Alfred Packer, Colorado Cannibal
Then There Was Only One – Growing up in Denver, Colorado at the foot of the Rocky Mountains during the 60’s and 70’s you at some time you would hear the tale of “Alfred G. Packer” Colorado cannibal. It is a chilling tale of wilderness survival of some gold prospectors that were lost in the rugged mountain wilderness of the Rocky Mountains near Lake City, Colorado. Six men entered the remote winter wilderness and only one would survive to walk out several months later. Alfred was buried in the Littleton Cemetery not far from my childhood home. This is my version of the tale of the Colorado Cannibal.
Alfred Packer
Bitter cold winter, Colorado 1874,
Alfred Packer, became campfire lore.
Breckenridge gold fields they had in mind,
Alfred, five others, yellow dust had blind.
On the Gunnison River, Indian Chief Ouray,
Feared Packer’s crew would become winters prey.
“Never to fear”, Alfred Packer was heard to say,
Headed into the San Juan’s on a freezing winter day.
On a mountain Plateau, snowbound they became,
Not gold, but survival now was the ultimate game.
Flesh freezing winter cold, became more intense,
Out of food and provisions – prolonged the suspense.
Now only one man knows the truth of the tale,
Packer – the lone survivor – lived the wilderness trail.
Out of the winter perdition, not much out of sort,
Five others lives and dreams had fallen deadly short.
Now how did Packer – one man survive the winter Hell?
People of Lake City, Colorado did not believe his tale.
During a winter struggle with no provisions or food,
That Alfred Packer lived – looked healthy and renewed.
Widely believed with hatchet their heads he did split,
And ate the other five – flesh cooked on a campfire spit.
Over a hundred years later, if it is this legend you seek,
Near Lake City, Colorado, is a mountain named – Cannibal Peak.
By Kurt James
Kurt James © 2016
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The Denver Post, PM Magazine, and 9NEWS, all well-known Denver, Colorado media sources, have highlighted the powerful and evocative work of poet and novelist Kurt James. Focusing on Old West history, Kurt contributes feature articles to HubPages and Creative Exiles, exploring the eerie silence of ghost towns, the thrilling tales of outlaws and gunfighters, and the evocative imagery found in the Rocky Mountains.
Kurt’s early admiration for writers such as Jack London, Louis L’Amour, and Max Brand played a significant role in honing his skills as a storyteller. Twenty-one books (and counting!) transport readers to the Colorado Rockies and the Old West through Kurt’s vivid descriptions; the feel of rough-hewn cabins, the sounds of coyotes howling under starry skies, and the smells of campfire smoke and sagebrush are all palpable.
Find Kurt James novels, short stories, reference books, and poetry—published by Midnight Wind Publishing—in print copies or digital downloads at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and other excellent bookstores; explore the diverse range of formats available.
Currently in production - The 10th book in his Rocky Mountain Series - Lee Moomaw Former Lawman.
Kurt is a proud member of the Western Writers of America, a group that values storytelling.
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Chilling tale for sure. Great poem, Kurt.
As you can tell I love Colorado history….lol…..
Nicely penned and enjoyed Kurt. Cheers!
Thanks a lot Tony….
Cool tale Kurt. Well written and nicely rhymed. Much enjoyed~Paul
Thank you Paul and please stop by again…..
A poetic tale well told that gave me the chills.
Rasma, in this case chills are good….lol thanks for stopping by.
I do hope this version of story is not true..but you have written this so well Kurt..thank you for sharing..
Very much true and well documented. In my home state this is a much talked about tale. Thanks for stopping by Anjana
Hmm…I know I read this and commented, Kurt, but it hasn’t shown up. I greatly enjoyed this rather morbid tale/poem. Good job.
It is a tad morbid for sure, but a true telling….truth stranger than fiction – imagine that…lol.. Thanks John
You know I love your stuff, love our state and all it’s stories.
thanks Pam, glad you like my work….