many faces that contribute to a community's heritage. Denial hopes the NHS continues exploring the many lives that shaped Niwot and surrounding areas into what they are today.