a historic resource survey of 100 sites in la plata county
TRANSCRIPT
A Historic Resource Survey
Of
100 Sites In
La Plata County, Colorado
2010
State Historical Fund Project Number 2008-01-012
Deliverable No. 7
Prepared for the La Plata County Planning Department
La Plata City in the late 1800s Denver Public Library Collection
San Juan Mountains Association and Cultural Resource Planning
Volume 1
A Historic Resource Survey
Of
100 Sites In
La Plata County, Colorado
And
Volume 2
Pioneers, Prospectors and Trout A Historic Context
For
La Plata County, Colorado
By
Jill Seyfarth
And
Ruth Lambert, Ph.D.
January, 2010
State Historical Fund Project Number 2008-01-012
Prepared for the La Plata County Planning Department
A Historic Resource Survey
Of 100 Sites in La Plata County, Colorado
2010
Prepared for:
La Plata County Planning Department
1099 East 2nd
Avenue
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 382-6264
As part of
Project Number 2008-01-012
Deliverable Number 7
Prepared by: Jill Seyfarth
Cultural Resource Planning
PO Box 295
Durango, Colorado 81302
(970) 247-5893
With contributions from
Ruth Lambert, PhD.
San Juan Mountains Association
PO Box 2261
Durango, Colorado 81302
January 2010
Project-Related Staff
La Plata County Commissioners
Kellie Hotter
Joelle Riddle
Wally White
La Plata County Planning Department
Erick Aune, Department Director
Juanita Sauvage, Planner II, Project Manager
La Plata County GIS Department
Allen Andrews, Department Director
Rob Bergstrom, Supervisor
Linda Moore
La Plata County Historic Preservation Review Committee
R. Michael Bell
Dr. Andrew Gulliford
Dr. Duane A. Smith
This survey project is sponsored by La Plata County and is partially funded by a grant
from the Colorado State Historical Fund (Project Number 2008-01-012). The opinions
expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the staff of
the Colorado State Historical Fund.
Acknowledgements
We thank all who helped with this project. Our sincere appreciation goes to the property
owners who shared their stories, time and allowed our visits to their properties. This
project benefited by their interest and knowledge.
Thank you to the staffs of the project partners. At the State Historical Fund, our thanks to
Elizabeth Blackwell and Chris Geddes. The La Plata County staff assisted us in many
aspects of the project. Our thanks to La Plata County Commissioners Kellie Hotter,
Joelle Riddle and Wally White; La Plata County Planning Department staff Erick
Aune-Department Director, Juanita Sauvage, Cindy Simpson, and Wendy Klemm; the
GIS Department staff Allen Andrews- Department Director, Rob Bergstrom, Linda
Moore and Shelly Theroux. Also at the County, we thank Lorreta Cochran, Sam Creacy,
Danielle Lorrigan, and Julie Pickett. This project also benefited by the review of the
Historic Preservation Review Committee. Our thanks to Dr. Andrew Gulliford,
Committee Chairman, and members R. Michael Bell and Dr. Duane A. Smith. At the La
Plata County Historical Society‟s Animas Museum, we thank Robert McDaniel-Director,
and Bobbie Hamilton, and Jan Postler. For the San Juan Mountains Association, our
thanks to Susan Bryson-Executive Director.
This project benefited from the interest, knowledge, and assistance of many county
residents. We thank Jean Campion, Ann Felty, Jim Frahm, Pat and Lila Greer, Faye
McIntyre, Evan Parry, Laurell Penwell, Bud Poe, Art Sanchez, Emma Shock, Gesi and
Andrew Shroger , Frank Shry, Dennis Siebel, Bruce Spinning, Kathy Szelag, Brent
Walker, and Dottie and Dave Warlick.
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1
Purpose
Funding Source
Project Summary
Project Area .................................................................................................................. 2
General Area Description and Survey Area Boundaries
Legal Description
Research Design and Methods ...................................................................................... 4
Objectives
File Search
Survey Methods
Historic Context ............................................................................................................ 9
Survey Results ............................................................................................................. 13
Summary of Sites Surveyed
National and/or State Register Eligibility
Recommendations ........................................................................................................ 62
Bibliography ................................................................................................................ 65
Appendix ...................................................................................................................... 67
Sample of Reconnaissance Survey Form
Survey Log-List of All Properties Surveyed Organized by State Site Number
Survey Log-List of All Properties Surveyed Organized by Address
Volume 2-Detailed Context
Pioneers, Prospectors and Trout: A Historic Context for La Plata County
List of Figures
Figure 1 Location of La Plata County in Colorado ................................................ 1
Figure 2 Survey area....................................................................................... end of report
List of Tables
Table 1 USGS Quads Covering La Plata County ..................................................... 2
Table 2 La Plata County Properties Listed on State or National Registers ........... 5
Table 3 Towns, Settlements, Abandoned Settlements and Cemeteries .................. 6
Table 4 Population of La Plata County From 1880 to 1960 ................................... 11
Table 5 Sites in the Survey Organized by Type ....................................................... 13
List of Photographs
Photograph 1 Aspaas Farm ........................................................................................ 15
Photograph 2 Hotter Ranch ........................................................................................ 16
Photograph 3 Lechner Brothers Ranch ..................................................................... 17
Photograph 4 Barns at the Huntington Ranch ......................................................... 18
Photograph 5 Ludwig Ranch Building ...................................................................... 19
Photograph 6 Ludwig Ranch Building ...................................................................... 19
Photograph 7 Feller Farm ........................................................................................... 20
Photograph 8 Hott Ranch ........................................................................................... 21
Photograph 9 Hott Ranch Barn.................................................................................. 21
Photograph 10 Kelley Ranch ...................................................................................... 22
Photograph 11 Buchanan Farm ................................................................................. 23
Photograph 12 Kikel Ranch Building ........................................................................ 24
Photograph 13 Kikel Ranch Building ........................................................................ 24
Photograph 14 Rockwood School ............................................................................... 25
Photograph 15 Lower Spring Creek School .............................................................. 26
Photograph 16 Rockvale School ................................................................................. 27
List of Photographs Continued
Photograph 17 Waters Cabin ..................................................................................... 28
Photograph 18 Wright Fuel Company Coal Loader ................................................ 29
Photograph 19 Wright Fuel Company Coal Loader ................................................ 29
Photograph 20 Government Camp Cabin ................................................................. 31
Photograph 21 CCC Picnic Shelter ............................................................................ 32
Photograph 22 Farmington Branch Railroad Water Tank ..................................... 33
Photograph 23 La Boca Trestle .................................................................................. 34
Photograph 24 La Boca Trestle .................................................................................. 34
Photograph 25 Farmington Branch Railroad Trestle .............................................. 35
Photograph 26 Abeyta Dance Hall ............................................................................. 36
Photograph 27 Tiffany Mercantile ............................................................................. 37
Photograph 28 Allison Gas Station ............................................................................ 38
Photograph 29 Tiffany Warehouse ............................................................................ 39
Photograph 30 Turkey Packer’s Co-op ..................................................................... 40
Photograph 31 Main House at Teelawuket Ranch ................................................... 41
Photograph 32 Guest Cabin at Teelawuket Ranch .................................................. 41
Photograph 33 Florida Grange #306 Modern Photo ................................................ 43
Photograph 34 Florida Grange #306 Historic Photo ................................................ 43
Photograph 35 Electra Lake Sporting Club .............................................................. 44
Photograph 36 Electra Lake Sporting Club – interior............................................. 44
Photograph 37 Searcy Cabin ...................................................................................... 46
Photograph 38 Haukeness Cabin ............................................................................... 47
Photograph 39 Gem Village Rock Club..................................................................... 48
Photograph 40 St Paul’s Catholic Church ................................................................ 49
Photograph 41 Bates Homestead Cabin .................................................................... 50
Photograph 42 Tiffany Catholic Church ................................................................... 51
Photograph 43 St Patrick’s Catholic Church ........................................................... 53
Photograph 44 Dimacali .............................................................................................. 54
Photograph 45 Davies .................................................................................................. 55
Photograph 46 Oldfield Early Settlement Cabin ...................................................... 56
Photograph 47 White Hafling House ......................................................................... 57
Photograph 48 Historic Hafling House ...................................................................... 57
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 1
Introduction
Purpose
This survey project is intended to provide the beginning of a database of historic sites in
La Plata County. The survey data will assist La Plata County in land planning activities
and will provide new information for property owners and researchers regarding La Plata
County‟s cultural resources.
Funding Source
This survey project is sponsored by La Plata County and is partially funded by a grant
from the Colorado State Historical Fund (Project Number 2008-01-012). The opinions
expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the staff of
the Colorado State Historical Fund.
Project Summary
The project consists of a reconnaissance level survey of La Plata County‟s privately
owned lands in unincorporated areas and an intensive survey of 100 resources located in
La Plata County. The sites were selected from a database of over 1600 properties with
structures that are known to be more than 50 years old. The selection process is detailed
in the reconnaissance survey discussion provided later in this report.
The La Plata County Planning Department supervised and coordinated the project under
the direction of Juanita Sauvage, Planner II. The La Plata County GIS Department
provided maps. The San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA), represented by Cultural
Programs Director Ruth Lambert PhD. and Cultural Resource Planning (CRP), Jill
Seyfarth, Principal, contracted with La Plata County in May of 2008 and completed the
project in July of 2009. Fieldwork occurred between May 23, 2008 and June 30, 2009.
The survey followed the guidelines of the Colorado Historical Society Office of
Archaeology and Historic Preservation‟s Colorado Cultural Resource Survey Manual.
Figure 1. La Plata County’s Location in Colorado
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 2
Project Area
General Area Description and Survey Area Boundaries
The resources included in this survey are located throughout La Plata County. The
County‟s topography is variable with elevations ranging from about 5,800 feet in the
river valleys to over 13,000 feet in the La Plata Mountains and over 14,000 feet in the
San Juan Mountains. The average annual precipitation in the county from 1892 to 1956
was 18.98 inches with precipitation fluctuating from heavy summer rains, to dry summers
with heavy snow fall in the winter. The growing season also varies widely depending on
elevation and topographic location, but an average frost free growing season is in the
100-120 day range.
Four major drainages run roughly north-south from the mountainous terrain in the
northern 1/3 to 2/3 of the county. The drainages from east to west are the Pine or Los
Pinos, the Florida, the Animas and the La Plata. The first three drainages originate in the
San Juan Mountains. The La Plata River drains the La Plata Mountains.
Legal Description
The survey was located within La Plata County on unincorporated, privately owned
lands. The county encompasses 1,690 square miles or 1,081,616 acres. Of that total,
444,678 acres are publicly owned lands. Three incorporated communities are located in
the county. They are Durango, Bayfield, and Ignacio. The reconnaissance phase of the
survey covered all of the unincorporated, privately owned lands in the county that were
visible from a public road. In some cases, property owners volunteered to take the
surveyors to sites not visible from the public roads. The intensive survey recorded 100
selected sites identified during the reconnaissance survey.
Sites surveyed during the intensive survey phase of the project ranged from less than a
quarter of an acre to about 12 acres in size. Most of the sites were less than 2 acres in
size. The approximate total of surveyed area is 150 acres. Since the survey is spread
across La Plata County, the legal description of the four corners of the county are
provided here. They are T39N, R6W at the northeast corner, T32N, R6W at the southeast
corner, T32N, R 14W at the southwest corner and T39N, R10W at the northwest corner.
U.S.G.S. Topographic Quadrangles that cover the county are listed in the following table.
All are 7.5 minute.
Table 1. USGS Quads Covering La Plata County
ALLISON 1975
TIFFANY 1968
IGNACIO 1968
BONDAD HILL 1968
LONG MTN 1968
LONETREE CANYON 1984
PARGIN MTN 1968
BAYFIELD 1968
GEM VILLAGE 1968
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 3
LOMA LINDA 1968
BASIN MTN 1968
BALDY MTN 1964
PINKERTON MESA 1968
REDMESA 1968
RED HORSE GULCH 1966
KLINE 1968
MORMON RESERVOIR 1968
TRAIL CANYON 1966
HESPERUS 1963
THOMPSON PARK 1963
LA PLATA 1963
A map of the county, showing land ownership and townships, ranges and sections is
illustrated in Figure 2 and is attached to the end of this report.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 4
Research Design and Methods
Objectives
Three objectives were identified for this survey. They are:
To identify historic resources in La Plata County;
To document 100 of the identified properties; and
To provide a preliminary evaluation of eligibility for the Local, State or National
Register of Historic Places.
File Search
Mary Sullivan of the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation created a digital
database of all site data in La Plata County available at the Colorado Historical Society.
She completed this work in June of 2008. Ms Sullivan also provided a database print out
including 2,397 entries. Of this total, 1,745 site forms addressed historic buildings located
in Durango. A review and tally of the sites by general historic theme indicates housing
and community development-related sites are the most prolifically represented, followed
in frequency by ranching and farming, transportation (including wagon and toll roads as
well as railroads), mining, logging and federal government projects. Another mixed
theme of art and expressionism combined with aspen art was well represented in the
survey database as were marked or scarred trees often associated with Ute activities.
La Plata County maintains a local register of historically important sites. The local La
Plata County Historic Register properties listed as of June 2008 are:
Bayfield Town Hall
Florida Mesa Church and Cemetery
La Boca Ranch
Old Fort Lewis
McDonald Ranch
The local register is relatively new and so far includes representation of ranching and
farming, the old Fort Lewis military post, Indian School and public school, a community
building and a rural church.
