National Register of Historic Places listings in Rio Grande County, Colorado facts for kids
Welcome to Rio Grande County, Colorado! This page tells you about some really special places here. These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and learning about.
In Rio Grande County, there are 13 places that are currently on this special list. One other place used to be on the list but was later removed. Let's explore some of these cool historic spots!
Contents
Historic Buildings in Monte Vista
Monte Vista is a town in Rio Grande County with several buildings on the National Register. These buildings show us what life was like long ago.
Carnegie Library
The Carnegie Library in Monte Vista is a beautiful old building at 120 Jefferson Street. It was added to the list on April 14, 1995. Libraries like this one were often built with money from Andrew Carnegie, a famous businessman who believed in the power of reading and education.
Central School Auditorium and Gymnasium
The Central School Auditorium and Gymnasium is another important building in Monte Vista, located at 612 1st Avenue. It joined the list on March 14, 1996. This building was a key part of school life, where students gathered for assemblies, plays, and sports.
El Monte Hotel
The El Monte Hotel at 925 1st Avenue in Monte Vista was added to the list on June 7, 1990. Hotels like this were once busy places where travelers stayed and people gathered for events. It tells us about how people traveled and socialized in the past.
First Methodist Episcopal Church
The First Methodist Episcopal Church at 215 Washington Street in Monte Vista became a historic place on October 11, 2003. Churches are often important community centers and show different styles of architecture from when they were built.
Monte Vista Downtown Historic District
Not just single buildings, but whole areas can be historic! The Monte Vista Downtown Historic District was listed on November 1, 1991. This district includes the area around the junction of 1st Avenue and Washington Street. It's special because it shows what a typical downtown looked like in the past, with many old shops and buildings still standing.
Monte Vista Library
Another library, the Monte Vista Library at 110 Jefferson Street, was added to the list on June 30, 1995. It's interesting that Monte Vista has two libraries on the list, showing how important reading and learning were to the community.
US Post Office and Federal Building-Monte Vista Main
The US Post Office and Federal Building-Monte Vista Main is located at Washington and 2nd Avenue. It was recognized as historic on January 22, 1986. Post offices were vital for communication, connecting people across long distances before the internet.
Historic Sites in South Fork
South Fork also has some interesting historic places, especially related to railroads.
Creede Branch, Denver and Rio Grande Railroad
The Creede Branch, Denver and Rio Grande Railroad is a historic railway line. It runs along the D&RGW right-of-way between South Fork and Creede. This whole section of railroad was added to the list on November 27, 2002. Railroads were super important for moving people and goods, especially in the mountains.
Denver & Rio Grande Railroad South Fork Water Tank
Near U.S. Route 160 in South Fork, you can find the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad South Fork Water Tank. This tank was listed on October 15, 2002. Water tanks were essential for steam trains, as they needed a lot of water to run. This tank is a reminder of the age of steam locomotives.
Spruce Lodge
The Spruce Lodge at 29431 U.S. Route 160 in South Fork became a historic site on October 21, 2008. Lodges like this often served as places for travelers to rest or for people to enjoy nature.
Historic Bridges in Del Norte
Del Norte is home to some historic bridges that are important for their engineering.
Sutherland Bridge
The Sutherland Bridge is off U.S. Route 160 in Del Norte. It was added to the list on February 4, 1985. This bridge is a "Warren Pony Truss" type, which is a specific way bridges are designed to be strong and stable.
Wheeler Bridge
Another historic bridge in Del Norte is the Wheeler Bridge, also off U.S. Route 160. It was listed on February 4, 1985, the same day as the Sutherland Bridge. This one is a "Howe Pony Truss," another type of bridge design. These bridges show us how engineers built strong structures to cross rivers and valleys long ago.
Former Listing
Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register if it changes too much or is no longer there.
Masonic Park Bridge
The Masonic Park Bridge in South Fork was once on the list, added on February 4, 1985. It crossed the Rio Grande on Masonic Park Drive. However, it was removed from the list on July 22, 1994, because it was replaced with a new bridge.
Images for kids
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Carnegie Library in Monte Vista
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Central School Auditorium and Gymnasium
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Denver & Rio Grande Railroad South Fork Water Tank
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El Monte Hotel
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First Methodist Episcopal Church
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Monte Vista Downtown Historic District
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Monte Vista Library
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Spruce Lodge
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Sutherland Bridge
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US Post Office and Federal Building-Monte Vista Main
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Wheeler Bridge
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