In addition to serving as a founding father and mayor of Lake Forest, John V. Farwell left a surprising and enduring legacy in northern Colorado through his gold-mining operation. Its seventeen-mile aqueduct through the Rocky Mountains, known as the “Farwell Ditch”, was a remarkable engineering feat that transformed the region. Author Nolan Farwell, a distant cousin, will recount how he discovered the long-forgotten ditch by chance, explore its extraordinary construction, and describe his successful effort to have it listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Drawing on years of extensive research, Nolan Farwell has brought the story of the Farwell Ditch back to life through lectures, tours, and presentations at historical societies across Colorado. The program is sponsored by the Lake Forest Book Store, where attendees may purchase Nolan Farwell’s book in advance or following the program.