National Register of Historic Places listings in Costilla County, Colorado facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and places that tell stories from the past? In Costilla County, Colorado, there are many special spots that are officially recognized for their history. These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important buildings, sites, and objects across the United States that are worth preserving.
Costilla County is in southern Colorado and is known for its rich history, especially its connection to early Spanish and Mexican settlements. There are 12 places in Costilla County currently on this special list. One other place was listed before but has since been removed.
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Historic Places in Costilla County
Costilla County is home to many places that show its unique history. From old forts to beautiful churches and important bridges, these sites help us understand what life was like long ago.
Fort Garland: A Military Outpost
One of the most famous historic places is Fort Garland. This fort was built way back in 1858. It was a military post, which means soldiers lived and worked there. Their job was to protect settlers and travelers in the San Luis Valley. Famous people like Kit Carson even commanded the fort at one point! Today, Fort Garland is a museum where you can learn about its past and see what life was like for soldiers and early settlers. It's located right on Colorado State Highway 159 in the town of Fort Garland.
Plaza de San Luis de la Culebra: Colorado's First Town
The Plaza de San Luis de la Culebra is a very special place. It's located in San Luis, which is the oldest continuously settled town in Colorado. The plaza was established in 1851 by Hispanic settlers. A "plaza" is like a town square, and it was the center of community life. People would gather there for markets, celebrations, and to share news. This historic district shows how early communities were planned and how people lived together. You can find it along Colorado State Highway 159.
Historic Churches: Centers of Community Life
Many of the historic listings in Costilla County are old churches, also known as capillas or iglesias. These churches were not just places of worship; they were also the heart of the small villages. They often served as community gathering spots and were built by the villagers themselves.
- Capilla de San Isidro: This chapel is in Los Fuertes. It's a beautiful example of the simple, traditional churches built by early settlers. It was added to the list in 2013.
- Capilla de Viejo San Acacio: Located in Viejo San Acacio, this chapel is another important part of the area's history. It was listed in 2012.
- Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion: This church is in Chama. It was also added to the National Register in 2012.
- Iglesia de San Francisco de Assisi: You can find this church in San Francisco. It joined the list in 2012.
- Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo: This church in San Pedro was also recognized in 2012.
These churches are part of a larger group of historic sites called the "Culebra River Villages of Costilla County Multiple Property Submission." This means they were all recognized together because they share a similar history and importance to the region.
Other Notable Historic Sites
Beyond the forts and churches, other structures in Costilla County are also listed for their historical value:
- Rito Seco Creek Culvert: This culvert, a type of tunnel that carries water under a road, is on Colorado State Highway 142 near San Luis. It was built a long time ago and shows early engineering. It was listed in 2002.
- A. A. Salazar House: This historic house at 603 Main Street in San Luis was added to the list in 1998. It represents the homes of important community members from the past.
- San Luis Bridge: This bridge, located off Colorado State Highway 159 in San Luis, was listed in 1985. Bridges are important because they connect communities and help people travel.
- San Luis Southern Railway Trestle: This old railway trestle is near Blanca. A "trestle" is a bridge-like structure that supports a railway track. This one was part of the San Luis Southern Railway and was listed in 2004. It reminds us of the importance of trains in connecting towns and moving goods in the past.
Former Listing
Sometimes, a place that was once on the National Register of Historic Places is removed. This can happen if the building is destroyed or changes too much. The Smith-Gallego House in San Luis was once on the list, but it was taken off in 1995 because it was demolished in 1982.
