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

This map shows where Otero County is in Colorado.

Welcome to Otero County, Colorado! This page lists special places in the county that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. These are buildings, sites, or objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized and protected for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

There are 18 amazing places in Otero County that are on this list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is an even higher level of importance! Let's explore some of these cool historic spots.

Discovering Otero County's Historic Places

Otero County is full of history, from old forts to grand buildings. These places tell stories about how people lived, worked, and built communities long ago.

Bent's Old Fort: A Landmark of the Old West

Bent's Old Fort looks like it did in the 1840s.

One of the most important places in Otero County is the Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. This isn't just any historic place; it's a National Historic Landmark! This means it's super important to the history of the whole country.

Bent's Old Fort was a busy trading post on the Santa Fe Trail back in the 1840s. It was a meeting place for traders, Native Americans, and travelers. People traded goods like furs, buffalo hides, and supplies here. It was a peaceful place where different cultures came together. Today, you can visit the fort and see what life was like back then. It's like stepping back in time!

Fairground Fun: Adobe Stables and the Art Building

The old Adobe Stables at the Arkansas Valley Fairgrounds.

In Rocky Ford, you'll find the Arkansas Valley Fairgrounds. Two buildings here are on the historic register: the Adobe Stables and the Art Building.

The Adobe Stables were built using adobe, a traditional building material made from earth. Imagine horses and wagons coming and going from these stables during old fairs! The Art Building is another cool spot at the fairgrounds. These buildings remind us of the long history of community gatherings and events in Rocky Ford.

Carnegie Public Library: A Place for Books

The beautiful Carnegie Public Library in Rocky Ford.

The Carnegie Public Library in Rocky Ford is a special building. Many towns across the United States have "Carnegie Libraries." These libraries were built with money donated by Andrew Carnegie, a very rich businessman who believed everyone should have access to books and learning. This library, built in 1908, has been a center for knowledge and reading in Rocky Ford for over a hundred years.

Historic Schools: Lincoln School and North La Junta School

Lincoln School in La Junta, a historic place of learning.

Schools are important parts of any community's history. Otero County has two schools on the National Register: Lincoln School in La Junta and North La Junta School near La Junta.

Lincoln School, built in 1909, served students for many years. North La Junta School, built in 1914, also played a big role in educating children in the area. These buildings show us how education has changed over time and how important schools were to the growth of these towns.

Post Offices: Connecting Communities

The historic Rocky Ford Post Office building.

Post offices have always been vital for connecting people. Otero County has two historic post offices: the Rocky Ford Post Office and the U.S. Post Office in La Junta.

These buildings weren't just places to send letters; they were often important public buildings with interesting architecture. They represent a time when mail was the main way people communicated across long distances.

Santa Fe Railway Manzanola Depot: The Age of Trains

The old Santa Fe Railway Depot in Manzanola.

The Santa Fe Railway Manzanola Depot in Manzanola is a reminder of the exciting age of trains. Train depots were once bustling places where people arrived and departed, and goods were shipped. This depot, built in 1910, shows the importance of railroads in connecting towns and helping them grow. It's a piece of history from when trains were king of transportation!

Santa Fe Trail Segments: Following Ancient Paths

The Santa Fe Trail Mountain Route Trail Segments are also on the list. These are actual parts of the historic Santa Fe Trail that run through Otero County. The Santa Fe Trail was a very important trade route in the 19th century, connecting Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico. These trail segments let us imagine the wagons and travelers who once journeyed along these very paths.

Images for kids

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  The Art Building at the Arkansas Valley Fairgrounds.

• Carnegie Public Library (Rocky Ford, Colorado) from E 1.JPG

  The Carnegie Public Library in Rocky Ford.

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  The Dr. Frank Finney House in La Junta.

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  The Wilson A. Hart House in La Junta.

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  A bench in La Junta City Park.

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  North La Junta School.

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  The Eugene Rourke House in La Junta.

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  A building in the San Juan Avenue Historic District.

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  The Daniel Sciumbato Grocery Store in La Junta.

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  The U.S. Post Office in La Junta.