In 1918, after many problems with area wells, the town committed itself to establish a water system that would be independent of the railroad and provide the dependable water supply necessary for town safety and future growth.  The pump house and first wells were constructed in 1919.

The historic economic base of the Colorado high plains is agriculture, and the commercial districts of small towns like Otis prospered or languished in harmony with surrounding farm and ranch families.  

The 1892 wood frame commercial building long contributed to the commercial success of this high plains agricultural community.

Constructed in 1938, this concrete rigid frame structure is associated with the development of US Hwy. 36, an important tourist and commercial route linking Denver and the eastern plains of Colorado with communities in Kansas and the Midwest. 

Constructed in 1938, the concrete rigid frame structure is associated with the development of US Hwy. 36, an important tourist and commercial route linking Denver and the eastern plains of Colorado with communities in Kansas and the Midwest. 

The 1918 Farmers State Bank of Cope played a significant role in the commercial history of the small northeastern Colorado town. Although it served as a bank for only sixteen years, it was the first and only bank that ever operated in Cope.

The courthouse served as the center of Washington County politics and government from the completion of construction in 1910.  Prominent Denver architect John J. Huddart designed the building.

Constructed on the northeast corner of Main and 3rd, the 1931 one-story brick library features an interesting oblique entry.  In 1922, the women of Akron formed a local library association and labored to place the town’s library, founded in 1916, on solid financial footing.  

The 1928 Art Deco style building was designed by noted architect Temple Buell.  The two-story brick facility pre-dates his 1931 Art Deco style Horace Mann Junior High School in Denver and 1936 Morgan School in Montrose.

The 1930 Union Pacific Railroad depot in Julesburg played a critical role in the development and growth of Julesburg and of northeastern Colorado.  Rail service moved passengers, agricultural crops, cattle and locally manufactured items to points east and west of Julesburg.  The Denver branch allowed local citizens to travel to and from the city and area merchants to get their goods to market.