National Register of Historic Places listings in Montrose County, Colorado facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that are really important to history? In Montrose County, Colorado, there are many special spots that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect places that tell us about the past.
These places could be old homes, bridges, train cars, or even natural sites. They are all important because they show us how people lived, worked, and built things a long time ago. Montrose County has 29 of these amazing historic places. Let's explore some of them!
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Historic Buildings in Montrose
Many of Montrose County's historic places are buildings right in the city of Montrose. These buildings often have interesting stories and unique designs.
Community and Government Buildings
Montrose has several buildings that were important for the community or local government.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge is located at 107 South Cascade Avenue. It was added to the list on April 6, 2004. This building was a meeting place for the Elks, a social and charitable group.
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Montrose City Hall
The Montrose City Hall is found at 433 South 1st Street. It became a historic site on June 3, 1982. This building has been where many important decisions for the city were made.
Montrose County Courthouse
The Montrose County Courthouse is at 320 South 1st Street. It joined the list on February 18, 1994. Courthouses are often grand buildings where legal matters and local government work happen.
Montrose Masonic Temple
The Montrose Masonic Temple, Lodge No. 63, at 509–513 East Main Street, was listed on April 6, 2004. Masonic temples are often known for their unique architecture and history as meeting places for the Masons.
US Post Office-Montrose Main
The US Post Office-Montrose Main is at 321 South 1st Street. It was added on January 22, 1986. This building served as the main post office, connecting people through mail for many years.
Other Notable Montrose Buildings
There are other interesting buildings in Montrose that have been preserved.
Denver and Rio Grande Depot
The Denver and Rio Grande Depot is at 20 North Rio Grande Avenue. It was listed on June 3, 1982. This old train station was a busy hub for travelers and goods when trains were the main way to get around.
J. V. Lathrop House
The J. V. Lathrop House at 718 Main Street was added on July 8, 1988. This house gives us a peek into how people lived in Montrose long ago.
Methodist Episcopal Church of Montrose
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Montrose is at 19 South Park Avenue. It was listed on November 30, 1999. Churches often play a central role in a community's history and culture.
Sherman and Ross Block Building
The Sherman and Ross Block Building at 232–236 Main Street was added on April 11, 2003. This building likely housed businesses or offices, showing the commercial history of Montrose.
US Bureau of Reclamation Project Office Building
The US Bureau of Reclamation Project Office Building is at 601 North Park Avenue. It was listed on November 27, 1991. This office was important for managing water projects in the region, like dams and irrigation.
Historic Transportation and Infrastructure
Montrose County has several historic sites related to how people traveled and how resources were moved.
Railroad History
Trains were very important for connecting communities and moving goods. Several historic railroad items are preserved in Montrose County, especially near Cimarron.
D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle
The D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle is northeast of Cimarron. It was listed on June 18, 1976. A trestle is a bridge-like structure that supports a railway. This one was part of a narrow-gauge railway, which used tracks closer together than standard tracks.
Historic Railroad Cars
Several old railroad cars from the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad are preserved near Cimarron, in the Curecanti National Recreation Area. These cars show the different types of trains that once traveled through Colorado.
- Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Box Outfit Car No. 04414 (listed July 23, 2009)
- Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Boxcar No. 3132 (listed September 2, 2009)
- Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Caboose No. 0577 (listed April 21, 2009)
- Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Locomotive No. 278 and Tender (listed April 21, 2009)
- Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Stock Car No. 5620 (listed January 27, 2010)
- Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Stock Car No. 5679D (listed January 27, 2010)
- Rio Grande Southern Railroad Derrick Car (listed May 10, 2010)
Water and Mining Infrastructure
Water was and still is vital in Colorado. Mining was also a huge part of the state's history.
Dolores River Bridge
The Dolores River Bridge on State Highway 90 near Bedrock was listed on October 15, 2002. Bridges are important for connecting communities and allowing travel over rivers.
Gunnison Tunnel
The Gunnison Tunnel, east of Montrose, was added on July 22, 1979. When it was finished in 1909, it was the longest irrigation tunnel in the world! It brought much-needed water to farms in the area.
Hanging Flume
The Hanging Flume, northwest of Uravan on State Highway 141, was listed on May 15, 1980. This amazing structure was built into the side of a cliff to carry water for mining operations. It's a testament to the engineering skills of the past.
Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites
Some historic listings protect natural areas or sites important to the history of people living in the region.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
North Rim Road
The North Rim Road in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was listed on September 6, 2005. This road allows visitors to see the incredible views of the deep canyon and is an important part of the park's history.
Shavano Valley Rock Art Site
The Shavano Valley Rock Art Site, near Montrose, was listed on October 12, 2001. This site contains ancient rock art, which are drawings or carvings made by early people. They tell us about their lives and beliefs.
Silesca Ranger Station
The Silesca Ranger Station on Grand Mesa in the Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests was listed on January 12, 2005. Ranger stations are important for managing and protecting our national forests.
Ute Memorial Site
The Ute Memorial Site, about 2 miles south of Montrose on U.S. Highway 550, was listed on February 26, 1970. This site honors the Ute people, who are the native inhabitants of this land. It's a place to remember their history and culture.
