FORT GARLAND — The 1860s story of the rampaging Espinosa brothers keeps readers and researchers scrabbling after 150 years. The newly-released book by retired attorney Michael A. Espinosa is a fictional account based on family narratives of the vengeful brothers in Southern Colorado.

Espinosa brings the fictional story of the outlaws to light with the release of “Trail of the Espinosa Outlaws: Reign of Terror 1857 to 1863.”

The Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center will host Espinosa’s book talk at 1 p.m. on July 10. The free event is open to the public.

“Trail of the Espinosa Outlaws: Reign of Terror 1857-1863" gives a more complete version of the historical events in an exciting 346-page narrative.

In 1863, the Denver Rocky Mountain News Weekly printed the beginnings of the Espinosa story in the April 16 issue. At that point, several murders were discovered in South Park. Less than 30 days later, claims of 300 murders circulated in the press and hit national news.

The book was originally titled, “The Other Side of the Peso.” It has taken three generations of Espinosas to bring this book to light. Humberto Espinosa, Michael’s grandfather, told the family stories of revenge in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas over murders and assaults committed by the invading Americanos after the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Humberto’s son, L. Andrés Espinosa (and Michael’s father) wrote the book during his lifetime and sought a publisher to no avail. L Andrés’ son, Michael A. Espinosa, edited the book, vetting much of the information in the fictional narrative, and it was published in March 2023 by Vanishing Horizons of Pueblo.

Espinosa was the Director of the Area Agency on Aging in Huerfano and Las Animas counties for six years. He is also a lawyer currently doing Pro Bono work for Colorado Legal Services.

The western novel involves two families of Espinosas, their exploits, Spanish land grant issues, and treatment pursuant to the Treaty. Most of the action takes place in Southern Colorado.                  

Amidst a historical picture of life in 1860s Colorado, the Espinosa outlaws evaded the Ft. Garland-based military and mercenaries until legendary frontiersman Tom Tobin tracked them down, cut off their heads, and took them to Fort Garland for bounty.

The book can be purchased at the event or through the publisher at www.VanishingHorizons.com. Call 719-561-0993 or 719-544-4040, for more information.