La Plata County has seven farms that have been recognized by the State‟s Centennial
Farms program. Centennial Farms have been in the same family for over 100 years as
operating farms. The La Plata County farms are:
Frank Wommer Farm established 1878 closest town is Bayfield
Ed Wommer Farm established 1883 closest town is Bayfield
Eppich Ranch established 1887 closest town is Mancos
Edward Pedwell Farm established 1896 closest town is Durango
Steward Ranch established 1897 closest town is Durango
Crawford Ranch established 1898 closest town is Hesperus
Wilmer Farm established 1901 closest town in Bayfield
La Plata County has a mix of historic and prehistoric sites listed on the State and National
Registers of Historic Places. They are listed in the following table.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 5
Table 2. La Plata County Properties Listed on the State or National Register of Historic
Places
Site Number Name State or National Description/Location
Register or Both 5LP.1254 Zabel Canyon Indian Ruins/ National San Juan National Forest
Spring Creek Archaeological State
District
5LP.4991 Darkmold Site State Durango vicinity
5LP.1434 Durango Rock Shelters Archaeology Site National Durango vicinity
State
5LP.4223 Talus Village Archaeological Site State Animas Valley
5LP.305/5MT.4342 Ute Mtn Ute/Mancos Canyon National Redmesa
Archaeological District State
5LP.1146 Colorado Ute Power Plant National Durango
5LP.3443 Durango High School National Durango
State
5LP. 304 Durango Main Avenue Historic District National Durango
State
5LP.1411 East Third Avenue Residential National Durango
Historic District State
5LP.1336 Ochsner Hospital National Durango
State
5LP.1210 Rochester Hotel National Durango
State
5LP.303 Newman Block National Durango
State
5LP.1411.56 Smiley Junior High School National Durango
State
5LP.3864 Florida River Bridge (Railroad) State Between Durango and
Bayfield
5LP.4872 Kerr House State Animas Valley north of
Durango
5LP.5094 Rader House State Animas Valley north of
Durango
The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (5LP.302/5SA.14) is a National Historic Landmark that is
also listed on the National and State Registers.
A National Historic Trail is located within La Plata County. It is the Old Spanish Trail, which coincides
with the route of Dominguez and Escalante in 1776.
The Registers and listings reflect the commercial development of Durango, the farms in
the prosperous Animas Valley in the early 1880s, the Denver and Rio Grand Railroad
route between Durango and Bayfield and the archaeological legacy within the county.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 6
Survey Methods
The project consisted of a reconnaissance phase to review potentially significant historic
sites and an intensive survey phase to record 100 sites. The reconnaissance survey took
place between May and September of 2008. The goal of the reconnaissance survey was to
understand the general distribution, location, nature and condition of the historic
resources within the project area. The information gathered during the reconnaissance
would help define the appropriate sites for the selective survey of 100 sites and would
provide basic information on the remaining, non-surveyed sites for the La Plata County
Planning Department.
The La Plata County Assessor‟s Office and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Department provided GIS data regarding the age and location of buildings and structures
within the County. The GIS Department created a database of all privately owned parcels
containing structures or buildings constructed prior to 1960. These 1,658 parcels were
included in the reconnaissance survey.
La Plata County has a number of very small towns, settlements and formerly occupied
communities which were also considered in the field review, as were the known historic
cemeteries within the County. The settlements and cemeteries are listed in Table 3.
Table 3. Towns, Settlements, Abandoned Settlements and Cemeteries Considered
During the Reconnaissance Survey
Towns/Settlements:
Red Mesa Falfa Marvel Vallecito
Kline La Posta Tiffany Gem Village
Hesperus Mayday Oxford Columbus
Allison La Plata City Breen Tuckerville
Hermosa Parrott City1 Bondad
Cemeteries :
Breen La Posta Tiffany Ignacio East
Hesperus Crestview Marvel Ignacio West
Bayfield Ouray Memorial La Boca Allison
Hay Gulch Hermosa Florida Red Mesa
The reconnaissance included all of the designated county roads, public roads and public
highways. Jill Seyfarth of CRP and Ruth Lambert of SJMA conducted the surveys by
driving over 1,000 miles of roads. Each property was reviewed to identify and document
the location, date, general integrity, and associated historic theme for each resource. The
reconnaissance covered all public roads in La Plata County to identify any parcels with
historic structures or buildings that were not included in the database. New forms were
completed for newly discovered resources.
1 Parrot City was viewed from a distance but was not accessible—it is not located on a public road.
Tuckerville was not visited because it was located entirely on USFS property which was out of the scope of
this project.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 7
A one page data form was devised to provide location, date, general integrity, and
historic theme information for each resource. A digital image of each parcel was inserted
into the form. The forms will be provided to La Plata County. A sample reconnaissance
form is provided in the Appendix.
A single form with a summary of the reconnaissance information was included for each
townsite, settlement, or cemetery. Digital images were also taken of these resources.
The reconnaissance survey results guided the selection of resources for the intensive site
survey. Criteria for selection included the willingness of property owners to allow access
to the site, the integrity of the structures and the relative importance of the historic
theme(s) associated with the site. Efforts were made to record a widespread
representative sample of the historic themes in La Plata County.
The intensive survey followed the guidelines of the Colorado Historical Society Office of
Archaeology and Historic Preservation‟s Colorado Cultural Resource Survey Manual.
Each building was described, photographed, researched, and mapped. Sites were recorded
on Colorado Historical Society Colorado Cultural Resource Survey Architectural
Inventory forms (#1403). USGS topographic maps and aerial photographs were used to
define the project area.
Photographs illustrating all sides of the building were taken when possible. All
photographs are black and white, four by six inch prints from digital files and are printed
on either Fuji Color Crystal Archive or true black and white paper. Photographs were
labeled using archivally acceptable acid-free foil-backed labels containing site number,
location, date the photograph was taken, direction of photo, exposure name, and the SHF
project number.
Images are stored on portable memory devices (either CDs or memory sticks) and
accompanied by a photo log and will be filed at the La Plata County Planning
Department and the La Plata County Historical Society Animas Museum. Photographs
were sleeved as specified by the Colorado Historical Society.
USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle maps were used to locate the survey areas. UTM data was
produced via a Garmin WAAS-enabled GPS Unit, and verified through the software
program TOPO 2! -National Geographic Society.
Jill Seyfarth of CRP and Ruth Lambert of SJMA conducted the field survey and research.
Field survey work occurred between September 2008 and June 2009. Research took place
concurrently.
Research was primarily conducted in Durango, Colorado, at the Animas Museum, which
is the local repository of the La Plata County Historical Society. Other institutional
sources included the public libraries in Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio and the Center of
Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College. Additional information came from the Denver
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 8
Public Library Western History Collection. Essential documents included many regional,
informally published works from volunteer groups including the Reunion Committee of
Southwestern La Plata County, the Tiffany-Allison History Group, the Views Through
Time project at the Bayfield Public Library and the formally published Pioneers of the
San Juan Country- a four volume effort completed mostly in the 1940s by the local
chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Paul O‟Rourke‟s Frontier in
Transition, A History of Southwestern Colorado (1980) provided additional historical
background. The bibliography section of this report includes title and publication
information for these and other sources. A major source of data came from the property
owners themselves, as many of the recorded sites are home to multiple generations of the
same family. The research was supplemented by interviews with long time residents who
graciously spent time explaining their lives to a couple of curious surveyors.
Architectural classifications were applied using the lexicon provided by the Colorado
Historical Society‟s survey manual and guidance from the Society‟s A Guide to Colorado
Architecture. Terms from the manual‟s various lexicons were used whenever required.
Construction dates were determined primarily using the La Plata County Assessors
Records, archives at the Animas Museum, newspaper reports and historic photographs.
This survey was oriented toward documenting above ground structures and buildings. As
a result, archaeological considerations were of low priority. The principals, however, are
both trained field archaeologists and used their field survey skills in understanding sites
with partially standing structures or buildings.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 9
Historic Context
This survey is one aspect of a larger project that includes the development of an
expanded historic context for La Plata County. That historic context is a companion
document to this survey report and can be found as a separate volume. A very brief
summary follows.
Historic Development
Southwest Colorado has a rich and longstanding cultural tradition. The remains of people
attributed to Archaic (7500 B.C.-500B.C.), Basketmaker (500 B.C.-750 B.C.) and Pueblo
periods have all been identified in the area, followed by settlement by Utes, Europeans
and Asians.
Archaeological studies theorize that the first Utes to migrate into the Mesa Verde region
may have arrived as early as 1100, but the archaeological evidence is so scant that much
more work needs to be done in this area before any definitive statements can be made.2
More traditional theories propose that the Utes were in the area by 1500. We know from
historical accounts that the Utes occupied the region by the beginning of European
exploration into the area.
The region lured many explorers in search of gold, silver and other opportunities for
wealth. In 1776, Fathers Dominguez and Escalante traversed the area in search of a route
from Santa Fe to the California missions. Much of their route later became the Old
Spanish Trail, which was used between 1830 and 1840 by Santa Fe traders on their way
to California.
The area was part of Mexico until the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican
War in 1848. As part of the Treaty, Mexico ceded its northern holdings, including much
of what was to become Colorado. Explorers in search of gold and silver began to come
to the area, but their efforts were considerably diminished in the 1860s by the Civil War.
After the Civil War, the United States Government negotiated a series of agreements with
the Utes to further Federal control of lucrative minerals located on Ute land, and to open
land to new settlement. The miners returned to Southwestern Colorado and were soon
followed by farmers and ranchers who settled at lower elevations to the south of the
mountains and provided supplies to the bustling new mining settlements.
In 1874, the Brunot Agreement with the Utes opened land to non-natives. An Indian
Agency was located in the southeast area of La Plata County in 1877-1878 at a site that
eventually became the Town of Ignacio. The Southern Ute Tribe has subsequently
developed administrative offices and community facilities for the tribe in Ignacio.
As white settlers traveled into and across traditional Native American lands, fear of
escalating conflicts with the Utes resulted in the establishment of Camp Lewis at the
2 Lipe, William; Varien, Mark; Wilshusen, Richard. Colorado Prehistory: A Context for the Southern
Colorado River Basin. Colorado Council of Professional Archaeologists: Denver, 1999. Page 354.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 10
present day site of Pagosa Springs in 1878, which moved in 1880 to a site along the La
Plata River and south of present day Hesperus, Colorado. Fort Lewis operated for ten
years and was converted into an Indian school and then into a public high school. It
eventually became a junior college and moved to Durango in 1956.
Mining, farming and ranching characterized early La Plata County. The arrival of the
Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in 1881 and it‟s subsequent connection to Silverton in
1882 brought accelerated and intensive change by providing easy (for the times)
transportation and freighting, as well as access to the outside world. The Railroad also
invested capital and created the City of Durango. The Railroad was instrumental in
establishing a smelter in Durango, almost guarantying a prosperous community. A
second railroad, the Rio Grande Southern, arrived in 1890, providing connections to the
mines around Rico and Telluride. In 1905, the Denver and Rio Grande added a
Farmington branch connecting Durango to Farmington, New Mexico.
By 1892, the railroad operations, coal mining, agriculture and the smelter were major
county industries, followed by lumber and the precious metal mining in the La Plata
Mountains. Homesteading expanded after 1899 when unallotted Ute lands were opened
to white settlement in an area known as the Ute Strip.
The opening of the Ute Strip inspired Mormon settlers and others to establish townsites
on the west side of the county, and attracted new farmers. The towns of Kline, Redmesa
and Marvel were thriving on the west side of the County by 1916. The east end of the
Strip inspired farmers and land speculators who carved new towns along the railroad out
of their homesteads. Tiffany, Allison, Oxford (first known as Grommet) and Falfa
(formerly called Griffith) were four such towns. The remaining unallotted and unsettled
lands were returned to the Utes in 1934.
The Utes weathered severe restrictions to their territory which was reduced between 1870
and 1900 to allotted lands and tribally owned property. In spite of Federal Government
attempts to turn them into agrarian people, the nomadic Utes have maintained ties to their
culture and have built wealth and land holdings over time. They have persevered and the
Southern Utes have developed a community centered around Ignacio.
White settlement first occurred in the lush river drainages of the Animas, Pine and La
Plata Rivers. The earliest settlers were able to legally file a homestead claim in 1874,
after the Brunot Agreement was completed with the Utes. Cattle operations were already
herding livestock over the large expanse of public lands before the increasing numbers of
homesteaders and farmers started building fences. The San Juan National Forest Reserve
was created in 1905, placing more than 3.7 million acres under conservation programs.
Conflict between sheep and cattle raisers over the remaining public land, the conservation
programs and the growing lines of fencing all led to a change from open range
management to development of ranches.
Miners had flocked to the La Plata Mountains in the 1870s, when early strikes raised
hopes of wealth. The La Plata mining districts produced some silver and lead, but was
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 11
never a prominent producer. A large gold strike in the 1930s brought one last flush of
prosperity to the La Platas. The region never enjoyed access from a railroad and the
small, isolated mining camps that had been established near the mines faded away.
Urban development and the major local industry-smelting fueled a healthy market for
coal and coke. The primary market for coal and coke was within the region and consisted
of the smelters, the trains and domestic use. The last coke using smelter closed in 1930,
and the coal industry faltered in the wake of the burgeoning oil and gas market.
