Fort Garland, Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fort Garland, Colorado
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Fort Garland from the south.
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Location of the Fort Garland CDP in Costilla County, Colorado.
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 Fort Garland, Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Colorado |
| County | Costilla County |
| Established | 1858 |
| Government | |
| • Type | unincorporated town |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.376 sq mi (0.973 km2) |
| • Land | 0.376 sq mi (0.973 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Elevation | 7,937 ft (2,419 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 464 |
| • Density | 1,235.1/sq mi (476.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP code |
81133
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| Area code(s) | 719 |
| GNIS feature | 2408238 |
Fort Garland is a small town in Costilla County, Colorado, United States. It is an unincorporated town, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city. It also has a post office and is known as a census-designated place (CDP). In 2020, about 464 people lived there.
Contents
History of Fort Garland
Fort Garland was built in 1858. Its main job was to protect settlers who were moving into the San Luis Valley. At that time, this area was part of the New Mexico Territory. The fort was used until 1883. It was closed after the Ute tribe were moved to special areas called reservations. Today, you can visit the Fort Garland Museum to see some of the old buildings from the fort.
Where is Fort Garland?
Fort Garland is located in the northern part of Costilla County. It is about 4 miles (6.4 km) east of the town of Blanca on U.S. Route 160. If you travel east, you will cross the Sangre de Cristo Range mountains. The town of Walsenburg is about 47 miles (76 km) away in that direction. The total land area of Fort Garland is about 0.97 square kilometers (0.37 square miles).
Who Lives in Fort Garland?
The United States Census Bureau keeps track of how many people live in places like Fort Garland. Here's how the population has changed over the years:
| Fort Garland CDP, Colorado | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 2000 | 432 | — |
| 2010 | 433 | +0.2% |
| 2020 | 464 | +7.2% |
| Source: United States Census Bureau | ||
Fun Things to Do in Fort Garland
Fort Garland is often called the "Gateway to the San Luis Valley". This is because it's the first town you reach when driving west over La Veta Pass in the Sangre de Cristo Range. Many artists, painters, and musicians live here.
Annual Fort Garland Band Jam Music Festival
This exciting summer event usually happens in mid-July. It brings together local and regional musicians. You can also find nationally and internationally known musical acts. The festival has an open-air market where you can buy cool things. There are also food vendors selling tasty local and regional dishes. Plus, there's a beer garden for adults and fun activities for kids. The music includes many different styles, from Spanish guitar to rock and roll.
Community Center
The Blanca/Fort Garland Community Center is a great place for residents and visitors. You can use the center by paying a daily, monthly, or yearly fee.
Entrada Visitor's Center
The Entrada Visitor's Center is a good stop for travelers. It offers lots of information about interesting places nearby. These include the Great Sand Dunes, the Colorado 'Gator farm, and the UFO Watchtower. You can learn about many other fun activities in the San Luis Valley here.
Images for kids
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Ute Cafe in Fort Garland
See also
In Spanish: Fort Garland (Colorado) para niños
