A tall tale about a deadly rat attack atop Pikes Peak spread around the world in 1876

By: Chase Woodruff

Outlets: Colorado Newsline

Published: May 29, 2026

Words: 787

Last Updated: 1 day, 7 hours ago

The sensational story made its way from Colorado Springs to Pueblo, where the daily Chieftain published the first account on May 27, 1876.

This story is part of Colorado at 150.

“ATTACKED BY RATS,” read the headline.

The Rocky Mountain News, which picked up the story in Denver the next day, opted for …

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