By 1920, the initial flurry of homesteading or setting up a business had defined the
character and location of the major urban and rural communities in La Plata. Rural school
houses dotted the country, the grange system was thriving in rural areas and telephone
service connected most of the county.
The Depression of the 1930s devastated La Plata County, but was somewhat assuaged by
the prolific New Deal programs and the federal support of operations on the county‟s
extensive federal land holdings (about 40 percent of the county). Vallecito Reservoir was
constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation between 1938 and1941, employing enrollees at
the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp to assist with clearing brush and building
roads. Two other CCC camps were located in the county. Works Progress Administration
and Public Works Administration funded projects were mostly located in Durango, with
some additional projects at the Fort Lewis College Campus near Hesperus. The National
Youth Administration oversaw projects in Durango and the Rural Electrification
Administration funded the expansion of electrical power lines to rural areas.
Other federal involvement occurred during and after World War II when Durango was
the home of a radioactive ore processing site; after the war Durango became a center of
vanadium production plant.
La Plata County enjoyed continuous growth. The population figures in Table 4 show the
five fold increase between 1880 and 1890 when the trains arrived. A more modest but
still remarkable 27% increase occurs from 1890 to 1900 and continues at a very healthy
rate after the opening of the Ute Strip into the 1910s. The table also shows the
distribution of people in La Plata County. In the 1890 census about half of the County‟s
population lived in Durango, but the county population remained more rural until some
time in the 1950s.
Table 4. Population of La Plata County From 1880 to 1960 Per U.S. Census Data
Year County Durango Bayfield Ignacio Colorado
1880 1,110 194,327
1890 5,509 2,726 412,198
1900 7,016 3,317 541,483
1910 10,812 4,686 227 799,044
1920 11,218 4,116 267 290 939,191
1930 12,975 5,400 277 464 1,035,791
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 12
Table 4. Population Figures continued
1940 15,494 5,887 372 555 1,123,296
1950 14,880 7,489 335 526 1,325,089
1960 19,225 10,530 322 609 1,753,947
Curiously the county grew during the economically depressed 1930s and experienced it‟s
only population decrease after World War II. The 1950s saw an onslaught of energy
companies and their employees create an energy boom that far exceeded the “excitement”
of the early mining days. In 1956, 16 major oil production firms had offices in La Plata
County. Over 800 new homes were built between 1955 and 1960.
The influx of newcomers in the 1950s, bringing new ideas and further reducing the
county‟s isolation, had a familiar pattern of exponential growth in social and cultural
activities and services, harkening back to the heady first years of the coming of the
railroad into the region.
The petroleum boom was one of the many economic and social changes after World War
II. Fort Lewis College moved to Durango in 1956, expanding its offerings and attracting
a new generation of educators. A new community hospital district was formed, providing
an alternative to Mercy Hospital which also expanded and remodeled in the 1950s. After
a very lengthy process, the state-mandated public schools consolidation was completed
and all rural one-room school houses were closed in favor of larger regional elementary
schools. Junior high and high schools were located in Ignacio, Bayfield and Durango.
Government agencies employed a growing number of specialists.
Americans enjoyed new prosperity and with it came more leisure time with an emphasis
on outdoor recreation. No longer attracted by the opportunities to live off the land, new
post-war pioneers came to mine La Plata County‟s recreational and scenic opportunities.
Tourism, which has always had a presence in the county, became a major component of
the local economy. Tourism brought scattered vacation and second homes, mirroring a
nationwide trend. The surge from the cities to the suburbs took on its own character in La
Plata County, where people with no interest in farming or ranching sought acreage in the
country. Ranchers and farmers found themselves with a new opportunity to sell off parts
of their land to these new settlers and long held land ownership patterns began to change.
Modern county residents grapple with the legacy of these themes. New land uses and
land patterns affect the historic agrarian uses and the landscape. Highways have replaced
the railroad, and tourism and the gas production are now the major industries intertwined
with an extensive federal administration presence.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 13
Survey Results
Three objectives were identified for this survey. They are:
To identify historic resources in La Plata County;
To document 100 of the identified properties; and
To provide a preliminary evaluation of eligibility for the Local, State or National
Register of Historic Places.
Summary of Sites Surveyed
All of the selected 100 buildings and structures were identified and documented. All of
the recorded sites were determined eligible for the local, La Plata County Historic
Register. Tables enumerating each site and indicating site name, site number and the
site‟s eligibility for a State or National Register listing are included in the Appendix. The
survey did not identify any potential historic districts.
The sites represent a wide range of historic themes, time periods and geographic locations
within La Plata County, as summarized in the following table.
Table 5. Sites in the Survey Organized by Type
Site Type Number of Sites Surveyed
Agriculture (1874-1920)
Ranching or Farming 37
Grange 2
Related Industries 2
Mining (1874-1945)
Coal 2
Precious Metal 4
Community Development (1890-1950)
School 9
Church 6
Commercial Building 7
Community Building 2
Residence 8
Hospital 1
Telephone Exchange 1
Post Office 2
Recreation 2
Sporting Club 3
Transportation and Roads (1874-1920s)
Stage Road 1
Railroads 3
Auto Roads 1
Tourism (1874-1950) 5
Federal Government (1930s-1940s)) 2
Total 100
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 14
Three historic themes-- timber, oil and gas, and radioactive ore mining--- were not
represented in the survey because representative sites were not identified on privately
owned lands outside of incorporated city limits. Timber-related sites, primarily sawmills,
have previously been recorded in the County on public lands and in the Durango City
limits. The oil and gas industry located their related offices in Durango, which was not
included in this survey. Extant gas well structures from before 1960 were not identified.
Radioactive ores were processed at smelters which were located in the Durango city
limits and were eliminated as part of a superfund EPA clean up activity in 1987-1988.
Most uranium mining occurred outside of La Plata County, but remains of mines have
been documented on the San Juan National Forest.
The surveyed sites ranged from the earliest homesteads of 1874 to 1960, which extends
one year into the standard fifty-year minimum age criteria for considering historic sites.
Three sites were recorded that had previously received site numbers but had either
outdated or insufficient survey data. The three sites are 5LP1275, The Columbine Ranger
Station; 5LP2144, the Wommer Centennial Farm; and 5LP6978, the Wilmer Centennial
Farm.
The survey area also encompassed the full geographic range of the county. La Plata
County is traversed by four major drainages as described on Page 2. The surveyed sites
are located along all of the four major drainages.
National and/or State Register Eligibility
All of the sites recorded in this survey are considered eligible for the local, La Plata
County Historic Register. In Colorado, any property that is eligible for listing on the
National Register is also eligible for the State Register. Determination of eligibility for
National and/or State Registers was discussed with the Colorado Historical Society Staff.
A brief summary of the State and/or National Register eligible sites follows. Detailed
information is provided on each site on their individual site forms which are available at
the La Plata County Planning Department and the Colorado Historical Society.
Farms, Ranches and Agricultural-Related Properties
National Register Eligible
Nine of the recorded farms were considered eligible for the National Register (and
therefore also for the State Register). They are all significant under National Register
Criterion A in the area of Agriculture. The farming and ranching properties listed below
are excellent examples of historical farming and ranching practices in La Plata County.
Each site has maintained its historic integrity in that a large percentage of the original
historic structures and buildings remain with minimal alterations, and each site still has
the historic layout in effect when farming and/or ranching took place on the property. In
many cases, the properties are still being used as farms and ranches. Most of these sites
are owned and operated by multiple generations of the same family.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 15
Photograph 1 The Aspaas Farm.
17238 State Highway 140, Hesperus area
5LP8867
Period of significance 1891-1959
The property is still in the Aspaas family. Farming occurred from about 1891 to at least
into the 1970s. The original log bank barn and sheds are on the property. The relocation
of military officers‟ quarters from nearby Fort Lewis in about 1891, and its re-use as the
main farmhouse, illustrates the continued innovation and adaptation of uses and buildings
typical of early farms in La Plata County. The period of significance represents the time
from the establishment of the house to 1959 in accordance with the National Register 50
year age guideline, covering the first three generations of Aspaas family members
farming on the property. The only major alteration is the application of asbestos shingle
siding to the house, which occurred during the period of significance. The National
Register staff at the Colorado Historical Society has indicated that they would need more
data to support the determination of eligibility for this property.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 16
Photograph 2 The Hotter Ranch
47632 North US Highway 550.
5LP8859
Period of significance 1924-1959
The property has been in the Hotter family since 1905. The ranch layout and uses are
intact and illustrate the essential activities in a summer range camp, including bunkhouse,
main house, milk house, sheds, small barn and corrals. The property is still a summer
range camp. The period of significance reflects the period that the ranch has been
operated as summer range by the Hotter family, ending in 1959 to meet the National
Register 50 year guideline. The major changes to the buildings include the metal roof on
the main ranch house and the collapse of the large barn, neither of which significantly
alter the overall historic setting. The barn collapsed under an unusually heavy snowfall in
the winter of 2007-2008. It is located at the corner of the livestock corrals and remains
there in ruins. A newer garage (ca 1970s) is located at the back of the property where it
does not detract from the historic integrity. The National Register staff at the Colorado
Historical Society has indicated they are uncertain as to whether this property is eligible
for the national register. The staff should be consulted before pursuing National Register
designation.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 17
Photograph 3 The Lechner Brothers Ranch
42335 North US Highway 550
5LP 8860
Period of significance 1915-1959
The Lechner Brothers Ranch looks much as it did in full operation. It started out as a year
round operation but was transitioned into a summer range in 1958. The Ranch includes
the ranch house, outbuildings and a barn. All were built before 1920. One “new”
structure, the cold storage dugout was constructed in the 1930s. The ranch house had an
addition in the 1920s and a new metal roof in about 1955. The Lechner family still owns
the property. They scaled back their ranching operations in the 1980s but have
maintained the property. The period of significance represents years of operation ending
in 1959 to meet the National Register 50 year guideline.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 18
Photograph 4 Barns at the Huntington Ranch
8796 CR 120, Hesperus area
5LP 8873
Period of significance 1900-1959
The Huntington Ranch has been in the Huntington family since its inception. Buildings
and/or structures constructed during each generation of the family‟s occupation illustrate
farming and ranching activities specific to their time. Some of the structures are
deteriorating because the farming practice associated with them is no longer in use, but
their form and function are clearly evident. The Huntington Ranch is one of two ranches
in La Plata County to have former officers quarters (ca 1881) moved onto the property
from Fort Lewis for use as the ranch house. The house has received some alterations
typical of the adaptive nature of farmers retrofitting a building to their needs. The period
of significance reflects the Huntington‟s operation of the ranch and ends in 1959 to meet
the National Register 50 year eligibility guidelines. The property is still actively ranched
and farmed by the Huntingtons. The National Register Staff at the Colorado
Historical Society has indicated that they believe more data is needed before they could
make an determination of eligibility.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 19
Photographs 5 and 6 of the main barn and the adobe and frame blacksmith shop on the
Ludwig Ranch
9002 CR 501, Bayfield
5LP 8900
Period of significance 1915-1959
The winter home and headquarters for the Ludwig Ranch is still in the Ludwig family.
The Ludwigs were among the first ranchers in the Pine River Valley to raise Herefords.
The Ludwigs are known for their registered Herefords, and their ranch includes various
buildings and structures illustrating early farming and ranching practices in the area. The
site includes a potato cellar where potatoes were brought down and stored from fields at
the summer range. An adobe brick blacksmith shop illustrates early construction
techniques. The period of significance reflects the Ludwig‟s operation of the ranch and
ends in 1959 to meet the National Register 50 year eligibility guideline.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 20
Photograph 7 Feller Farm
7292 CR 203, Durango
5LP 8894
Period of significance 1910-1959
This farm retains more of the original buildings and original farm layout than any other
property in the historically agricultural Animas Valley, which had the first farms in La
Plata County (1874). Since 1948, the farms on the west side of this valley have been
subdivided and in-filled with new residential development. This property was one of the
first to be farmed and passed through a series of owners between 1874 and 1945. The
Feller family farmed the property from 1946 up into the 1990s. The period of
significance reflects the period when the land was farmed and the extant buildings were
in use, and ends in 1959 to meet the National Register 50 year eligibility guideline. The
farmhouse has minimal alterations and has retained much of its original material. Five of
the outbuildings were clad in stucco during the period of significance. Two of these were
built after 1948 and may have been originally constructed with stucco cladding.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 21
Photograph 8 Hott Ranch and Photograph 9 Hott Barn
7934 Highway 151, Ignacio
5LP8931
Period of Significance 1909- 1959
The Hott family has owned and operated this ranch since the purchase of the ranch land
in 1908 from the Mason brothers who originally obtained the land with the opening of the
Ute Strip in 1899. Robert Powell Hott Sr. constructed the house in 1908/1909 and began
cattle ranching on the land. In 1914/1915 the historic barn was constructed to support
ranch operations. Sandstone blocks for the house and barn were quarried to the north
along Devil Creek, which runs through the ranch property. In 1915 Mr. Hott purchased a
thirty-two volt battery operated power plant to furnish electricity for his ranch. Until
1941, when the Rural Electrification Association lines reached the area, the Hott plant
was the only one in the county east of Durango. The ranch originally totaled 570 acres
and today is over 320 acres. The ranch has been in operation since its founding and is
still owned by the Hott family. The period of significance extends from the construction
of the ranch house and when the land was farmed and the extant buildings were in use,
ending in 1959 to meet the National Register 50 year eligibility guidelines.
