Antonito, Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Antonito, Colorado
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Antonito (2014)
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Location of the Town of Antonito in Conejos County, Colorado.
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 Antonito, Colorado
Location in the United States
Antonito, Colorado
Location in Colorado
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Colorado |
| County | Conejos |
| Incorporated (town) | December 29, 1889 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Charter Town |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.427 sq mi (1.105 km2) |
| • Land | 0.427 sq mi (1.105 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0.000 km2) |
| Elevation | 7,888 ft (2,404 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 647 |
| • Density | 1,516/sq mi (585/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−07:00 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−06:00 (MDT) |
| ZIP code |
81120
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| Area code(s) | 719 |
| FIPS code | 08-02355 |
| Highways |  US 285 SH 17 |
Antonito is a small, historic town located in Conejos County, Colorado, United States. It's known for its rich history, especially its connection to railroads, and its unique local attractions. In 2020, about 647 people lived there.
Contents
History of Antonito
Antonito began as a camp for sheep herders. It was first called San Antonio Junction. This name came from its location near the Conejos River and San Antonio rivers. When the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad built its tracks south from Alamosa, the town's name changed to Antonito. It quickly became an important stop on the railroad line. The town officially became a town in 1889.
Railroad History and Attractions
Today, Antonito does not have many large industries. However, it is home to one end of the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. This special train takes visitors on a scenic journey through the mountains. The other end of the line is in Chama, New Mexico. The C&TS also has its train repair and storage facilities in Antonito.
Town Improvements and Unique Places
In 2015, the main highway that runs through Antonito, Highway 285, was rebuilt. This project helped make the downtown area look nicer and improved how traffic moves.
Antonito has several interesting buildings. One is the old Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad depot. It is one of the few train stations left in the U.S. that is made of lava rock. There are plans to restore this historic building.
Another unique spot is Cano's Castle. This is a folk-art home built by a local resident. It attracts many tourists and local people. Just south of town, there is an outdoor shooting range for target practice. There is also an indoor archery range. The area offers good opportunities for hunting and fishing.
Community Growth and Filming Location
In recent years, Antonito has seen new businesses open. These include a library, a tire repair shop, and a new medical clinic. A Family Dollar store was also built. The local school district also built a new junior and senior high school in town.
Antonito is also famous for being a filming location. Several scenes from the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were filmed here. This included scenes showing the Jones family home. This old house is now a place where people can stay overnight, like a bed and breakfast.
The town is also known for its many murals. Most of these colorful paintings were created by a local artist named Fred Haberlein. Antonito is also home to the oldest church building and congregation in Colorado. This is Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, which was built in 1857.
Geography of Antonito
Antonito is located in the San Luis Valley. This is a large valley near the southern border of Colorado. It sits along U.S. Highway 285. The town is about 28 miles north of Alamosa. It is also about 30 miles south of Tres Piedras, New Mexico.
The United States Census Bureau says that Antonito covers about 0.4 square miles (1.1 square kilometers) of land. There is no water area within the town limits.
Antonito is an important railroad hub. It is the southern end of the San Luis and Rio Grande Railroad. It is also the eastern end of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. This steam-powered, narrow-gauge train travels west to Osier, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico.
Population of Antonito
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 315 | — | |
| 1900 | 347 | 10.2% | |
| 1910 | 681 | 96.3% | |
| 1920 | 946 | 38.9% | |
| 1930 | 858 | −9.3% | |
| 1940 | 1,220 | 42.2% | |
| 1950 | 1,255 | 2.9% | |
| 1960 | 1,045 | −16.7% | |
| 1970 | 1,113 | 6.5% | |
| 1980 | 1,103 | −0.9% | |
| 1990 | 875 | −20.7% | |
| 2000 | 873 | −0.2% | |
| 2010 | 781 | −10.5% | |
| 2020 | 647 | −17.2% | |
According to the 2000 census, there were 873 people living in Antonito. The population density was about 2,212 people per square mile. About 90% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
The average household in Antonito had about 2.45 people. The average family had about 3.09 people. About 28.8% of the population was under 18 years old. About 18.3% of the population was 65 years or older.
Notable people
- Carlos F. Lucero, a judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
- Joe Mondragon, a jazz musician
- Joe Vigil, a running coach
See also
In Spanish: Antonito (Colorado) para niños
