Located in south-central Colorado, near the the New Mexico border, the San Luis Valley has been home to several different groups, making it a historic landmark for Colorado and the nation. The town was established by Hispano farmers that migrated north from New Mexico, but was originally inhabited by prehistoric cultures dating back thousands of years.

However, it would be in the formative settlement years from 1851- 1878, that San Luis truly began to take shape. During this period, San Luis quickly became the center of the village because of its close proximity to the main roadway that lead to south Taos, and north to Fort Garland. The building of the Plaza de San Luis de la Culebra was constructed at the town center, along with several other historical buildings at this time. The town would become a regional trade hub between Denver and Pueblo with the induction of the railroad in 1879.

While the town has seen a large drop in population since World War I, the town maintains its historic integrity by maintaining its already registered historic buildings, including the courthouse, the Church of Most Precious Blood, and numerous residential homes. Vice President of Preservation at History Colorado, Steve Turner, stated “San Luis remains an icon of Colorado, and is a prime example of the rich history in Colorado.”  San Luis persists through time as a living tribute to the greatness of Colorado, where its gorgeous setting within Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area not only is a nod to our bountiful landscape, but for our colorful heritage as well. 

For more information please see http://www.historycolorado.org/colorado-magazine.

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History Colorado's mission is to inspire generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado. We serve as the state's memory, preserving the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through our museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections, and outreach to Colorado communities. Find History Colorado on all major social media platforms. Visit HistoryColorado.org or call (303) HISTORY for more information.