The ranch includes all elements of a working operation including a barn and livestock
pens and corrals, hay sheds, and other associated outbuildings. The original landscape is
intact including the apple orchard, and shade trees. The property is also eligible under
Criterion C in the area of Architecture for the mixed style ranch house. The architectural
details illustrate elements of several styles including a front gable bungalow form; the
original windows typical of a Craftsman style; the front porch architectural details
suggesting Classic Revival influences; and the scalloped shingles on the gable ends and
dormer suggesting Late Victorian architectural details.
h
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 22
Photograph 10 Kelley Ranch
5283 CR 243, Durango
5LP8916
Period of Significance 1909 - 1959
The Kelley Ranch was the original pioneer home of the Charles Waldner family, an early
German immigrant family and one of the first settlers in the upper Florida River Valley.
The family settled in the area by 1909 and constructed the historic ranch buildings
including this log and board and batten cabin, a barn and milk shed. The ranch remained
in the Waldner family until it was sold to the Kelley family in 1930. The property has
been a working ranch for about 100 years and is a good example of pioneer settlement
and agriculture in the high mountain environment of La Plata County. The period of
significance extends from the cabin construction to 1959 to meet the National Register 50
year guidelines.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 23
Photograph 11 Buchanan Farm
367 CR 202, Hermosa
5LP8896
Period of Significance 1891 - 1959
Constructed by a Silverton brewery owner named Charles Fischer and later owned by
prominent Animas Valley residents Edgar and Nettie Buchanan, the house was
constructed in 1891 and operated as a farm for over fifty years. The National Register
staff at the Colorado Historical Society has determined that the property is eligible under
Criterion A in the area of Agriculture. The staff believes the range and types of
agricultural outbuildings helps convey the agricultural activity (farming and fruit
orchards) of the complex and that the roadside stand is a tangible link to that truck farm/
produce history of the complex. The Staff also determined that the property has good
integrity in terms of location, setting, feeling, and association because of the arrangement
and condition of the outbuildings on the 19.5 acre parcel. The house has also undergone
some changes, primarily the metal replacement roof and the metal siding below the porch
but the house is a good example of the Queen Anne Style. The period of significance
extends from the house‟s 1891 construction to 1959 to meet the National Register 50 year
guidelines.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 24
State Register Eligible
Photographs 12 Kikel Ranch Barn and 13Granary on the right with the farmhouse in the
background.
966 CR 127, Durango
5LP 8884
Period of Significance 1925-1959
The Kikel Ranch is eligible for the State Register under Criterion A in the area of
Agriculture. It is a very good example of historical farming and ranching practices in La
Plata County, but has a greater extent of alterations than the properties deemed eligible
for the National Register. It still maintains a strong historic integrity. The Kikels were
early homesteaders in the Ridges Basin and became one of the three largest land owners
in the Basin by buying other homesteads to add to their original lands. This ranch was
purchased by Joe and Mary Kikel in the 1920s. They built the brick house on the property
in 1933 to replace a wood frame house that burned down. The house has been altered
significantly in the past 20 years, but the remaining buildings and structures on the
property have maintained their historic integrity. The Kikel‟s grandson now ranches on
the property. The period of significance reflects the Kikel‟s operation of the ranch and
ends in 1959 to meet the standard 50 year age guideline.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 25
Rural Schoolhouse Properties
National Register Eligible
The following schools are significant within the historic contexts and associated property
types defined in the “Rural School Buildings in Colorado Multiple Property Listing”
prepared by the Colorado Historical Society in 1999. Each of these schools has historic
integrity. They are truly snapshots of the past.
Photograph 14 Rockwood School
1018 CR 200, Rockwood
5LP8863
Period of Significance 1905-1950 for Criterion A and 1905 for Criterion C
The Rockwood School served the children on the farms and ranches near the small
settlement of Rockwood. It closed in 1950 with the consolidation of rural schools into the
Durango Public School District. The Rockwood schoolhouse is significant under
Criterion A in the area of Education because it clearly portrays the circumstances of a
rural education in a one room schoolhouse in the period between 1905 and 1950. The
school‟s historic setting remains, complete with the square school yard, the boys and girls
outhouses and a teacherage. It is significant under Criterion C in the area of Architecture
because it is a very good example of the typical one-story, frame, one-room school house
exhibiting typical features such as a rectangular floor plan, a simple gable roof and bell
tower and evenly spaced double hung windows on the south and west sides.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 26
Photograph 15 Lower Spring Creek School
No address, located approximately one mile south of 5733 CR 321, Ignacio area
5LP8933
Period of Significance 1908
The Lower Spring Creek School was founded to provide classes for rural children living
on surrounding farms and ranches after the opening of the Ute Strip area to non-Indian
settlers. The school is believed to have operated from about 1908 to 1949 when the rural
school was closed and consolidated with the Ignacio Public School District Number 11.
The stucco clad one room school has a hip roof and front gable porch. The original bead
board walls and ceiling, oak hardwood floor, and the teacher‟s book/cloak room remain.
It is eligible under Criterion C in the area of Architecture. The size, roof configuration,
window placement, and intact interior features make it a good example of the typical one-
story, frame, one room school house. This photo was taken near the completion of a
restoration project on the school.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 27
Photograph 16 Rockvale School
8165 CR 120, Hesperus area
5LP8866
Period of Significance 1905-1948 for Criterion A and 1905 for Criterion C
The Rockvale School replaced a nearby log school known as the Hay Gulch School. It is
located on land donated by Hay Gulch landowner Andy Tipotsch. The Rockvale School
had a maximum attendance of about 40 kids and was open until 1948, when the school
kids were bused to an elementary school located on the Fort Lewis College Campus south
of Hesperus. The property was rehabilitated into a residence in about 2000.
The schoolhouse is significant under Criterion A in the area of Education because it
portrays the circumstances of a rural education in a one room schoolhouse in the period
between 1905 and 1948 as seen in the square school yard and the flag pole on the
property. It is significant under Criterion C in the area of Architecture because it is a very
good example of the typical one-story school house in Colorado including such features
as a rectangular plan, one room, one story, hipped roof form, and evenly spaced double
hung sash windows placed on two sides of the building.
As part of the building‟s rehabilitation in 2000, the rear, or north, side of the building was
altered to install a gable. The alteration is on a secondary façade, does not obscure the
original proportions of the hipped roof and does not detract from the overall character of
the structure.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 28
Mining Related Properties
National Register Eligible
A miners cabin and the Wright Coal Loader are included in this category.
Photograph 17 Waters Cabin
8307 CR 124, Hesperus area
5LP8868
Period of Significance 1910
Very little is known about this cabin, but long time property owners in the area believe it
might have been the site of the post office. The property was once part of the La Plata
Placer mining claim and that the claim was subdivided in 1964. The property is eligible
under Criterion C in the area of Architecture as a good example of a typical, simple
miners cabin.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 29
Photograph 18 Wright Fuel Company Coal Loader, and Photograph 19 Drive through
lane at the bottom of the Coal Loader
2541 CR 120, Hesperus area
5LP8885
Period of Significance 1941
The coal loader is associated with two adjacent mines Wright Mine #1 (which operated
1955-1961) and Wright Mine #2 (which operated 1941-1955). Two brothers, Glen and
Columbus Wright, and a third relative, Clifford Wright, (who all came from near by
Dove Creek, Colorado) leased the mine from the original property owner, the Huntington
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 30
family. The mines produced 10,605 and 34,024 short tons respectively for the Wright
Fuel Company. The Huntingtons subdivided five acres (containing the coal loader) to sell
to the current owners who purchased the property in 1991 and built their house on the site
in 1995. The coal loader and associated weigh station have remained unaltered and
protected by the current owners.
The property is eligible for the National Register under Criterion C in the area of
Engineering because it is an excellent example of the process used to bring coal from the
mine to the consumer. Coal mining was a dominant industry in Colorado, particularly in
La Plata County, yet very few examples survive of historic coal activities. The Mining
Industry in Colorado Multiple Property Documentation Form (revised July 2008) on file
at the Colorado Historical Society notes that, in general, intact historic coal mining-
related structures and machinery are uncommon in Colorado and the remaining such
structures are important representations of mining engineering and technology. The
documentation form also emphasizes that under Criterion C the resources of significance
“should clearly represent small to moderately sized operations, which were important
because they constituted much of Colorado‟s coal mining industry”. The period of
significance represents the best available date for construction of the coal loader.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 31
Federal Government-Related
National Register Eligible
Photograph 20 Government Camp Cabin
187 Vallecito Drive, Vallecito area
5LP8858
Period of Significance 1938-1941
The house was built as part of the “Government Camp” for the Pine River Project, which
was administered by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Army Corps of Engineers
between August 1936 and October 1941. The Project constructed Vallecito Dam to
manage the flow of the Pine River partly for local irrigation needs and partly to address
Ute water claims based on the Hunt Treaty of 1868 and ratified by a Federal Court
decision in 1930. The Camp contained about 15 houses that were home to the “white
collar” administrators and engineers for the project. The camp was vacated in 1941 when
the reservoir was filled and the La Plata County Assessor‟s data show the property
leaving federal administration, and entering the tax rolls in 1942.This cabin is eligible for
the National Register under Criterion A in the area of Politics/Government, as a good
representation of Federal Government activity in La Plata County. It is significant as the
best remaining example with the greatest historic integrity of the houses that were built in
the camp. Unlike many of the other houses in the former camp, the resource has minimal
exterior alteration and possesses sufficient physical integrity to convey its significance in
terms of location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The
period of significance reflects the time the house was occupied during the construction of
the Dam.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 32
Photograph 21 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Picnic Shelter
5LP8940, Durango
Fort Lewis College Campus
Period of Significance 1935-1936 for Criterion A; 1936 for Criterion C
This picnic shelter was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of
a multi-year project to create a „metropolitan park‟ on the mesa above Durango. The
park project included transplanting trees, constructing picnic areas and building roads and
trails using local materials. The building is a rectangular sandstone shelter constructed of
large dressed sandstone blocks with a roof system of peeled logs, trusses and braces.
The original wood shingled wood roof is visible under the modern brown metal roof and
a rustic wood sign reads: “CCC 1936 Picnic Shelter”. The shelter is eligible for the
National Register under Criterion A in the area of Politics/Government for the use of
New Deal funding as a means to provide work for locals needing employment and skills
under the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) program from 1933 to 1941. The shelter is
eligible under Criterion C in the area of Architecture as a good example of New Deal era
Rustic architecture, exhibiting such typical elements as native stone, low profile roofline,
stone chimney, peeled log trusses, and wood bracing. The period of significance for
Criterion A reflects the period the CCC was involved with this construction project. The
period of significance under Criterion C is the date the shelter was completed.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 33
Transportation Related
National Register Eligible
Photograph 22 Farmington Branch Railroad Water Tank
No address-located east of US Highway 160 and about 1 mile north of the Colorado-New
Mexico boundary
5LP8886
Period of Significance 1905-1959
The Farmington Branch of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad (D&RG) was
constructed in 1905 as a standard gauge line and was converted to narrow gauge in 1923
to be compatible with the San Juan Extension of the D&RG. The line operated until
August of 1968. By 1971, the entire line from Chama to Durango to Farmington had been
removed by scrappers, but this tank survived. The water tank is eligible for the National
Register under Criterion A in the area of Transportation for its association with the
operation of the Farmington Branch of the Denver and Rio Grand Railroad (D&RG). The
D&RG was the dominant railroad company in southwestern Colorado and an important
railroad company in Colorado. The tank is the only remaining one on the route of the
Farmington Branch and is one of only a few structures on the branch to have survived to
the present. The relationship between the tank and the railroad is clear as the leveled
railroad grade is clearly evident. The period of significance represents the time the tank
provided water for the railroad route, ending in 1959 to meet the National Register fifty
year requirement.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 34
Photograph 23 and Photograph 24 La Boca Railroad Trestle
No address – located east of U.S. Highway 172 on La Boca Ranch Road, Ignacio area
Period of Significance 1881-1959
The La Boca Railroad Trestle is a steel Pratt Through Truss structure constructed across
the Pine River at the historic La Boca railroad station. The structure measures about 120
feet in length and consists of the bridge and a 30 foot long approach span. The
substructure consists of stone piers and abutments; the floor system is constructed of steel
stringer beams, steel joists and a deck of railroad ties. The original rails have been
removed and length-wise planks of varying sizes have been placed on the ties to allow
vehicles to drive over the bridge. The approach span has an open deck with closed steel
sides. At the east end of the bridge, the Denver & Rio Grande Scenic Route logo appears
on the left side of the bridge. On the right side,“Pine River 418. 62” is stamped,
indicating the mileage from Denver.
The bridge has had no alterations to its major substructure, roadbed, and superstructure.
