National Register Listing

Eastlake Farmers Co-Operative Elevator Company

a.k.a. Colorad Milling and Elevator Company; Eastlake Grain and Feed

126th Ave and Claude Ct, Thornton, CO
The Eastlake Farmers Co-Operative Grain Elevator is locally significant as an embodiment of High Plains industrial agriculture between 1920 and 1960 in rural Adams County. During this period of improving agricultural technologies and transportation advances, the Eastlake Farmers Co-Operative Grain Elevator reflects the shifts from rail to truck transportation and from single-grain to multiple-grain storage. As agricultural markets moved away from a focus solely on wheat grain processing, local producers also shifted their attention to sugar beets cultivation and then to livestock feed production. To accommodate these changes, elevator management altered the make-up of the storage capacity within the complex, increasing the number of individual products that could be offered to its customers. The continuity of operations at the Eastlake Farmers' Co-Operative Grain Elevator between 1920 and 1960 is testimony to this agricultural-industrial complex's integral role in the economy of Eastlake and the surrounding region. This rural elevator served between 12 and 15 large grain producers and many small agricultural operations. It boasted a storage capacity in excess of 14,100 bushels of grain, thereby making a significant contribution to the economic well-being of the Town of Eastlake and rural Adams County.
Local significance of the structure:
Commerce; Industry; Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2010.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce industry engineering
The Colorado River, which flows through the state and into several other western states, is an important source of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power. The river is also a popular destination for whitewater rafting and other recreational activities.
Colorado random facts
Adams County, Colorado, is a region rich in history and has played a significant role in the development of the state. The history of the county dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human occupation by various Native American tribes. These early inhabitants left behind their artifacts and structures, which offer insights into their daily lives and cultural practices.

European settlement in Adams County began in the 19th century with the arrival of traders, trappers, and gold prospectors. Eventually, the establishment of railroads and the discovery of gold in the neighboring areas attracted more settlers to the region. The area was named after Alva Adams, the governor of Colorado at the time, and was officially organized as Adams County in 1902.

Agriculture played a crucial role in the early development of Adams County. The fertile soil of the region supported the growth of crops such as wheat, corn, and sugar beets, which encouraged further settlement and economic growth. The county saw the construction of irrigation systems, enabling farmers to cultivate the land more efficiently.

Adams County also experienced unprecedented growth during World War II due to the establishment of Lowry Air Force Base and the Adams County Naval Station. These military installations brought an influx of people to the area and had a significant impact on the local economy. After the war, the region transitioned into a more urbanized and industrialized area, with the growth of manufacturing and commercial sectors.

Today, Adams County continues to thrive, offering a diverse mix of industries, including aerospace, healthcare, and agriculture. The county is also home to various natural parks and recreational areas, preserving its rich history and providing a high quality of life for its residents.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Adams County, Colorado.

  • 1858 - Adams County formed as one of the original 17 counties in the Territory of Kansas
  • 1861 - Adams County transferred to the Territory of Colorado
  • 1901 - Thornton becomes the first city in Adams County
  • 1902 - Brighton is incorporated
  • 1903 - Commerce City is incorporated
  • 1904 - Watkins is incorporated
  • 1949 - Adams County Fair begins
  • 1952 - Adams State Junior College (now Community College of Denver) is established
  • 1962 - Aurora becomes a city and is partially located in Adams County
  • 2001 - Adams County Regional Park opens
  • 2013 - The historic Adams County Courthouse is destroyed by fire