LA JUNTA Colorado DISCOVER

www.VisitLaJunta.net SOUTHEAST COLORADO

Come and VISIT Us!
t
The Smile Hi City - we’ve got a lot to smile about...
La Junta is home of:
• The World Renowned Koshare Indian Museum
& Dancers
• La Junta SK8way Skating Park

C
• Bent’s Old Fort National Park
• The Otero Museum
• The Comanche National Grasslands Headquarters
Vogel Canyon Indian Rock Art
Jurassic Period Dinosaur Tracks
• Otero Junior College
• Beautiful 9 hole golf course
• Municipal Swimming Pool and Wipe-Out Slide
• And much much more

Visit these websites for more information

www.LaJuntaEvents.com
www.ci.la-junta.co.us
www.MusicAtTheJunction.com
www.LaJuntaChamber.com
www.LaJuntaEconomicDevelopment.net

Paid for by:

LAJ U N TA
Economic Development

2010 Travel and Tourism Guide

for Southeast Colorado
In the Begining...

Bob & Helen Emick

Steve, Don, Dave, Mike, Greg, Tim, Tam,
Kenny and all the Emick family are proud
to sponsor the windmill story inside.
 TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Page 2 ............. Colorado Welcome Center
Page 3 ........................... The Santa Fe Trail
Page 4 ......................... Pierre Auger Array
Page 7 ............ Historic sites on Your Way
Page 8 ................................ Bent’s Old Fort
Page 9 ................. Wondrous Canyonlands
Page 14 .............. Sand Creek Historic Site
Page 17 ................ Area History Preserved
Page 19 .............. Historic Railroad Depots
Page 20 ..................... Blowing In the Wind
Page 23 ........... Amache Internment Camp
Page 24 ....................... Birdwatching Guide
Page 26 ..................................... Fly Fishing
Page 27 .......... Boating and Fishing Guide
Page 29 .................. Camping and Hunting
Page 30 ......... Summer Bluegrass Festival
Page 32 .......................... Arts on the Plains
Page 33 .................. John Martin Reservoir
Page 34 ........................ Calendar of Events
Page 36 .......................... Church Directory
Page 37 ....................... Southeast Colorado
Lodging Guide
Page 38 ...................... Public Golf Courses
Page 39 .... Spreading Antlers Golf Course
Page 40 .............. Chambers of Commerce
. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 1
No matter what your interests are, or the time of
year, there is always plenty to do in Southeast Colorado.
Visitors and residents alike will find much to satisfy
their spirit of adventure. Nature lovers will enjoy the
abundant wildlife that populates the region. Herds of
antelope and deer can be seen year round and birding
here is exceptional.
Birders will find least tern, piping plover, lesser
prairie chicken, snow geese, blue heron, burrowing owl
and lark buntings to name but a few varieties that
frequent the region. A morning drive on a country road
will reveal an abundance of majestic birds of prey
including hawks and numerous nesting eagles.
History lovers will find that the descendants of the
hardy souls who settled southeast Colorado have done
a fine job of preserving and protecting the artifacts that
tell the story of building a life in the American West.
The area is home to numerous buildings that were
constructed through programs such as the WPA and
local historians are always more than willing to provide
information and point visitors towards the next
tantalizing bit of information.
The farms and ranches built by generations of
families who survived the hardships of the Great
Depression and the Dust Bowl years would come to
provide the sustenance to help the nation to grow and
prosper like no other. Many of those original
homesteaders have relatives who still live and work on
the land here.
Here one can find the contrast of old and new in
sights like the modern windmill farms juxtaposed with
antique windmills as highlighted in our feature story.
The area boasts a remarkable number of gifted artists,
but is also home to carefully preserved and protected
ancient cave art.
With its big sky and expansive views of the landscape
it is no wonder that so many artists, artisans, musicians
and writers make their homes here.
Whether you are here for a few days or are
considering relocating to southeast Colorado, we hope
you will find this guide helpful in learning about the
area.
— Mary Breslin, Publisher Lamar Ledger
Cover Photo: John Contreras
Cover Design: Mary Breslin
COLORADO WELCOME CENTER
The Colorado Welcome
Center in Lamar is one of the
9 state welcome centers in
Colorado. Lamar was selected
to represent the state as a
Welcome Center site because
it is intesected by three U.S.
highways 50, 287, and 385.
The center is located in a
historic 1907 Railroad Depot
which has twice-daily Amtrak
service between Chicago and
Los Angeles.
The center is open seven
days a week from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. during winter months
and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from
Memorial Day to Labor Day,
and closed only on New Years
Day, Easter, Thanksgiving,
and Christmas. Volunteers
are available to assist travelers
with their plans and answer First stop on the way to discovery
any questions about
Colorado. locations; sports arenas, and Travelers are encouraged through the Colorado Travel
golf courses just to name a to stop at any Colorado and Tourism Authority under
The Colorado Vacation few. Welcome Centers to plan the direction of the Colorado
Guides cover each region of The Welcome Center also your next vacation. tourism Board and
the state. These will give a has information covering all Department of Local Affairs.
general overview of areas of The nine Colorado
the state parks. To enhance Other Welcome Centers
interest and information about Welcome Centers, sponsored
this information, visitors will are located at Burlington and
each region. by the state of Colorado, are
find the Colorado National Fruita on I-70; Julesburg on I-
located at main highway
Individual brochures of Parks guide and regular 76; Trinidad on I-25; Cortez on
entrances. Operating funds
specific attractions are also camping guides. U.S. Highway 160; Dinosaur
are allocated annually by the
available to enhance the The Division of Wildlife on U.S. Highway 40; and at
legislature.
information shown in the supplies hunting, boating and Fort Collins on I-25.
guides. There are also fishing information, including In addition to the welcome Travelers are invited to call
brochures covering heritage a video about watchable centers, the state provides the Welcome Center
sites and museums; scenic wildlife and Web sites to funding for information manager, Judy Douglass at
highways and byways; visiting on the Colorado services and marketing, 336 3483 for further
galleries and performing art Birding Trail. which is administered information or assistance.