The original rails were removed when the rail line was abandoned in the 1968 and the
structure became a vehicular crossing. The open land surrounding the structure (the La
Boca Ranch Land Trust and the undeveloped Southern Ute Lands) helps to retain the
sense of early railroad travel through this isolated part of La Plata County. The original
railroad grade is faintly visible to the east of the bridge. On the west, the grade passes
through the historic La Boca station area and is visible beyond to the northwest. The
historic trading post and footings of the original railroad water tower are identifiable on
the La Boca Ranch. The trestle is associated with the development of rail related
transportation and the Denver & Rio Grande route between Durango and Alamosa and it
meets the eligibility requirements for Criterion A. The trestle also meets the Criterion C
requirements as it is an unaltered example of the engineering technology associated with
the development of the Pratt Truss Bridge. The period of significance is the establishment
of the railroad line in La Plata County and ends with the 50 year time period to meet the
National Register guideline.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 35
State Register Eligible
Photograph 25 Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Trestle – Farmington Branch
No address – located at Trestle Lane, Durango
5LP8911
Period of Significance: 1905-1959
The bridge was constructed in 1905 as part of the Farmington Branch of the Denver &
Rio Grande Railroad to access the coal deposits around Durango and Hesperus. With the
intent to provide coal to a broad southwestern market, the rail line was built at standard
gauge, the only broad gauge in the area. Service began in 1905 and the branch became
locally known as the “Red Apple Line” due to the main produce hauled, although the
intent of the line was to haul coal. Because the line was standard gauge and the eastern
line of the D&RG was narrow gauge, a three rail system was built from Carbon Junction
into Durango. The two lines met at the Junction, and rails were switched to allow trains
to continue into town. However, the transfer and switching of rails and cars was never
convenient. In 1923, the D &RG replaced the standard gauge with narrow gauge. The
line continued to operate until August 1968 and the tracks were dismantled in 1970. This
trestle is one of two remaining bridges on the Farmington Branch line. The trestle is
eligible for the State Register under Criterion A as an example of early transportation in
southwestern Colorado; it is also eligible under Criterion C for Engineering. It is
ineligible for the National Register due to construction adjacent to the bridge.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 36
Community Development Related
Photograph 26 Abeyta Dance Hall
138 CR 321, Tiffany
5LP 8913
Period of Significance 1928-1959 for Criterion A and 1928 for Criterion C
The Abeyta Dance Hall is located on the main route in the historic townsite of Tiffany.
The hall is eligible in the area of Ethnic Heritage and Social History under Criterion A
because it was an important meeting place for Hispanos. In addition to a dance hall, past
uses are reported to be a Hispano labor hall, a mortuary, and a jail. Research is on-going
for possible associations with the Sociedad Proteccion Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos
(SPMDTU), a Hispano secular fraternal organization first established in the San Luis
Valley and reported to have been active in Ignacio in 1902.
The exact date of construction of the dance hall is not known, but it operated from at least
1928 when the hall was the temporary location for Catholic Church services until Iglesia
de San Antonio (the Tiffany Catholic Church) was completed in 1928. The Abeyta
family ownership and the chosen name of the church, suggest that the Hispano population
was extensive in Tiffany.
The dance hall is constructed of adobe bricks that are supported by upright milled wood
boards. Earthen stucco has been plastered over the bricks. It is eligible under Criterion C
in the area of Architecture for its Territorial Adobe construction materials and retains
characteristic elements such as a front facing linear plan, gable roof, stone foundation,
and plaster over adobe bricks. The period of significance is the date the structure is
known to have operated to the 50 year time period established under the National
Register guidelines.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 37
Photograph 27 Tiffany Mercantile
397 CR 321, Tiffany
5LP8917
Period of Significance 1907 -1959 for Criterion A and 1907 for Criterion C
The Tiffany Mercantile was established in about 1907 to serve the young railroad town of
Tiffany. The mercantile provided basic provisions for the community and housed the
Tiffany post office from establishment until its closure in 1954. Constructed adjacent to
both the Denver & Rio Grande rail line and the stockyards, the mercantile defined the
western edge of the main street. The store is a one story false front commercial store,
typical of the early 1900s commercial stores. The store front includes a recessed central
entrance flanked by display windows, a door transom and original turned spindle posts
supporting the porch. The Mercantile is eligible in the area of Commerce and
Politics/Government under Criterion A because it was important to local business and
community life and was the location of the post office. The store is also eligible under
Criterion C as a good, unaltered, example of an early twentieth century commercial store.
The store‟s rural setting is uncommon in La Plata County. The period of significance for
the property is the reported construction date and ends with the time period according to
the National Register guidelines.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 38
Photograph 28 Allison Gas Station
2600 CR 329, Allison
5LP8918
Period of Significance: 1925-1959 for Criterion A and 1925 for Criterion C
The Allison Gas Station was in operation from the mid 1920s and was locally known as
“Hiveley‟s Station”. In the 1940s and 1950s the station was operated by Walter Black as
the Bay Gas Station. The station is situated at the west entrance to the town of Allison
along the historic main route. The gas station is eligible under Criterion A in the area of
Commerce because it is an example of early 20th
century commerce in the town of
Allison. The gas station operated to provide motor supplies and gasoline during early
automobile travel in the southeastern corner of the county. The station reflects the
changing modes of transportation from railroad to a combination of railroad and
vehicular travel. It continued to operate through the 1950s as the only local source of
gasoline for several miles. The property is eligible under Criterion C as a good example
of the „house with canopy gas station‟ form. It has a small rectangular office with a roof
extending over the driveway. The roof is supported by two square posts and the building
is sited diagonally at the corner of the main street through Allison and the road along the
railroad tracks. The period of significance for Criterion A is the estimated construction
of the station and ends in 1959 to meet the fifty year National Register age guidelines.
The period of significance for Criterion C is the estimated date of construction.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 39
Photograph 29 Tiffany Warehouse
346 CR 321, Tiffany
5LP8938
Period of Significance: 1932-1959
The warehouse is associated with early commercial activities in the town of Tiffany. It
was constructed about 1932 and is reported to have been a storage location for the
Tiffany Mercantile located across the street. The warehouse also provided storage
facilities for hay and grain for the stock and the railroad shipping operations located near
the structure that were active from 1914 until the end of freight services along the
railroad in 1968. Those operations were two of the major business in Tiffany. The
warehouse is a frame structure clad with corrugated tin sheets. It is unaltered. The
original store scales and price lists are still inside. The warehouse is eligible under
Criterion A in the area of Commerce as an example of commerce in the town of Tiffany.
The warehouse was associated with the Tiffany Mercantile and the railroad stock
operations until freight service was abandoned in 1968.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 40
Photograph 30 Turkey Packer’s Co-op
2800 CR 329, Allison
5LP8928
Period of Significance: 1930-1946
The Allison Turkey Packer‟s Co-op was originally a railroad warehouse constructed in
1881. In the 1930s, the warehouse was acquired by the Turkey Packers Co-op, an
agricultural cooperative venture that raised and shipped turkeys to the East. The co-op
was founded to provide income for farm families during the Depression. This operation
included transport of turkeys grown on local farms and ranches to the co-op where they
were packed (some live) for shipment to the east on the railroad. The turkey operations
were most active during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays when as many as 13
railroad carloads of turkeys were shipped out during the holidays. The turkey operations
continued during the Depression and throughout World War II. After that, the price of
turkeys dropped, health standards changed and the turkey business was discontinued. The
property is eligible under Criterion A in the area of Commerce as an example of rural
cooperative commerce. Although other crops were directly sold by families for income,
the turkey operations were organized as a cooperative with officers and a business
structure. In addition, the sale of turkeys to the co-op provided local residents with some
livelihood during the Depression and helped to sustain their community of Allison.
Participation in the co-op was widespread among Allison‟s rural families.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 41
Entertainment/Recreation Related
National Register Eligible
Photographs 31 and 32 Main House and Guest Cabin at Teelawuket Ranch
23490 CR 501, Vallecito area
5LP8853
Period of Significance 1895-1959
Teelawuket was originally homesteaded as the Graham Homestead in 1886 by brothers
Charles C. and Joseph H. Graham. The Grahams built the small log homestead cabin that
remains on the property. The ranch was sold to “Coal Oil” John(ny) Kirkpatrick in 1894.
Kirkpatrick, who had made a fortune in the oil business, loved to entertain, and ran in
powerful circles. He imported Swedish builders to construct the grand main house in
1895. Constructed of massive hand hewn log timbers-some up to 32 feet long and
placed on a local stone foundation, the two story log house is in the center of the
complex. Kirkpatrick installed a bell tuned to b-flat to call guests to meals and he ran
2,000 Herefords on the property. He also built the barn, cabins, the cook house and
gathering room, and had hot and cold running water. Prominent guests included Durango
newspaper editor David Day, locally prominent businessmen Thomas Graden and George
White, and General U.S.Hollister who wrote a piece that ended up in Womans Magazine
and was reprinted on December 31, 1905 in Day‟s Durango Herald Democrat
newspaper. Kirkpatrick coined the name Teelawuket for his ranch. Kirkpatrick sold the
property to Pete Scott, a sheep man from Aztec, New Mexico, in 1917. Scott raised sheep
and cattle and hosted paying guests. In 1921 in an agreement with H.C. Pollock, Scott
developed a boys‟ camp on the property. H.C. was a dentist from St. Louis, Missouri
who partnered with two other St. Louis dentists (C.C. Howard, Leo M. Shanley) to buy
the place from Scott in 1926 and to run “Rancho Mesa Verde”, a boys camp that had two
locations—at Teelawuket and at a location about 60 miles south near Allison, Colorado.
That year the camps received a three page write up in the St.Louis Globe Democrat and
brought customers from throughout the country. Local cowboy Fred Fraham, who had
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 42
worked for the Scotts, stayed with the ranch and worked at the boys‟ camp and the
subsequent guest ranch. Additional cabins and “the Hogan”, a gathering place and game
room for the campers, were built at this time. Just as they had since 1881, guests would
arrive in Ignacio on the train and be transported to the remote ranch in wagons or on
horseback. In later years, guests came by car. H.C. and his son, Carlyle, were the
managing partners until 1953, when the place was sold to William Y. Penn. The Penns
operated a guest ranch in the 1950s and early 1960s. Many of their guests left their
signatures with their hometowns (representing a wide spectrum of the United States and
Canada) and years visited on the walls of the old reception building (now the tool shed).
The Penn‟s brochure prominently featured the 7TX brand and advertised that the rates
were on the “American (Wife‟s vacation) Plan”. The brochure also touted “60 cycle AC
electric current”. Penn‟s son sold off the lower 2/3 of the acreage to William L. Audis
and Don L. McClure in 1965. Audis and McClure enjoyed a brief partnership while
running the Ranch as the “Ride and Reel” Guest Ranch. In their 1967 brochure, a double
room cost $18-20, while a private cabin rented at $40/night. Audis and McLure sold the
property to the Graham family (no relation to the original homesteading Graham), the
current owners, who had been frequent visitors to the Guest Ranch.
Teelawuket Ranch meets the National Register Criterion A in the area of
Entertainment/Recreation because of its very clear association with the development of a
successful dude ranch and recreation retreat. The Ranch has been used for recreation and
entertainment since 1895 and except for the homestead cabin (which was adapted for use
as a guest cabin), all of the extant facilities were built to that end. Patrons came from
throughout the country to this facility that still has the many features specific to a guest
ranch including cabins and a main house, the kitchen and main dining hall, a recreation
center, a barn, a laundry room, and a bell tuned to b-flat to call guests to dinner. The
period of significance for Criterion represents the period the Ranch operated for
recreation and entertainment, ending with the National Register 50 year age standard.
The resource possesses sufficient physical integrity to convey its significance in terms of
location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The
spectacular mountain valley setting of the ranch, surrounded by unaltered open land,
dominates the area. The original buildings and the original layout of the site remains
with a cluster of cabins and the kitchen/dining area located together and a few recreation
buildings, such as the Hogan and the barn, located slightly farther away. The originally
constructed main house is relatively unaltered, but a large addition on the east side of the
hosue was removed in 2008. This addition is visible in historic photographs as a gable
roofed board and batten one story structure that was clearly built at a different time than
the original main house. The other major known structural alteration was the removal of
side gables from the east and west sides of the barn and the new bell tower moved to a
new location. The current owners have undertaken rehabilitation projects and have
maintained most of the original windows, doors and other character defining features of
the buildings and structures. When replacement materials were used (primarily roofing
and siding) the new materials are appropriate and compatible. The metal roofs on most
of the buildings replaced metal roofs that were applied during the period of significance
as part of ongoing maintenance of the dude ranch.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 43
Historic Photo source: Animas Museum Collection. Photo Date Unknown
Photographs 33 and 34 Florida Grange #306, modern and historic
656 State Highway 172, Durango
5LP8862
Period of Significance 1951-1959
Of the sixteen granges established in the county the Florida Grange is one of five active
remaining grange halls. The Florida Grange was established on November 22, 1916.
E.E. Schalles was the first ward master. In 1951, the current building replaced the old
hall. The Florida Grange is still active, hosting community and agricultural related
activities. The period of significance represents the period the property has functioned as
a grange, with the ending date meeting the National Register‟s registration requirements
for the resource to be at least fifty years old. The property is eligible under Criterion A in
the area of Entertainment/Recreation because it is an example of social aspects of the
agricultural population of La Plata County. Granges provided social and educational
activities and the Florida Grange continues to do so today. The National Register Staff of
the Colorado Historical Society believes the property is eligible for the state register but
is undecided about whether the property is eligible for the National Register.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 44
Photograph 35 Electra Lake Sporting Clubhouse
Photograph 36 Electra Lake Sporting Clubhouse- Interior Main Dining Room
141 Electra East Road, Durango
5LP8906
Period of Significance 1929 – 1959 for Criterion A; 1929 for Criterion C
The Electra Lake Sporting Clubhouse was constructed in 1929 under the direction of the
Electra Lake Sporting Club Members. The recreational organization was incorporated in
1910 to enjoy the newly created Electra Lake. Since its founding, the clubhouse has been
a focal area for the members. The clubhouse was designed by Denver architect Eugene
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 45
Groves (1882-1967) with the construction contract awarded to member Dudley Ewing.
