Pedro Trujillo, a first generation Hispanic-American, established the property in 1879.  The homestead is representative of small-scale pioneer cattle enterprises which typified the first ranches established in the area.  The homestead is also associated with the pattern of violence and intimidation experienced by early Hispanic ranchers as large Anglo-American cattle operations expanded and consolidated their holdings.

The two-story log ranch house represents a rare resource type in the San Luis Valley and in the state as a whole.  The fact that a Hispanic-American settler on an isolated ranch erected the two-story log house instead of building a traditional adobe dwelling typical of the first era of construction in the vicinity adds to the building’s significance.  The archaeological component of the site provides a unique opportunity to study cultural change and adaptation by examining possible historic use of Native American technology by a Hispanic ethnic group.