National Register Listing

Cheyenne County Jail

a.k.a. Eastern Colorado Historical Society Museum

85 W. Second St., Cheyenne Wells, CO
Local significance of the building:
Community Planning And Development; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

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.

community planning and development architecture jails and prisons
Audiobooks about the history of Colorado.
Colorado was the first state in the country to allow women to vote through a popular referendum in 1893, over 25 years before the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Colorado random facts
Cheyenne County, Colorado, is located in the eastern part of the state. It was established on March 25, 1889, and named after the Cheyenne Native American tribe that once inhabited the region. The area was initially home to various Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne and Arapaho.

In the late 19th century, Cheyenne County experienced a significant influx of settlers during the Homestead Act era. Many farmers and ranchers were attracted to the fertile soil and vast grasslands, which provided ideal conditions for agricultural pursuits. The establishment of railroad lines connecting the county to other parts of the state further facilitated its growth and development.

The county was marked by a series of challenges throughout its history. The devastating Dust Bowl of the 1930s severely affected the agricultural sector, causing widespread economic hardship. However, the county persevered through these difficult times and continued to adapt and rebuild.

Today, Cheyenne County is primarily an agricultural community and remains sparsely populated. It is known for its vast expanses of farmland, cattle ranching, and has a strong sense of community. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through various heritage sites and museums, offering visitors a glimpse into the area's past and its contribution to Colorado's development as a whole.

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

  • 1867 - Cheyenne County established by the Colorado Territorial Legislature.
  • 1889 - First county treasurer and assessor elected.
  • 1890 - Cheyenne County Courthouse built.
  • 1901 - Burlington and Missouri River Railroad establishes a line through the county.
  • 1929 - Dust Bowl hits Cheyenne County, causing widespread agricultural devastation.
  • 1946 - Cheyenne County Memorial Hospital opens.
  • 1955 - Last passenger train stops in Cheyenne County.
  • 1961 - Interstate 70 opens, providing improved transportation access.
  • 1975 - Cheyenne County Wind Farm becomes operational.
  • 2007 - Cheyenne County celebrates its 140th anniversary.