The clubhouse is located on a rock island at the south end of Electra Lake, just north of
the dam and is reached via a wooden pedestrian bridge. The clubhouse is supported by
masonry piers and large logs and there are a series of porches on the south and east sides
and large windows on the west and north sides to enjoy the views of the lake. The
clubhouse has a mix of stylistic elements, including a stepped stone parapet, wood log
siding, transom windows and a stone arch at the entrance. These elements suggest a series
of modifications during the period of significance. The interior is unique in that it was
designed to represent an overturned boat. The ceiling is poured concrete with decorative
iron pieces. The elongated oval forms the basic design of the structure that is the dining
room/recreation room. The interior displays Grove‟s creative work with poured and
reinforced concrete. The Clubhouse is eligible under Criterion A in the area of
Entertainment/Recreation for its association with the recreational activities at Electra
Lake. The structure is also eligible under Criterion C in the area of Architecture as a
representative work of a master because it incorporates Eugene Groves‟ innovative use of
concrete and his adaptation of elements of various styles. His expertise in the use of
poured, cast and reinforced concrete has been creatively used in the design of the
Clubhouse, particularly the main interior public space. The period of significance reflects
the construction of the Clubhouse and ends in 1959 to meet the National Register 50 year
eligibility guidelines.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 46
Photograph 43 Searcy Cabin
950 Electra East Road, Durango
5LP8908
Period of Significance 1912 – 1959
This cabin was constructed in 1876 and functioned as a stage stop on the Animas Canyon
Toll Road. After Electra Lake was constructed, the building was moved to its current
location above the lake in 1912 to become a recreational cabin for a locally prominent
individual, Judge William Searcy. Judge Searcy took extraordinary care in the structure‟s
move. He had it disassembled by Japanese laborers and all of the logs numbered with
Japanese characters. It was floated to the southwestern portion of the lake and
reassembled by the workers.
This building is a 1 ½ story log cabin that faces northeast toward Electra Lake. The cabin
roof is a side gable with shed extensions on the north for the front porch, and on the south
for living area. The original cabin (excluding the rear addition), was constructed of full
axe hewn square notched logs. The diameters of the logs are approximately 12 inches. At
the rear of the cabin, concrete block addition has been erected.
A comparison of the pre-1912 photos and later photos indicate that minor changes were
made after it was reassembled in its current location. Subsequent to 1912, minimal
changes have included the addition of a dormer and porch on the north elevation, and a
block addition to the south (rear) elevation. The dormer and front porch were added soon
after 1912 and the block addition was added about 1931. Overall the building retains
integrity from its 1876 existence and its later life in the current location. The cabin
continues to be a summer residence.
The cabin is eligible in the area of Entertainment/Recreation under Criterion A for its
association with recreational activities at Electra Lake. The period of significance begins
with the reassembly of the cabin at its present location and ends in 1959 to meet the 50
year National Register eligibility guidelines.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 47
Photograph 38 Haukeness Cabin
419 Electra East Road, Durango
5LP5907
Period of Significance 1910-1959
The Haukeness Cabin is an early recreational cabin owned by members of the Electra
Lake Sporting Club. The cabin is located on „Ochsner Point” a picturesque area on the
east shore of the lake. The cabin is one of the first residences at the lake and dates to
1910. The 1 ½ story cabin has a board and batten exterior with original hewn logs visible
on a part of the north façade. A concrete block addition has been constructed on the lake
side of the cabin and there are two original boat houses to the north and south of the
cabin.
The cabin is eligible in the area of Entertainment/Recreation under Criterion A for its
association with early recreational activities at Electra Lake. The cabin setting, materials,
and location reflect the serene mountain environment.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 48
Photograph 39 Gem Village Rock Club
39640 E. U.S. Highway 160, Gem Village
5LP 8925
Period of Significance 1954-1959
The Gem Village Rock Club was constructed on land first platted as part of the Morse
Subdivision for the purposes of establishing a colony of gem crafters and kindred
artisans. The area was named Gem Village to reflect these interests. As interest in rocks
and minerals grew, several local residents banded together to form a club and build a
clubhouse to further their interests. In May 1954, 16 local people met and formed the
Navajo Trails Gem and Mineral Club. The land was provided by a member and other
members donated materials and their labor to construct the clubhouse. The Rock Club
meetings were held in the building for 33 years and the club hosted annual Rock Shows.
After 34 years the club was disbanded in 1988, when there were 10 members remaining,
ranging in age from 73 to 102 years.
The Rock Club is constructed of full horizontal logs that are at least 12” in diameter. The
logs are saddle notched and chinked with concrete mortar. The building is a front gable
with a corrugated tin roof. There is a large exterior chimney on the east wall that
incorporates numerous rock specimens collected by members. Shortly after construction
of the main portion of the building, an east shed addition was constructed to house artisan
stalls for demonstrations and sales of rocks and minerals to tourists. The rear kitchen
addition was added in about 1957 to provide kitchen facilities and indoor plumbing.
The Rock Club is eligible in the area of Entertainment/ Recreation under Criterion A for
its association with the recreational activities of the Navajo Trails Gem and Mineral Club
and their efforts to promote rock and mineral related recreational activities, collection,
and appreciation. The period of significance begins with the construction date of the
clubhouse and ends in 1959 to meet the National Register 50 year eligibility guidelines.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 49
Architecturally Significant Properties
These properties are good examples of specific architectural styles or building
techniques, and have had minimal alterations. Each building meets National Register
Criterion C in the area of Architecture.
National Register Eligible
Photograph 40 St Paul’s Catholic Church
22974 State Highway 140, Hesperus
5LP8872
Period of Significance 1909
The St. Paul‟s Catholic Church was built by coal miners who lived in the area. It took
five years to complete the building (1904-1909). Church services were conducted once a
month by Father Duffy from St. Columba Church in Durango. The building is no longer
a functioning church, although pews remain inside. With its pointed arched windows,
decorative brackets and steeply pitched roof this simple building is significant in
Architecture as a good example of the local interpretation of the Gothic Revival Style.
The period of significance is the construction date.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 50
Photograph 41 Bates Homestead Cabin
No number on CR 138, La Plata County, south of Marvel
5L8887
Period of Significance 1912
This is a one story homestead “picket house” It was constructed of locally cut juniper
trees (mostly trunks) that are set vertically and coated with a mortar mix of local mud,
called “chico”. Some of the trunks are partially hewn. This house has chicken wire
applied to the pickets to help hold the mortar. Horizontal wood lathes are also on parts of
the house. The lathes would have helped keep the chicken wire in place.
The cabin is the only remaining picket house in “Picnic Flats” an area said to have been
named after cattlemen who could not agree on the ownership of a stray calf that was
found in the area, so they butchered the animal and barbequed it at a “picnic” there. Most
people moved into the area in the 1910s and 1920s with a maximum population of about
30 families. Rob Bates arrived some time after 1912. The Bates family built this cabin
and soon rented the place out, eventually selling the cabin to Oscar and Elizabeth Bell
who added a second room. The Bells sold to Jim and Ada Eldridge in 1934. They and
their family remained in the area, raising wheat, corn and pinto beans and cattle. The
house is now owned by Ruby Eldridge Briggs and her husband Don Briggs. Ruby is a
grand daughter of Jim and Ada Eldridge.
Very few changes have occurred to the house. It has a metal roof that was probably
installed within the last 30 years. The property is eligible in the area of Architecture
because it is an excellent example of early homestead construction using local materials.
It is the only known surviving example of this type of construction which was once
prolific on homesteads in the arid portions of La Plata County. Local materials, including
the mortar made from mud on the site and tree trunks from local timber constitute the
house. The period of significance is the construction date.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 51
Photograph 42 Tiffany Catholic Church (Iglesia de San Antonio)
236 CR 321, Tiffany
5LP8912
Period of Significance 1928
The Tiffany Catholic Church was established to serve the community of Tiffany that was
platted in 1909. Originally established as an 1881 railroad siding for the Durango & Rio
Grande Railroad line between Alamosa and Durango, the area attracted new residents
after the opening of the area to non-Indian settlement in 1899. The church is located one
block north of the original Main Street. New Catholic residents met temporarily in the
Hispano owned Abeyta Dance Hall, until the church was completed in 1928. The church
was operated as a mission church from Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Durango and
was serviced by a visiting pastor. The church operated until 1972 when the services for
the parishioners were transferred to St. Ignacius in Ignacio, approximately 6 miles to the
west.
The Tiffany Catholic Church retains characteristic elements of a Territorial Adobe Style
building. It has thick adobe brick wall construction covered with stucco plaster, the roof
is a pitched front gable and it has the original pointed lancet three lite windows over the
front entrance and the side windows. There are decorative brackets on the gable ends and
the front entrance is recessed. The construction indicates that local materials and labor
were used to build the church. There is a front plaque on the church that reads “Iglesia de
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 52
San Antonio 1928 O.P.A.D.” The property is surrounded by a modern four foot chain
link fence. There is a modern white metal gate with cross to access the property. A
metal sign on the gate reads “Iglesia de San Antonio”.
The building is eligible under Criterion C in the area of Architecture as a good example
of a Territorial Adobe building, popular with Hispano groups in early 20th
century
communities. As first described in “The Culebra River Villages of Costilla County,
Colorado Multiple Property Documentation” (2000), Catholic Churches in Hispano
villages (or those with large Hispano groups), were often built with these attributes and
incorporated some gothic stylistic elements. This form has since been named Territorial
Adobe. The Tiffany church represents an adaptation of these construction and stylistic
elements using local materials and labor. The period of significance is the construction
date.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 53
Photograph 43 St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
No address –near intersection of CR329 and railroad grade in Allison
5LP 8936
Period of Significance: 1925
St. Patrick‟s Catholic Church was constructed by local Allison Catholics on land donated
by the Degani Family. The church is constructed of locally made adobe bricks and
plastered with a distinctive troweled texture. All of the original arched multi-lite wood
windows are present under the protective board covers. The Church was completed in
1925 and in January 1926, the first marriage took place between John Degani and Mary
Procarione, both from prominent local families. The Church held services until the 1960s
and is no longer used. The church is eligible under Criterion C in the area of Architecture
as a good example of a Territorial Adobe building. The church retains all the
characteristics of the type including adobe construction, a pitched front gable roof, about
12 inch thick adobe walls, stone foundation and a distinctive local stucco texture. The
period of significance is the construction date.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 54
Photograph 44 Dimacali House
2565 CR 203, Durango
5LP 8893
Period of Significance: 1927
Cyrus Lattin purchased the property from E.E. Jenkins in 1921 and constructed the house.
The house is eligible as an example of the Rustic Architectural Style. Distinctive
characteristics of this style include the log construction, stone chimney, tapered cobble
porch supports and peeled log balustrade. High artistic values are evident in the cobbled
porch and chimney, and the distinctive glazed batten front door with iron strap hinges.
The period of significance represents the construction date of 1927. The National
Register staff at the Colorado Historical Society has determined that this property is one
of the better examples of Rustic style architecture exhibiting many of the typical
elements. Except for the metal roof material, the building retains sufficient physical
integrity to convey its significance in terms of location, setting, design, materials,
workmanship, feeling, and association. The National Register staff at the Colorado
Historical Society has determined that with the cross-gabled roof, the metal roof is not as
obvious as it would be on a hipped or side-gabled roof and the property is eligible for the
National Register.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 55
Photograph 45 Davies House
170 CR 123, Hesperus
5LP 8882
Period of Significance: 1922
The house was constructed in 1922 by Swedish mason, A.J. “Jake” Laxman, using
locally available stone. Fred Paulek, who owns a nearby building constructed by Laxman,
noted that his buildings are usually two courses thick and originally used local mud
mortar, with a concrete mortar applied to the exterior course. The National Register staff
at the Colorado Historical Society has determined that this house is notable for its stone
work and is eligible for the National Register as an excellent example of an accomplished
local mason employing local materials.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 56
State Register Eligible
Photograph 46 Oldfield Early Settlement Cabin
1390 CR 110 Western La Plata County
5L8877
Period of Significance 1927
George and Sophia Oldfield made a homestead claim on this property and lived briefly in
a tent while they built their first house in 1913. Their second house was this log cabin
which was built in 1927. A neighbor, Ed Miller, helped saw the logs that were taken from
nearby timber. When the Oldfields moved into this new home, there were six children
ranging in age from a few months to 15 years. Soon after moving in, lumber from an
abandoned nearby homestead was used to add a kitchen, bedroom and second floor. The
children grew up in this home until, in 1949, George and Sophia built a new home on the
property.
George and Sophia‟s grandson, Dale Horvath, and his wife Frances Greer Horvath, now
live on the homestead, representing the third generation of Oldfields on the property.
In 1993 the cabin was moved about 150 feet south of its original location (but still on the
same parcel of land) to make room for a new house for the Horvaths. When the cabin was
moved, the kitchen and bedroom wing was removed leaving the original smaller
configuration.
This log cabin is eligible in the area of Architecture as a very good example of local
construction methods and materials used for shelter on homestead and early settlement
properties in La Plata County. The trees cut either on or near the property and prepared
by the homesteader and a neighbor illustrate resourceful use of local available materials.
