National Register Listing

American National Bank Building

a.k.a. 5AL248

500 State Ave., Alamosa, CO
In May 1909, the Alamosa Courier reported that the American National Bank would be erecting a modern bank building at State and Main. On June 16, 1909, the Alamosa Town Council granted permission to the bank to drill an artesian well, and on July 21 granted permission to the bank to erect a two-story brick building. By October, both Alamosa newspapers carried front-page ads explaining that during the erection of the new building the bank offices would be located in the Emperius Building. On Monday, February 7, 1910, the new bank building opened for business. The building was sold to Gilbert and Ruth Griffith in 1951. It was converted to retail space and has been operated as a flower shop since 1979.

With investors from Denver, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction, the bank had opened for business in 1905, under the name of the Bank of San Juan, reportedly to take advantage of a time of prosperity: "The San Luis Valley lands today are the only first-class lands in this state with good water...that is partly why we decided to invest money here and open the American National Bank. Then the geographical location of this town will make it a railroad center of still greater importance, while the sheep, cattle and general agricultural interests of this section will take on unprecedented growth." (Alamosa Independent Journal, Sept. 15, 1905)
Alamosa's two weekly newspapers advertised large real estate developments in town, with one on the Rio Grande River including 400 lots. The Alamosa rail yards were switching both narrow gauge and standard gauge trains that shipped passengers, agricultural produce, and mine products in all directions. This major rail hub employed over 600 people by 1920 and provided major support for Alamosa's economy
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

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 architecture
The first documented discovery of gold in Colorado was in 1858, when a group of prospectors found gold near present-day Denver. This discovery led to the Pike's Peak Gold Rush and a population boom 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.