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201 E. Washington St.
Lamar, CO 81052

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Page 2 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado .
 No matter where
you travel a rich
history awaits
THE SANTA FE TRAIL
The Santa Fe Trail is a place of
history, international trade, varied
culture, and prairie grass.
Nomadic tribes of Plains Indians
roamed the area of the Santa Fe Trail
with the buffalo which provided all
their basic needs – food, clothing and
shelter.
Zebulon Pike received the
assignment of exploring the southwest
from President Thomas Jefferson. Pike
focused on the mountains to the west.
Located almost in the middle of
Colorado, Pike’s Peak is one of 53
peaks over 14,000 feet. Along this
mountain branch of the trail, 500,000
acres of short grass prairies survive on
the semiarid land of winds and low
amounts of rainfall. At one time it was
the largest grassland in the world.
Tens of thousand of years ago the
dinosaurs crossed the Santa Fe Trail.
The largest collection of mapped tracks
are located here and more are
discovered all the time.
Wildflowers and yucca grow in the
prairie grass, cottonwoods indicated
. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 3
water and a place to rest and talk and
hawks and prairie chickens stir and fly,
and the almost continual wind
produces waves of sound. Deer and
antelope wander the trail and the
distant cattle resemble herds of buffalo.
Before 1821, the Santa Fe Trail had
been a trade route for the native people
and the Mexican traders. Early Spanish
explorers had circled to the east and
west of the trail. Commerce had begun
and was expanded after Mexico took
control of Santa Fe.
The trade extended from Missouri to
New York City and then to Europe.
From Santa Fe the trade stretched to
the southern regions of California.
Traders and trappers from the end of
the Lewis and Clark Trail crossed the
Santa Fe Trail seeing the southern
shipping ports and cities.
Conestoga wagons carried basic
goods of cotton cloth, tobacco, kettles
and pots.
The Madonna of the Trial statue
located along Lamar’s Main Street is
one of 12 such statues erected across
the country. The statues honor the
pioneer mothers who traveled west
along trails like the Santa Fe. The
statues, inspired by an Oregon statue
of Sacajawea, mark each of 12
significant locations along the Old Trail
across the United States. The Madonna
of the Trail is a pioneer woman
clasping her baby with her young son
clinging to her skirts. In 1911, the
National Society of Daughters of the
American Revolution established a
national committee known as the
National Old Trails Road committee,
establishing the Old Trails Road as a
great National Memorial Highway.
In 1924, the plan was made to erect
12 large markers. The statues,
designed by St. Louis sculptor August
Leimback, were made of algonite stone
with the main aggregate being pink
Missouri granite. The statues stand 10
feet high on top of a six foot base with a
five foot foundation.
Located at the corner of Main and
Beech streets in Lamar, the statue is
near the Colorado Welcome Center
and Lamar Chamber of Commerce.
 PIERRE AUGER ARRAY
College
to host
international
ultra-high
energy
Cosmic Ray
Observatory
L
amar Community College will
become the international host
for 400 collaborating physicists
from 17 countries as the Pierre
Auger Cosmic Ray Observatory is com-
pleted in the Northern Hemisphere
within the coming decade. These scien-
tists hope that in capturing the highest
energy cosmic rays for study, they will
be able to interpret these messengers
from the extreme universe as to their
source.
The college was chosen as the Edu-
cation and Outreach Host Institute for
the Observatory in 2006 after Auger
scientists selected several counties in
southeastern Colorado as the Northern
Hemisphere site. When complete, this
observatory will be the largest, with
proposed 4,400 surface detectors
spread over a proposed 8,000 square
mile region.
The Auger Southern Hemisphere
site was completed in 2008 in the Ma-
largue cattle ranching region of Mend-
oza, Argentina and has been feeding in-
formation to these scientists since
2004. It spreads over 1,200 square
miles and contains 1,600 surface detec-
tors.
The Lamar Community College li-
Page 4 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
brary, located in Bowman Building,
Room 148, contains the interim Cosmic
Ray Observatory Visitor Center. A dis-
play depicting realtime “hits” from high
energy cosmic rays as they occur at the
Argentina site can be watched here.
Soon, the Northern Observatory will
have administrative and scientific head-
quarters as well as a permanent visitor
center somewhere on the LCC campus.
By covering the skies of both hemi-
