These trail segments are part of the larger Santa Fe Trail Mountain Route that provided a vital transportation link between the United States and the newly independent Mexico fostering not only commercial trade, but also establishing social ties that were pivotal to regional development and expansion of the United States from 1832-1879.  Contrary to popular perception, the Santa Fe Trail was not a single trail with two branches, but a complex transportation system made up of various routes, starting points, and destinations.  The sites contain visible trail ruts of the Santa Fe Tr

This 1918 two-story brick school, with a large auditorium, functioned well as a community center and remains virtually intact.

A project of the Public Works Administration (PWA), the Rocky Ford Post Office is associated with President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal legislative agenda.  The federal government used the construction of new post offices to aid the economy through expenditures for materials and construction crews.  The only PWA project in Rocky Ford, it provided the town with its first purpose-built post office.

Constructed in 1935, the Grand Theatre is important for its long term use as a local entertainment center and for its ability to convey changes in movie theater design.

The 1908 building reflects the nationwide public library movement sponsored by steel manufacturer and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. 

This 1901 building is associated with the development of the Arkansas Valley Fair, an annual event important to the social history of the area.  

The Adobe Stables, constructed in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), are an important record of the federal relief programs administered on Colorado’s eastern plains during the Great Depression.  The stables were one of a series of WPA improvement projects at the Arkansas Valley Fairgrounds that provided a significant source of employment.  It is the best surviving example of WPA work in Rocky Ford.

The 1913 Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway provided the gateway for passengers traveling to and from the community during much of the 20th century.  Serving both as a freight and passenger depot, the Manzanola facility coordinated shipments to and from local merchants and producers. 

This 500-acre archaeological district includes sites containing prehistoric rock art, architecture, artifacts, and refuse. 

Now the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, the Late Gothic Revival style church and rectory were designed by prominent Denver architect John K. Monroe.