Saguache County is steeped in a rich history and boasts
a wealth of historic s ites. Here are a few of the best:
Robertson’s Flour Mill: The original grist mill was
constructed by Otto Mears in the late 1860s to provide flour
for the Indian agency and the settlers of the northern area of
the San Luis Valley. It is one of the few water-powered grist
mills still standing in the Western United States. Tours can
be arranged by appointment only by calling 719-221-3869.
Downtown Saguache: Saguache began as a trading
post on the Old Spanish Trail and flourished as a supply
center for the surrounding mining camps. Since the railroad
never extended to this corner of the County, it remains
an endearing sleepy downtown. Pamphlets describing the
downtown are available at the Museum, Hazard House, and
the Saguache Crescent (one of the few linotype newspapers still
in publication).
Bonanza: Bonanza sits nestled at the base of the southern
Sawatch Mountains. Founded in 1880 as a thriving
mining camp, it is now the smallest incorporated town in
Colorado, with a population of just 16. Visitors to Bonanza
may explore its historic cemeteries and take in the views
of the aspen covered peaks named for the Ute tribal leaders,
Chipeta and Ouray and Mount KIA/MIA. Signage in
the town and a U.S. Forest Service brochure interprets this
historic mining district.
Crestone School House: The old Crestone Schoolhouse
is a National Historic Register site that dates to the 1880s.
This rural schoolhouse served local schoolchildren until 1949.
The School House is now the Community Center and located
on Cottonwood St.
Moffat Community Church: The church was built by
the town’s citizens using a machine ordered from the Sear’s
catalogue which formed concrete
blocks to look like stone,
which were then mortared together. This is the second year
of a Colorado State Historical Society grant to preserve this valuable historical structure and convert it into a community
center and town hall. www.moffatcolorado.org
Old Spanish Trail Markers: In several places, the roads
and highways of the Saguache County intersect the Old
Spanish Trail, a historic trade route linking Santa Fe,
NM with Los Angeles, CA. This route followed even
earlier routes established by Native Americans.
In 2002, the Old Spanish Trail became part of
the National Historic Trails system. http://www.oldspanishtrail.org
Visitors may wonder how the tiny “homemade” collection
of living history by amateurs could grow and flourish for so
long. In a tribute to our forebears and in keeping with the
work ethic embedded from our agricultural heritage, this
Museum has won acclaim from visitors all over the United
States, and most foreign countries. They say: “This is the
best little historical museum we have ever seen!” Thanks to
the handful of devoted folks who care for all the historical
collections and items which tell the story of people of this
area. The “homey” atmosphere, and the way the collections
are displayed make you feel like you have stepped back a
hundred years and will give you a sense of what it was like
to live in pioneer days. There is something here for everyone,
of all ages, to see, learn about, and enjoy. 