spheres, scientists will be able to more
precisely pinpoint the source of these
extremely high energy rays, which cur-
rently remain a mystery. In the 1930s,
the French physicist Pierre Auger first
discovered the existence of cosmic ray
showers. These showers occur when
natural ultra high energy particles ar-
riving from outer-space break into bil-
lions of “secondary” particles when
they hit the Earth’s atmosphere.
Common cosmic rays which con-
stantly bombard the earth with regular-
ity are from sources within the Milky
Way Galaxy. These cosmic rays in-
clude atomic nuclei, electrons and sub-
atomic particles.
Physicists suspect that the ultra high
energy particles which travel just below
the speed of light are coming from Ac-
tive Galactic Nuclei from outside our
galaxy. The nearest AGN is 11 million
light years from Earth, a galaxy called
Centaurus A. There are thousands or
millions of galaxies that could be re-
sponsible for sending the particles of
most interest to scientists, so a method
of pinpointing their source in reverse is
needed.
Scientists hope to learn more about
the particle type, energy and incident
direction of primary cosmic rays with
energies greater than 10 X 19 electron
volts (eV). The ultra high energy cos-
mic rays subject to this purely scientific
study rocket in with incredible energy
about 800 times per year, and at a rate
millions of times higher than the
world’s most powerful particle accelera-
tors can produce. Recent findings sug-
gest the secret may lie in galaxies with
massive, active black holes in their cen-
ters. However, much more information
is needed to verify this idea.
Scientists from Europe, Australia,
South America and the United States
are studying ultra high energy rays in-
directly by observing the showers of
secondary particles utilizing completely
CONTINUED ON 5
.
CONTINUED FROM PG. 4
enclosed fiberglass tanks fitted with in-
terior mirrors and filled with purified
water. A bladder lining separates the fi-
berglass from the water and mirrors.
The 3,000 gallon tanks are fitted with
data collecting devises and GPS units
that will transfer the incoming informa-
tion to a central location at the scientif-
ic center at Lamar Community College,
when completed. This process of inqui-
ry is currently being used at the Mend-
oza, Argentina Observatory. During a
shower event, the particles reflect a
faint flash of light which are picked up
by the detectors lining the tank.
Demonstration tanks made in Brazil,
can be seen from the road at the Ad-
ministration Building on the Lamar
Community College campus and at the
Bent County fairgrounds. An additional
demonstration tank is planned for at
the Kiowa County courthouse in Eads.
The proposed 4.400 tanks, called an
array, would be spread over as many as
8,000 square miles in southeast Colo-
rado. Currently the proposal includes
portions of the counties of Baca, Prow-
ers, Bent, Kiowa and Cheyenne which
collectively presented the best skies,
terrain, geography and altitude in
terms of being a suitable site. Partici-
pating landowners agree to these tanks
positioned on their property for the du-
ration of the scientific study, expected
to continue approximately 25 years.
In addition to the array of tanks, sci-
entists also will use sets of highly sensi-
tive atmospheric fluorescence tele-
scopes to observe the dim ultraviolet
glow particle showers created in the at-
mosphere on clear, moonless nights.
For example, a set of four fluorescence
telescopes would be used to augment
information about the growth and de-
cay of the extensive cosmic ray air
shower recorded by the detectors in
the tanks. 39 fluorescence telescopes
are being proposed for use in the
Northern Hemisphere site. 24 are oper-
ational in Argentina.
The Colorado Coalition for Cosmic
Ray Research team includes scientists
from Colorado State University (Ft.
Collins and Pueblo campuses) and the
Colorado School of Mines and Lamar
Community College.
Dr. John Harton, Professor of Parti-
cle Astrophysics, CSU, Ft. Collins coor-
dinates the Colorado team as well as
serves as liaison with the other institu-
tions around the world.
Southeast Colorado Enterprise De-
velopment, Inc. (SECED) worked to
bring the Observatory to the region
and Executive Director, Dan Tate, con-
tinues to act in a multi-county coordi-
nating capacity for this project. LCC
Outreach Education Coordinator, Leon-
ard Pruett, works with the public,
schools and landowners in relation to
this project.
Very soon, regional K-12 school chil-
dren and community college students
will have many unique opportunities to
learn first-hand about specialized
world-class research regarding the im-
pact of ultra-high energy from outer
space. To learn more as the project pro-
gresses, refer to www.auger.com and
www.lamarcc.edu.