Although the cabin has been moved, it is still located on the original homestead parcel
and within the area where houses for this homestead have been built in the past. The
period of significance is the construction date.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 57
Photograph 47 White House 2009 and Photograph 48 Hafling House 1921
White Hafling House
2266 CR220, Durango
5LP8910
Period of Significance 1920
This was the home of the Charles Hafling family, an early German immigrant family
prominent in La Plata County. They acquired their farm land at the opening of the Ute
Strip in 1899. According to the original family records, the historic Hafling house was
constructed in 1920 from a 1918 Sears house kit that arrived on the railroad at the Falfa
railroad stop approximately one mile to the east. The home is reported to be the first to
have indoor plumbing and electricity in the immediate area. The residence retains the
classic architectural elements of the Foursquare building form. The house is a square
two-story with a hipped roof and a full width hipped roof front porch supported by square
posts. The exterior is simple with eave brackets. A 1921 photo shows the Hafling family
on the porch of the house and indicates that only the porch balustrade has been changed
on the front of the house. The house remained in the Hafling family into the 1950s when
it was sold. The current owners have constructed a rear addition to the house that is
harmonious with, but distinct from, the original structure. With the exception of the rear
addition, the interior of the house has under gone very few changes and the original
materials have been carefully restored.
Due to the size of the rear addition, the Colorado Historical Society National Register
Staff believe that there is insufficient integrity for listing on the National Register.
However, the residence is believed to be eligible for the State Register under Criterion C
for the distinctive characteristics associated with the Foursquare building form. The
period of significance is the date of construction.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 58
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 59
Recommendations The rich and varied historic resources in La Plata County offer great opportunities for
locals and visitors to enhance our understanding of our heritage and to preserve the
important physical legacy of our past. The following recommendations include
suggestions for next steps to use the information gathered in this report. Additional
opportunities are also identified
Next steps
Follow up with property owners
The 100 sites identified in this survey all qualify for the local La Plata County historic
register. Forty three sites were also identified as eligible for either the state or national
registers of historic places. A systematic follow up contact to the owners of these
properties, providing a copy of the survey form for the property and explaining the
register process, would be a logical next step in the program.
Follow up for the general public
The general public could also be informed through outreach materials, including the
website development that is already underway and development of interpretive materials.
The information included in this survey project should be incorporated into the County‟s
Comprehensive Planning efforts and land use policies.
Active follow up could include the development of thematic history programs as a way to
unify and strengthen community ties across this very diverse county. Common county-
wide themes include:
Common themes
Schools
Cemeteries
Granges
Barns
Churches
Homesteading families
Interpretation
Opportunities to present the historic survey information are only limited by imagination
and capacity. Successful interpretive programs could include:
Web site
Road signs or pull offs along roads and at entries to historic towns or sites such as
Mayday, Marvel and Allison
Driving tours in electronic and paper formats
Books, pamphlets and publications on general La Plata County history or on
specific topics within the County, such as rural schools, cemeteries, mining sites.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 60
Interpretation projects should also consider the diverse audience in the County.
Bicyclists, campers, hikers, hunters and farmers each have different ways of accessing
cultural sites. A mountain bike itinerary along a section of an abandoned railroad grade
might inspire a historic bicycle tour, for instance, while a farmer would like to know
more about the historic Blue Horizon Mill.
The agricultural heritage of the county provides an opportunity to acquaint newer county
residents with county history. Interpretive projects can be developed to partner with
existing organizations that are based on rural life. Examples include Grange activities,
Future Farmers of America, 4 H, and county farmers markets. Programs that partner with
school districts can be developed to introduce „city kids‟ to their rural neighbors through
field trips.
The most successful interpretive programs evolve from an overall interpretive plan with
goals and proposed projects. An interpretive plan can also identify logical partnerships.
Local potential partnerships include heritage tourism efforts developed by the Southwest
Colorado Travel Region, the Fort Lewis College Office of Community Services which
completes numerous preservation projects in Southwest Colorado, or the La Plata County
Historical Society who serve as a focal point for local historians and preservationists.
Further Research-special topics
The survey data provides several areas where addition information could be collected to
build on existing information. The topics below offer opportunities for a rich history and
the involvement of county residents in their history. Some research topics include the
following.
1) The survey revealed an incredible wealth and variety of barns in the county that should
be documented.
Colorado has a Centennial Farms program that recognizes multiple generations of
families running the same farm, regardless of the historic integrity of the property. La
Plata County might consider creating a similar ”honor roll” program for its many family
run farms that do not have historically significant buildings, but have been farming the
same land for 100 years.
2) Most of the surviving mining structures in La Plata County fall under the classification
of historical archaeology (no standing structures) and were not surveyed as part of this
project. A survey of mining claims would add significantly to our understanding of our
mining heritage.
3) The survey also identified several rural schools across the county. Building on the
survey information and previous historical research on Florida Mesa and the
southwestern part of the county, a comprehensive inventory and history of county schools
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 61
could be undertaken. All remaining schools could be located and documented. In
addition, former teachers and students can be interviewed.
4) During the survey, numerous interesting stories were shared with the consultants.
These stories and histories should be recorded before they are lost. An oral history
project could be developed to collect this information. Southwestern La Plata County has
collected histories in the past and their efforts could be used as a model. On-going
gatherings established in the Hesperus area (“Hesperus History Nights”) and the
Sunnyside Memories event are important and they are good opportunities for long-time
county residents to share information with more recent residents. These efforts could be
expanded to include other areas of the county. County sponsorship could provide a
coordinating role. The La Plata County Historical Society would be a good partner in this
effort.
5) The survey information suggests a rich history at small settlements and townsites
across the county. More information should be collected for Allison, Tiffany and La
Posta. Existing historical information for La Boca could be expanded. Histories for
these places will be lost if it not collected in the near future.
6) The survey information indicates that early county residents were immigrants from
many places. Survey information from the southern part of the county suggests a strong
Hispano contribution to the county‟s history. Additional information should be collected
to fully understand and acknowledge these influences in La Boca, Ignacio, Tiffany,
Allison, and particularly at La Posta.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 62
Bibliography
Animas Museum photograph collection and topical files. Animas Museum. Durango,
Colorado.
Associated Cultural Resource Experts. Highways to the Sky: A Context and History of
Colorado’s Highways System. Denver, Colorado: Colorado Department of
Transportation, 2002.
Bayfield Public Library. “Bayfield Views Through Time”. Bayfield, Colorado: Bayfield
Public Library, 2000.
Brown, Robert L. An Empire of Silver. Denver, Colorado: Sundance Publications, Ltd.,
1984.
Bureau of Business Research. Local Area Statistics, La Plata County Colorado. Boulder,
Colorado: University of Colorado, 1961.
Colorado State Business Directories Denver, Colorado :Gazetteer Publishing Company,
1874-1920.
Colorado State Grange. Colorado State Grange History. Denver, Colorado: Colorado
State Grange, 1975.
Colorado State Planning Commission. Year Book of the State of Colorado 1941-1956.
Denver, Colorado: The Bradford Robinson Printing Company. 1941-1956.
Cook, George, Dell McCoy and Russ Collman. The RGS Story in 11 Volumes. Denver,
Colorado: Sundance Books, 2001.
Doggett, Suzanne and Holly Wilson. “Rural School Buildings in Colorado: National
Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation Form.” Colorado
Historical Society. 1999.
Fell, Jay and Eric Twitty. “The Mining Industry in Colorado; National Register of
Historic Places Multiple Property Submission”. Washington, D.C.; Department of
the Interior, 2006, Revised 2008.
Fort Lewis Mesa Reunion Committee for 1991. “History of Southwestern La Plata
County, Colorado.” 1991. Manuscript on file at the Durango Public Library.
Fraser, Clayton B. “Railroads in Colorado, 1858-1948. National Register Multiple
Property Documentation Form”. Washington, DC: Department of the Interior,
1997.
Gilpin, Dennis. Animas La Plata Project Volume V. Phoenix, Arizona: SWCA, 2007.
Gomez, Arthur R. Quest For the Golden Circle, The Four Corners and the Metropolitan
West. Albuquerque, New Mexico: University of New Mexico Press, 1991.
Husband, Michael B. Colorado Plateau County Historic Context. Denver: Colorado
Historical Society, 1984.
John, Laddie. A Brief History of Bayfield and the Pine River Valley 1877-2007. Bayfield,
Colorado: Self-Published, 2007.
Lipe, William; Varien, Mark; Wilshusen, Richard. Colorado Prehistory: A Context for
the Southern Colorado River Basin. Colorado Council of Professional
Archaeologists: Denver, 1999.
O‟Rourke, Paul M. Frontiers in Transition: A History of Southwestern Colorado. Bureau
of Land Management: Denver, Colorado, 1982.
Pearce, Sarah J. and Wilson, Merrill A. A Guide to Colorado Architecture Second
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 63
Edition. Colorado Historical Society: Denver, Colorado, 2003.
Spining, Bruce. Clapboards, School Boards and Blackboards. Durango, Colorado:Self
published by the author, 1993.
Thompson, Gregory Coyne. Southern Ute Lands, 1848-1899: The Creation of A
Reservation. Occasional Papers of the Center of Southwest Studies No. 1, Fort
Lewis College, Durango. 1972.
Warlick, Dottie. Vallecito Country. Montrose, Colorado: Western Reflections Publishing
Company, 2003.
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 64
Appendix
Sample Reconnaissance Survey Form
Survey Log-List of All Properties Surveyed Organized by State Site Number
Survey Log-List of All Properties Surveyed Organized by Address
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP Page 65
La Plata County Historic Reconnaissance Survey
Address: Photo No:
Comments to help locate the property:
Owner‟s Name:
Assessors Construction Date:
Assessors Parcel Number:
Field Observations
Location verified? ___ Building/Complex Type:_____________________
Comments on location:
Construction Type/material___________________________________________
Historic Theme(s):__________________________________________________
Integrity:
Condition of Materials ______________________________________
Building form is intact?______________________________________
Clear representation of a theme?_______________________________
Setting is authentic or appropriate______________________________
Priority for recording (scale of 1 = most important to 3 = least important) ________
Any reason to record other than its historic theme? _____________________________
Surveyor: JS RL
Date:
Digital photograph printed here
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP List of All Properties
Appendix Table 1.
A List of All Properties Surveyed Organized by State Site Number
Note-These sites are all considered eligible for the La Plata County Historic Property Register. A = Criterion A and C= Criterion C.
Site Number
Historic Site Name, if any
Address Local Register
State Register
National Register
Eligible? Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
5LP1275 Columbine Ranger Station
Purgatory at Durango Mtn Resort
Y
5LP2144 Frank Wommer Ranch 6601 CR 501 Bayfield Y
5LP6978 Wilmer Farm 955 CR 501 Bayfield Y
5LP8853 Teelawuket 23490 CR 501 Bayfield Y A A
5LP8854 17399 CR 501 Bayfield Y
5LP8855 Keyser Cabin 72 West Grimes Creek Road Bayfield
Y
5LP8856 Dial Cabin 14805 CR 501 Bayfield Y
5LP8857 Smoak Cabin 14200 CR 501 Bayfield Y
5LP8858 Government Camp 187 Vallecito Drive Bayfield Y A A
5LP8859 Hotter Ranch 47632 North US Hway 550 Durango
Y A A*
5LP8860 Lechner Brothers Ranch
42335 North US Hwy 550 Durango
Y A A
5LP8861 Ostwald Homestead 2480 CR 536 Bayfield Y
5LP8862 Florida Grange 656 State Highway 172 Durango
Y A A*
5LP8863 Rockwood School 1018 CR 200 Durango Y A,C A,C
5LP8864 Anesi Ranch no address assigned/CR 250/Durango
Y
5LP8865 LDS Church 353 CR 122 Kline Y
5LP8866 Rockvale School 8165 CR 120 Hesperus Y A,C A,C
5LP8867 Aspaas Farm 17238 Colo State Hwy 140 Hesperus
Y A A*
5LP8868 Waters 8307 CR 124 Hesperus Y C C
5LP8869 Barlow 8327 CR 124 Hesperus Y
5LP8870 August Eckburg house 8316 CR 124 Hesperus Y
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP List of All Properties
Site Number
Historic Site Name, if any
Address Local Register
State Register
National Register
5LP8871 Hesperus Schoolhouse 22974 State Highway 140 Y
5LP8872 St Paul's Church 22974 State Highway 140 Y C C
5LP8873 Huntington Ranch 8796 CR 120 Hesperus Y A A*
5LP8874 Little Property 4317 CR 124 Hesperus Y
5LP8875 Hesperus Coal 23119 CR 124 Hesperus Y
5LP8876 Center School 9998 CR 141 Durango Y
5LP8877 Oldfield Cabin 1390 CR 110 Hesperus Y C
5LP8878 Long Hollow Milling Co. 4044 Colo.State Hwy 140 Hesperus
Y
5LP8879 Smith House 134 CR 133 A Hesperus Y
5LP8880 Rockwood House 968 CR 200 Durango Y
5LP8881 Rockwood House 976 CR 200 Durango Y
5LP8882 Davies House 170 CR 123 Hesperus Y C C
5LP8883 Willim Paulek House 11442 CR 120 Hesperus Y
5LP8884 Kikel Ranch 966 CR 127 Hesperus Y A*
5LP8885 Wright Coal Loader 2541 CR 120 Hesperus Y C C
5LP8886 Farmington Extension RR Tank
1 Grey Snake Road Durango
Y A A
5LP8887 Bates Homestead No address assigned/CR 138/Marvel
Y C C
5LP8888 Shipley 39827 East US Highway 160 Bayfield
Y
5LP8889 Animas Valley Grange 7271 CR 203 Durango Y
5LP8890 Brockish House 5004 CR 203 Durango Y
5LP8891 Logan Farm 4622 CR 203 Durango Y
5LP8892 5326 CR 203 Durango Y
5LP8893 Dimacali 2565 CR 203 Durango Y C C
5LP8894 Fuller Farm 7292 CR 203 Durango Y A A
5LP8895 Home Ranch 3606 CR 203 Durango Y
5LP8896 Buchanan Farm 367 CR 202 Durango Y A A
5LP8897 Waterfall Ranch 4166 CR 203 Durango Y
5LP8898 Smith House 7943 CR 203 Durango Y
5LP8899 Home Place 589 High Llama Lane Durango
Y
5LP8900 Ludwig Ranch 9002 CR 521 Bayfield Y A A
5LP8901 5273 CR 216 Bayfield Y
5LP8902 Robbins Hospital 4215 CR 216 Bayfield Y
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP List of All Properties
Site Number
Historic Site Name, if any
Address Local Register
State Register
National Register
5LP8903 Lissner School 934 CR 243 Y
5LP8904 Forrest Groves Camp 80 Forrest Groves Lane Durango
Y
5LP8905 Swift Homestead No address- east of CR 501 Bayfield
Y
5LP8906 Electra Clubhouse 141 Electra E. Road Durango
Y A,C A,C
5LP8907 A.P. Root Cabin 419 Electra E. Road Durango
Y A A
5LP8908 Searcy Cabin 950 Electra West Road Durango
Y A A
5LP8909 Bondad Store 173 CR 213 Durango Y A C
5LP8910 Hafling House 2266 CR 220 Durango Y C
5LP8911 D&RG Trestle Trestle Lane Y A, C
5LP8912 Tiffany Church 236 CR 321 Ignacio Y C C
5LP8913 Abeyta Dance Hall 138 CR 321 Ignacio Y A,C A,C
5LP8914 Mason School 6698 Hwy 151 Ignacio Y
5LP8915 Pine River Stage Stop No address- east of CR 502 Bayfield
Y
5LP8916 Kelley Ranch 5283 CR 243 Bayfield Y A A
5LP8917 Tiffany Merc. Store 397 CR 321 Ignacio Y A,C A,C
5LP8918 Allison Gas Station 2600 CR 329 Ignacio Y A,C A,C
5LP8919 Community Church 2724 CR 329 Ignacio Y
5LP8920 Allison School 2740 CR 329 Ignacio Y
5LP8921 Allison Telephone Exch.
