Lathrop, J. V., House
718 Main St., Montrose, CO Local significance of the building: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.
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.
European settlement in the area began in the mid-1800s with the arrival of prospectors seeking gold and silver. Montrose County was officially established in 1883 after being carved out of neighboring Ouray County. The town of Montrose, named after Sir Walter Scott's novel "A Legend of Montrose," became the county seat. Agriculture and mining quickly became the driving forces behind the county's economy, with farmers and ranchers taking advantage of the fertile land and miners extracting valuable minerals.
In the early 20th century, the introduction of irrigation systems led to a significant growth in agriculture, particularly fruit orchards. Montrose County became known as the "Garden of Paradise" due to its thriving fruit industry. However, the Great Depression and drought in the 1930s brought challenges to the county, leading to some decline in the agricultural sector.
In recent decades, Montrose County has seen diversification in its economy, with a focus on tourism, outdoor recreation, and energy development. The county offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and hunting, attracting visitors from across the region. Additionally, the area has seen growth in the renewable energy sector, with wind and solar power projects being developed.
Overall, Montrose County's history showcases the resilience and adaptability of its residents as they have navigated through various economic changes. From its Indigenous roots to its development as an agricultural and mining hub, the county continues to evolve and thrive, embracing its natural beauty and resources to create a vibrant community.
Montrose County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Montrose County, Colorado.
- 1881 - Montrose County is established.
- 1882 - Town of Montrose is founded.
- Late 1800s - Agriculture, mining, and ranching become major industries in the area.
- Early 1900s - Montrose experiences a population boom due to mining and irrigation projects.
- 1930s - Dust Bowl and Great Depression cause economic hardships in Montrose County.
- 1950s - Montrose County begins to develop tourism and outdoor recreation as main industries.
- 1970s - Montrose County becomes a popular destination for hunting, fishing, and skiing.
- 1996 - The Bureau of Land Management establishes the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
- 2000s - Montrose County continues to grow economically, attracting retirees and outdoor enthusiasts.