WILKERSON PASS

Wilkerson Pass (el. 9507 ft./2898 m.) is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains within Pike National Forest, in Colorado.  There is a Forest Service visitor center and a few short trails. Wilkerson Pass marks the eastern boundary of South Park.  The pass is traversed by U.S. Highway 24. It has a mild approach on both sides and does not cause problems for vehicles in winter, generally.  The pass is about 50 miles (80 km) west of Colorado Springs and is surrounded by peaks over 14,000 feet (4,300 m).

1870 John Wilkerson, the pass’s namesake, was born in Ohio, but moved with his family to Missouri after the Civil War. He came to Colorado to visit a war buddy named Martland, who was ranching in the area. By the time Wilkerson used the pass it was already an established route. Although, he only stayed a few years, he named the pass after his family.

John Wilkerson had a very interesting life.  What an adventurer.  John was my great grandfather Thomas Wilkerson’s brother

From the Obituary or John W. Wilkerson in a biography of the John Wilkerson Family by Olen Smith in One Hundred Years of Helena All Because of a Railroad 1878-1978

In July, 1862, at the “Call of the Country” John Wilkerson (then 19 years of age) enlisted in the Union Army and served for three years. His first call to military duty was a cross the Ohio River in the driving of Bragg’s Army out of Kentucky. He did guard duty at Nashville and then went to Chattanooga. On the 5th day of May, 1864, he entered on the Atlanta Campaign and took part in Sherman’s March to the Sea, one of the most wonderful feats of the War. He had part in liberating many of those confined in the notorious prisons at Andersonville and in the successful capture of Savannah, Georgia. Form there he came back with the Army to Richmond where he shared in the successful conclusion of the War. Marching on to Washington, he was in Sherman’s and Grant’s Revue, which took place on May 24 and 25, 1865. Returning to Camp Dennison he was mustered out about the 15th of June, 1865 in Washington D. C., and returned home after a varied and hard experience during his three years of service. He often referred to the experiences and was most loyal and enthusiastic in his support of the Government. In 1909, due to failing health, he gave up his educational work and spent winters in the South.

John W. Wilkerson, Principal of the Mount Ayr, Iowa, Public Schools, was in Savannah yesterday, attending the funeral of his mother. Nov. 2 1, 1890

John received a license of Local Minister, and he frequently preached in the protestant churches of Mt. Ayr.