Historical Markers in
Alamosa County, Colorado

1988 NAIA Division 1 National Championship Runner-Up A Landmark for People Adams State College Alamosa Alamosa County Alamosa Depot All Aboard for Alamosa! American Legion Building American National Bank Building Denver & Rio Grande Western Locomotive No. 169 Dimensions Emperius Building Evidence of a Changing World First Baptist Church Great Risk for Great Reward L.B. "Bill" Casselman Los Caminos Antiguos Los Caminos Antiguos Lt. Zebulon Pike's Southwestern Expedition Lt. Zebulon Pike's Southwestern Expedition Millstone, c. 1845 On Sacred Ground Pike and Southwest Commerce Sangre de Cristo Ecosystem Sounds of Silence Stepping into Wilderness The Mountain Barrier Understanding the Great Sand Dunes System: the Sabkha Understanding the Great Sand Dunes System: the Sand Sheet Welcome "Caminante" to ... Welcome "Caminante" to... Who Owns This Land? Zebulon Pike's "sand-hills" "Old Mose" "The Magic Dog" "Totally Unique and Unexpected"
The city of Denver was named after Kansas territorial governor James W. Denver, even though he never actually visited the area. The name was chosen by early settlers in the area.
Colorado random facts
Alamosa County, Colorado, was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ute and Jicarilla Apache. These tribes were semi-nomadic and relied on hunting and gathering for sustenance. Spanish explorers arrived in the region in the 16th century, with Juan de Oñate being one of the first known Europeans to visit the area. The Spanish established settlements and missions, but their presence was disrupted by conflicts with Native American tribes and eventually faded away.

In the mid-19th century, the Colorado Gold Rush brought European-American settlers into the area. Ranching and mining industries started to develop, transforming Alamosa County into an agricultural and commercial center. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad established a route through the county in 1878, further boosting its growth and connecting it to larger markets.

Alamosa County experienced a significant population increase during the early 20th century due to agricultural expansion, primarily in potato farming and cattle ranching. The town of Alamosa was incorporated in 1878 and became the county seat. Water management projects, such as the establishment of reservoirs and irrigation canals, played a crucial role in supporting the region's agricultural growth.

The county also faced various challenges throughout its history. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s severely impacted the local economy, causing many residents to migrate in search of better opportunities. However, the community worked hard to recover, with the construction of the Alamosa National Fish Hatchery bringing much-needed jobs during the Great Depression. Today, Alamosa County continues to be a prominent agricultural center, while also attracting tourists who come to explore nearby natural attractions such as the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Alamosa County, Colorado.

  • 1873 - Alamosa County was established on March 8th.
  • 1878 - The first permanent settlement, known as "Old Fort," was established.
  • 1881 - The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad reached Alamosa, fueling economic growth.
  • 1886 - The town of Alamosa was incorporated on April 22nd.
  • 1905 - The Alamosa National Bank, the first bank in the county, was established.
  • 1912 - The State Normal School, now Adams State University, was founded.
  • 1922 - The Carnegie Public Library opened its doors to the public.
  • 1951 - The Great Sand Dunes National Monument was established.
  • 2003 - The Alamosa County Museum opened, showcasing the county's history.