The History of Salida is a rich mix of many influences. The Ute Indians, for whom many of the local mountain peaks are named, originally settled the area. Chaffee County was established in 1879 and named for Jerome Chaffee, a United States Senator and local investor. Salida was incorporated a year later, in 1880. Early history, experienced an influx of explorers, miners, railroad expansionists, farmers and ranchers.