A Mission on the Frontier: Edward P. Tenney, Colorado College, the New West Education Commission, and the School Movement for Mormons and “Mexicans”

Abstract

Inspired by Manifest Destiny and lured by prospects of economic gain, Eastern entrepreneurs migrated to the Western frontier in the mid nineteenth century. As they pursued wealth through railroads, mining, land speculation, and other endeavors, many succeeded and had their names recorded in the pages of the history of the region; others passed from historical memory. Alongside economic titans were other pioneers. Just as zealous New England reformers sought to bring Yankee enlightenment to the benighted South after the Civil War, other New Englanders looked to the West. For several of these pioneers, establishing Christian churches and colleges to serve the new populations was their mission. One of these individuals was Congregationalist minister Edward P. Tenney, whose conceived life's goal was to found a Christian college that would serve as the centerpiece of education on the frontier. Tenney was not unique, but he was exceptional in the scope and passion of his vision.