National Register of Historic Places listings in Alamosa County, Colorado facts for kids

Alamosa County is located in the southern part of Colorado.

Welcome to Alamosa County, Colorado! This area is full of interesting history, and many of its special buildings and places are protected. This list tells you about the historic spots in Alamosa County that are part of the National Register of Historic Places.

The National Register of Historic Places is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our past.

In Alamosa County, there are 15 amazing places on this list. Let's explore some of them and learn about their stories!

Historic Buildings in Alamosa

Many of Alamosa County's historic treasures are found right in the city of Alamosa. These buildings show us what life was like long ago and how the city grew.

Alamosa County Courthouse

The Alamosa County Courthouse is a grand building located at 702 4th Street. It was added to the National Register in 1995. This is where important government decisions for the county are made, and it has been a key part of the community for many years.

The Alamosa County Courthouse, a historic building in Alamosa.

Alamosa Post Office

Just across the street from the courthouse, at 703 4th Street, you'll find the Alamosa Post Office. This building, listed in 2009, has been where people send and receive mail for a long time. It's a reminder of how important communication has always been.

The Alamosa Post Office, where mail has been handled for decades.

American National Bank Building

The American National Bank Building at 500 State Avenue was added to the list in 1999. Banks are important places in any town, and this building shows the style of architecture from when it was built.

The historic American National Bank Building in Alamosa.

Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Depot

Railroads were super important for connecting towns and moving goods and people across the country. The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Depot at 610 State Street, listed in 1993, was once a busy train station. It's a great example of the railway history in Alamosa.

The old Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Depot.

Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Locomotive No. 169

Right near the depot, in Cole Park, you can see the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Locomotive No.169. This old train engine, listed in 2001, is a fantastic piece of history. It reminds us of the powerful machines that helped build America.

Locomotive No. 169, a piece of railroad history.

First Baptist Church

Churches often play a big role in a community's history. The First Baptist Church at 408 State Avenue, listed in 2005, is a beautiful example of historic religious architecture in Alamosa.

The First Baptist Church in Alamosa.

Husung Hardware

The Husung Hardware store at 625 Main Street was added to the list in 2000. Hardware stores were essential for pioneers and early settlers, providing tools and supplies for building and everyday life.

The historic Husung Hardware building.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Another important religious building is the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 727 4th Street. Listed in 1998, this church has served the community for many years.

The Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church

The St. Thomas Episcopal Church at 607 4th Street, listed in 2003, is another historic church in Alamosa. Its architecture and long history make it a special part of the city.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Alamosa.

Historic Places Outside Alamosa City

Alamosa County has historic sites not just in the city of Alamosa, but also in other towns and areas, like Hooper and Mosca.

Howard Store (Hooper)

In the town of Hooper, you'll find the Howard Store at 8681 Main Street. This store, listed in 2006, was an important center for trade and community life in Hooper.

The historic Howard Store in Hooper.

Medano Ranch Headquarters (Mosca)

The Medano Ranch Headquarters is a historic ranch property located near Great Sand Dunes National Park. It's owned by The Nature Conservancy and was listed in 2004. Ranches like this played a huge role in the development of the American West. Access to this site is limited.

The Medano Ranch Headquarters near Mosca.

Mt. Pleasant School (Alamosa County)

Schools are often the heart of a community. The Mt. Pleasant School, located at the junction of County Roads 3, S. and 103, S., was listed in 2006. It reminds us of how education has always been valued in the area.

The old Mt. Pleasant School building.

Superintendent's Residence, Great Sand Dunes National Monument (Mosca)

Near the entrance to Great Sand Dunes National Park, you'll find the Superintendent's Residence, Great Sand Dunes National Monument. This home, listed in 1989, was where the park's superintendent lived, showing the early days of protecting this amazing natural wonder.

The Superintendent's Residence at Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Trujillo Homestead (Mosca)

The Trujillo Homestead is another historic ranch property on the Medano-Zapata Ranch, near the Great Sand Dunes. Listed in 2004, this homestead tells the story of early settlers and their lives on the land. It's also on Nature Conservancy land, and access is limited.

The Trujillo Homestead near Mosca.

Zapata Ranch Headquarters (Mosca)

The Zapata Ranch Headquarters at 5303 State Highway 150 is another important historic ranch property near the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Listed in 1993, this ranch, also owned by The Nature Conservancy, represents the rich ranching history of the region.

The Zapata Ranch Headquarters.

These 15 places in Alamosa County are more than just old buildings; they are windows into the past, helping us understand the people, events, and changes that shaped this part of Colorado.