2611 CR 329 Y
5LP8922 Allison P.O. 2600 CR 329 Ignacio Y
5LP8923 Oxford House 7874 Hwy 172 Durango Y
5LP8924 La Posta School 5917 CR 213 Durango Y
5LP8925 The Rock Club 39668 Hwy 160 Bayfield Y A A*
5LP8926 39693 Hwy 160 Bayfield Y
5LP8927 Pine River Heritage Soc.
39961 Hwy 160 Bayfield Y
5LP8928 Allison Turkey Plant 2600 CR 329 Ignacio Y A A
5LP8929 849 CR 213 Y
5LP8930 La Boca Trestle No address- La Boca Ranch Road
Y A,C A,C
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP List of All Properties
Site Number
Historic Site Name, if any
Address Local Register
State Register
National Register
5LP8931 Hott Ranch 7148 Hwy 151 Ignacio Y A,C A,C
5LP8932 Olbert Farm 6731 Hwy 172 Durango Y
5LP8933 Lower Spring Creek School
No address- CR 321 Ignacio Y C C
5LP8934 Rowe Barn 130 CR 207 Durango Y
5LP8935 Edgemont Ranch 5960 CR 234 Durango Y
5LP8936 Allison Catholic Church 2566 CR 329 Ignacio Y C C
5LP8937 Helen's Store 9669 CR 240 Durango Y
5LP8938 Tiffany Warehouse 346 CR 321 Y A A
5LP8939 Power Co. House-Electra Lake
240 Electra East Road Y
5LP8940 CCC 1936 Picnic Shelter
No address-Fort Lewis College Campus
Y A,C A,C
5LP8943 Everett House 2939 CR 526 Bayfield Y
5LP8944 5064 CR 509 Bayfield Y
5LP8945 4055 CR 501 Byfield Y
5LP8946 Bukovec Farm 186 CR 226 Durango Y
5LP8947 Monteith Farm 672 CR 230 Durango Y
5LP8948 Wride Farm 110 CR230 Durango Y
5LP8949 Florida Presbyterian 1024 CR 230 Durango Y
5LP8950 Sackett Homestead 34624 US Highway 550 Durango
Y
5LP8951 Barr House 22 CR 202 Durango Y
National Register Staff at the Colorado State Historical Society have additional questions on this determination
A= Criterion A C= Criterion C D= Criterion D E=Criterion E (State)
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP List of All Properties
Appendix Table 2. Survey Log and List of All Properties Surveyed Organized by Resource Address
Notes-These sites are all considered eligible for the local La Plata County Historic Property Register. A = Criterion A and C= Criterion C.
Address Site
Number Historic Site Name Local
Register Eligible?
State Register Eligibility Criteria
National Register Eligibility Criteria
1390 CR 110 Hesperus 5LP8877 Oldfield Cabin Y C*
8165 CR 120 Hesperus 5LP8866 Rockvale School Y A,C A,C
8796 CR 120 Hesperus 5LP8873 Huntington Ranch Y A A*
11442 CR 120 Hesperus 5LP8883 Willim Paulek House Y
2541 CR 120 Hesperus 5LP8885 Wright Coal Loader Y C C
353 CR 122 Kline 5LP8865 LDS Church Y
170 CR 123 Hesperus 5LP8882 Davies House Y C C
4317 CR 124 Hesperus 5LP8874 Little Property Y
8307 CR 124 Hesperus 5LP8868 Waters Y C C
8316 CR 124 Hesperus 5LP8870 August Eckburg house Y
8327 CR 124 Hesperus 5LP8869 Barlow Y
23119 CR 124 Hesperus 5LP8875 Hesperus Coal Y
966 CR 127 Hesperus 5LP8884 Kikel Ranch Y A*
134 CR 133 A Hesperus 5LP8879 Smith House Y
CR 138/No address assigned//Marvel
5LP8887 Bates Homestead Y C C
9998 CR 141 Durango 5LP8876 Center School Y
968 CR 200 Durango 5LP8880 Rockwood House Y
976 CR 200 Durango 5LP8881 Rockwood House Y
1018 CR 200 Durango 5LP8863 Rockwood School Y A,C A,C
22 CR 202 Durango 5LP8951 Barr House Y
367 CR 202 Durango 5LP8896 Buchanan Farm Y A A
2565 CR 203 Durango 5LP8893 Dimacali Y C C
3606 CR 203 Durango 5LP8895 Home Ranch Y
4166 CR 203 Durango 5LP8897 Waterfall Ranch Y
4622 CR 203 Durango 5LP8891 Logan Farm Y
5004 CR 203 Durango 5LP8890 Brockish House Y
5326 CR 203 Durango 5LP8892 Y
7271 CR 203 Durango 5LP8889 Animas Valley Grange Y
7292 CR 203 Durango 5LP8894 Fuller Farm Y A A
7943 CR 203 Durango 5LP8898 Smith House Y
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP List of All Properties
Address Site Number
Historic Site Name Local Register Eligible?
State Register Eligibility Criteria
National Register Eligibility Criteria
103 CR207 Durango 5LP8934 Rowe Barn Y
173 CR213 Durango 5LP8909 Bondad Store Y A,C A,C
849 CR 213 Durango 5LP8929 Y
5917 CR 213 Durango 5LP8924 La Posta School Y
4215 CR 216 Bayfield 5LP8902 Robbins Hospital Y
5273 CR 216 Bayfield 5LP8901 Y
2266 CR220 Durango 5LP8910 Hafling House Y C
186 CR 226 Durango 5LP8946 Bukovec Farm Y
110 CR 230 Durango 5LP8948 Wride Farm Y
672 CR 230 Durango 5LP8947 Monteith Farm Y
1024 CR 230 Durango 5LP8949 Florida Presbyterian Y
5960 CR 234 Durango 5LP8935 Edgemont Ranch Y
9669 CR 240 Durango 5LP8937 Helen's Store Y
934 CR 243 Bayfield 5LP8903 Lissner School Y
5983 CR 243 Bayfield 5LP8916 Waldner Ranch Y A A
138 CR 321 Ignacio 5LP8913 Abeyta Dance Hall Y A,C A,C
236 CR 321 Ignacio 5LP8912 Tiffany Church Y C C
346 CR 321 Ignacio 5LP8938 Tiffany Warehouse Y A A
397 CR 321 Ignacio 5LP8917 Tiffany Mercantile Y A,C A,C
CR 321/no address assigned 5LP8933 Lower Spring Creek School
Y C C
2566 CR 329 Ignacio 5LP8936 Allison Catholic Church Y C C
2600 CR 329 Ignacio 5LP8918 Allison Gas Station Y A,C A,C
2600 CR 329 Ignacio 5LP8922 Allison Post Office Y
2600 CR 329 Ignacio 5LP8928 Allison Turkey Plant Y A A
2611 CR 329 Ignacio 5LP8921 Allison Telephone Exchange
Y
2724 CR 329 Ignacio 5LP8919 Community Church Y
2740 CR 329 Ignacio 5LP8920 Allison School Y
CR 250/no address assigned/Durango
5LP8864 Anesi Ranch Y
955 CR 501 Bayfield 5LP6978 Wilmer Farm Y
4055 CR 501 Byfield 5LP8945 Y
6601 CR 501 Bayfield 5LP2144 Frank Wommer Ranch Y
14200 CR 501 Bayfield 5LP8857 Smoak Cabin Y
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP List of All Properties
Address Site Number
Historic Site Name Local Register Eligible?
State Register Eligibility Criteria
National Register Eligibility Criteria
14805 CR 501 Bayfield 5LP8856 Dial Cabin Y
17399 CR 501 Bayfield 5LP8854 Y
23490 CR 501 Bayfield 5LP8853 Teelawuket Y A A
CR501/no address assigned Bayfield
5LP8905 Swift Homestead Y
CR502/no address assigned Bayfield
5LP8915 Pine River Stage Stop Y
5064 CR 509 Bayfield 5LP8944 Y
9002 CR 521 Bayfield 5LP8900 Ludwig Ranch Y A A
2939 CR 526 Bayfield 5LP8943 Everett House Y
2480 CR 536 Bayfield 5LP8861 Ostwald Homestead Y
141 Electra E. Road Durango
5LP8906 Electra Lake Sporting Club
Y A,C A,C
240 Electra E. Road Durango
5LP8939 Power Company House
Y
419 Electra E. Road Durango
5LP8907 A.P. Root Cabin Y A A
950 Electra W. Road Durango
5LP8908 Searcy Cabin Y A A
80 Forrest Groves Lane Durango
5LP8904 Forrest Groves Camp Y
Fort Lewis Campus Durango 5LP8940 CCC 1936 Picnic Shelter
Y A,C A,C
1 Grey Snake Road Durango
5LP8886 Farmington Extension RR Tank
Y A A
589 High Llama Lane Durango
5LP8899 Y
La Boca Ranch Road 5LP8930 D & RG Railroad Trestle
Y A,C A,C
4044 State Hwy 140 Hesperus
5LP8878 Long Hollow Milling Co. Y A A
1723 State Hwy 140 Hesperus
5LP8867 Aspaas Farm Y A A*
22974 State Highway 140 Hesperus
5LP8871 Hesperus Schoolhouse Y
La Plata County Survey SJMA and CRP List of All Properties
Address Site Number
Historic Site Name Local Register Eligible?
State Register Eligibility Criteria
National Register Eligibility Criteria
22974 State Highway 140 Hesperus
5LP8872 St Paul's Church Y C C
6698 State Highway 151 Ignacio
5LP8914 Mason School Y C
7148 State Highway 151 Ignacio
5LP8931 Hott Ranch Y A,C A,C
656 State Highway 172 Durango
5LP8862 Florida Grange Y A A*
6731 State Highway 172 Durango
5LP8932 Olbert Farm Y
7874 State Highway 172 Durango
5LP8923 Y
Trestle Lane Durango 5LP8911 Farmington Branch RR Trestle
Y A,C
39668 US Highway 160 Bayfield
5LP8925 Rock Club Y A A*
39693 US Highway 160 Bayfield
5LP8926 Y
39827 US Highway 160 Bayfield
5LP8888 Y
39961 US Highway 160 Bayfield
5LP 8927 Pine River Heritage Society
Y
34624 US Hwy 550 North Durango
5LP8950 Sackett Homestead Y
42335 US Hwy 550 North Durango
5LP8860 Lechner Brothers Ranch
Y A A
47632 US Hwy 550 North Durango
5LP8859 Hotter Ranch Y A A*
187 Vallecito Drive Bayfield 5LP8858 Government Camp Y A A
72 West Grimes Creek Road Bayfield
5LP8855 Y
Purgatory at Durango Mtn Resort
5LP1275 Columbine Guard Station
Y
A= Criterion A;C= Criterion C;D= Criterion D;E= Criterion E (State) * National Register Staff at the Colorado Historical Society have additional questions concerning this determination.