history
La Veta
La Veta sits on the eastern side of La Veta Pass through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and at the northern opening of the Cuchara River Valley. A busy trading center a century ago, La Veta is now known for its community of artists and ranchers and breathtaking scenery. La Veta may be small and [...]
A Brief Heritage Tour of Spanish Peaks Country
History lives on in Spanish Peaks Country thanks to several cultural institutions that carry the stories of the past. In just a few hours, history buffs can learn a lot about the people and events that shaped the county. If all you have is an afternoon, be sure to check out these two museums. Activity [...]
An Afternoon in Walsenburg
In just a few hours, visitors to Walsenburg can get a great sense of its history and unique culture with a visit to the Walsenburg Mining Museum and the Museum of Friends. These two cultural institutions are chock-full of historic and artistic memorabilia sure to enthrall their visitors. Activity #1 - Walsenburg Mining Museum Learn [...]
Huerfano County Historical Society
Take a deep dive into Huerfano County’s history with the Huerfano County Historical Society. This organization collects archival photos, newspapers, and Huerfano County records from the 1890s to the present. It also manages the Walsenburg Mining Museum and the Francisco Fort Museum. Find the Huerfano County Historical Society at the Huerfano Heritage Center in Walsenburg. [...]
For History Buffs
History buffs can dig deep into Spanish Peaks Country's rich history at any one of our history museums and historic sites. The following are some of the region's most popular places to learn about Southern Colorado's heritage. Activity #1 – Heurfano Heritage Center The Huerfano Heritage Center is home to the Huerfano County Historical Society, [...]
A People’s History of the Spanish Peaks
The Spanish Peaks of Southern Colorado have been among the most important landmarks of the southwestern United States, guiding Native American tribes, Spanish and French trappers, gold seekers, hunters, and American settlers. The Ute, Comanche, Apache, and other, earlier Native American tribes held the peaks in religious awe and named the mountains Wahatoya, meaning “Breasts [...]
Walsenburg Mining Museum
Walsenburg was called the “City Built on Coal” during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and nowhere else in Spanish Peaks County will give you as much opportunity to learn why than the Walsenburg Mining Museum. Follow the battles between the coal miners and mine operators, examine artifacts associated with the mining industry, and [...]
The Ludlow Massacre and the Colorado Coalfield War
During Colorado’s coal mining days, colliers experienced twice the number of deaths compared to anywhere else in the world. These high death tolls reflected the mine owners’ gross negligence to safety. Though colliers wished to complain about their working conditions to mine owners, without a union, they would be fired on the spot. Moreover, companies [...]