Colfax County Courthouse (Springer, New Mexico) facts for kids
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Colfax County Courthouse in Springer
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Former courthouse in 2008
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 Location in New Mexico
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| Location | 614 Maxwell Ave., Springer, New Mexico |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1882 |
| Architectural style | Second Empire |
| MPS | County Courthouses of New Mexico TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000883 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 7, 1987 |
The Colfax County Courthouse in Springer, New Mexico, is a special old building. It was once the main office for the government of Colfax County, New Mexico. This happened from 1881 to 1897.
The building is located at 614 Maxwell Avenue in Springer. Today, it is a museum about the famous Santa Fe Trail. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This list helps protect important places in the United States.
Contents
Building a New Courthouse
In 1881, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad arrived in the area. Because of the railroad, the main government office for Colfax County moved. It moved from Cimarron to a new town called Springer.
Work on the new courthouse building started in 1879. It was finished and ready for use in 1881.
Courthouse Design
The courthouse was built in a style called Second Empire. It looked like many other courthouses in New Mexico at that time.
It is a two-story building with a pointed roof. It has a tall, three-story tower that sticks out from the front. The windows have rounded tops, like arches.
The main courtroom was on the second floor. The judge's office was behind the courtroom. A small brick jail cell was later added to the back of the building.
Courthouse History
The Colfax County Courthouse has seen many important events. It played a big part in the history of Springer.
Early Events
In 1885, a famous event from the Colfax County War happened on the courthouse lawn. This was a conflict over land and water rights in the county.
In 1897, the county seat moved again. People voted, and the government decided to move the main office to Raton. Raton is about forty miles north of Springer.
The county clerk in Springer did not want to give up the county records. So, officials had to take the records by force.
Later Uses
From 1910 to 1917, the old courthouse became a school. It was first called the New Mexico Reform School. Later, its name changed to the New Mexico Industrial School for Boys. This school helped young boys learn skills and get an education.
After the school moved, the building was used for other things. It became the offices for the town of Springer. It also housed the Springer Public Library.
In 1965, the people of Springer voted on the building's future. They decided to turn it into a museum. This museum would tell the story of the Santa Fe Trail. The Santa Fe Trail was an important trade route in the American West.
See also
