April 24, 2007

Colorado Preservation Inc. announces Endangered Places for 2007. Southeast Colorado had two places receive the designation. Arkansas Valley Fairgrounds Adobe Stables (Otero County) and Santa Fe Trail & Southeast Heritage Region (Baca, Bent, Las Animas and Otero Counties).
The Arkansas Valley Fairground Adobe Stables was built in 1938 as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project and offers an unusual example of exposed adobe brick. The Lamar Tower is the first WPA site in Colorado and is a classic example of the type of structures built in the area.
There are a total of 125 sites that have been inventoried in the region from bridges to courthouses that offer a glimpse into life during the depression and dust bowl era. Abbey Christman with Colorado Preservation Inc. was responsible for the research on the structures and offers insightful presentations on her work.
Travel Industry of America published their findings and reported that “Nearly half of all travelers support controlling access to historic sites so that they may be preserved and protected. Significantly large numbers of American travelers are interested in history and culture, as reflected in their beliefs and local area activities. For example, the majority of American travelers believe that it is important that future generations know and pass on our nation’s history (85%). Many travelers (54%) support additional funding for the preservation of historic sites and monuments, while 38 percent support additional funding for the cultural/visual performing arts. Also, 48 percent of travelers support controlling access to historic sites so that these sites could be preserved and protected.”

With so many sites and so much interest in preserving these treasures for future generations the southeast region of Colorado is sure to be noticed by the heritage traveler.
For more information about these sites:
Abbey Christman
Survey Coordinator
achristman@coloradopreservation.org

303-893-4260