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As two neighboring properties open for commercial tourism and more scientists study the fossils, the Florissant Fossil Beds become world famous.
T. D. A. Cockerell makes three expeditions to collect in Florissant. He will publish 134 papers on his findings over his nearly 40-year career. 
The Coplen Petrified Forest opens. Owner John Coplen moves the old Florissant Midland Railway station to the property and renovated it into a lodge. 
The Hendersons open a museum near the redwood trio on a second property next to The Coplen Petrified Forest. This museum serves as a visitor center years later when the Monument is established. 
Palmer and Agnes Singer buy the Coplen Petrified Forest and change the name. They run the Bronco Dude Ranch and the Colorado Petrified Forest for the next 46 years. 
Scientists Harry MacGinitie and F. Martin Brown conduct research including some of the first efforts to study ancient climate. 
John Baker buys the Henderson Petrified Forest, changes the name, and operates the Pike Petrified Forest until 1961.
1953 Harry MacGinitie’s landmark monograph “Fossil Plants of the Florissant Fossil Beds, Colorado” is published. 
Toby Wells, a young guide at Pike Petrified Forest, is approached near closing time one night by an unusual visitor. After looking at several of the stumps, the visitor asks about buying one for a display in his park – the man is Walt Disney! The petrified stump he buys is still on display at Frontierland in Disneyland.
Late 1950s and Early 1960s Estella Leopold collects fossil pollen samples at Florissant.
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Last updated: November 5, 2022