Colorado Amphitheater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Colorado Amphitheater
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The site in 2013.
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 Location in Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Location | 15001 Denver W. Pkwy., Golden, Colorado |
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| Built | 1935 |
| Built by | Works Progress Administration |
| Architect | Ardourel, Frank J. |
| MPS | Camp George West MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 93000378 |
| Added to NRHP | May 20, 1993 |
The Colorado Amphitheater, sometimes called Structure #41, is a special outdoor theater made from natural stone. It was built in 1935 near Golden, Colorado, for the soldiers at Camp George West. This camp was a training place for the Colorado National Guard, which is a part of the United States armed forces that helps during emergencies and supports the military.
The amphitheater is located at the base of South Table Mountain, which is a flat-topped hill called a mesa.
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Building the Amphitheater
The Colorado Amphitheater was built during a time when many people needed jobs. It was part of a program called the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was a government program in the 1930s that created jobs for millions of Americans by building public projects like roads, bridges, and buildings.
- The project was overseen by Commander Neil West Kimball.
- He was the grandson of the general that Camp George West was named after.
- The WPA workers used natural stone to create the amphitheater, making it blend in with the surrounding landscape.
What Was It Used For?
When it was first built, the amphitheater was mainly used to show movies to the soldiers training at Camp George West. Imagine watching a film outdoors under the stars! It was a place for entertainment and relaxation for the troops.
Why It Was No Longer Used
Over time, the Colorado Amphitheater stopped being used. The main reason was that too many rattlesnakes started to live in the area around the theater. For the safety and comfort of the soldiers, it became too difficult to use the amphitheater regularly.
Who Owns It Now?
Later, the amphitheater became part of the property owned by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). NREL is a research center that focuses on finding new and better ways to use renewable energy, like solar and wind power.
In 1993, the Colorado Amphitheater was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site that should be protected and preserved.
See also