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. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 5

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HISTORIC SITES ON YOUR WAY
Amity — A Social
Experiment
Five miles west of Holly the
Salvation Army created the
townof Amity – one of three
towns in the United States
created as a 19th century
social experiment. The
thought was to move inner
city poor to a wholesome
rural environment where they
could earn a living by
farming. Each head of family
was given 10 acres of land to
farm. The town was located
on the south side of Highway
50 where a sand and gravel
business operates today.
The experiment started in
1898. In 1908 the Amity bank
was robbed by Henry Starr –
nephew of outlaw Belle Starr
– and Kid Wilson in a semi-
comic set of circumstances
. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 7
Everywhere you travel
a rich history awaits
which had the robbers
herding the entire town to the
riverbank so the law could not
be alerted through the use of
the one telephone in town.
But as a social experiment
Amity failed, despite a
glowing report by H. Rider
Haggard in his book “The
Poor and the Land.” Heavy
deposits of alkali salted the
former swampland, making
farming difficult. In 1909 the
town was sold to real estate
speculators and the
experiment ended.
Carlton — still a
community
Twelve miles east of Lamar
a grain storage unit alongside
sheriff J.H. Frisbie tracked
the robbers, later identified as
Cherokee Bill Smith, and
brothers Sam and Bill Martin,
alias Sam and Bill Stanley. In
railroad tracks, a small sign a gun battle Tate was
and a private house alongside wounded and died the
Highway 50 are the only following year. In December
obvious signs that a town of 1906 Frisbie was gunned
named Carlton once thrived down on the streets of Lamar.
there. At one time Carlton Cherokee Bill was later
claimed a livery stable, a captured and the Martin
saloon, a hotel, a newspaper, brothers were gunned down
two general stores and several the following August in
residences, but that was in Oklahoma with a $12,000
1887. “dead or alive” price on their
heads.
Like many frontier
communities, Carlton has it’s Though the fortunes of
desperado story. On Carlton waned as a town, the
Thanksgiving Day, 1902, farmers and ranchers of the
Carlton’s Post Office and area remain a close-knit
general store were robbed of community and some of the
guns, ammunition, bolts of descendants of the original
cloth and $62.10 in money settlers of that area still live in
orders among other loot. Prowers County and in the
Sheriff Frank Tate and Under Carlton area.
 BENT’S OLD FORT
Experience life on the Santa Fe Trail
A
s you approach the
gate, you smell the
aroma of a
cottonwood
campfire. Entering the plaza,
you hear the clang of the
blacksmith’s hammer on an
anvil. You are greeted by a
guide in 19th century garb
muddied with adobe.
Welcome to 1846! Welcome
to Bent’s Old Fort!
Bent’s Old Fort National
Historic Site, located eight
miles east of La Junta on
Highway 194, preserves the
site and story of a famous
trading post. The fort was
one of the significant centers
of the fur trade on the Santa
Fe Trail, influencing
economies around the world.
Originally built by brothers
Charles and William Bent
and their business partner
Ceran St. Vrain in 1833, the
post was the center of the
leading industry west of the
Mississippi in the early
1830s. For 16 years, Bent, St.
Vrain and Company
managed a prosperous
trading empire.
The fort was located on
the Arkansas River, the
international boundary
between two countries,
Mexico on the south side of
Kirby Sales & Service
205 North Main St.
Lamar, CO 81052
Page 8 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
the river, and the United
States on the north.
Strategically located on an
established road, the fort
helped pave the way for the
Call to Schedule Your (719) 336.3239
FREE Demonstration (800) 821.5050
occupation of the West by
the U.S. Army during the
war with Mexico, and was an
instrument of manifest
destiny.
By 1849, the trade which
had made Bent’s Fort
prosper was deteriorating.
Local bison populations were
in decline, cottonwood
groves were wiped out, and
the lives of the Plains
Indians had been disrupted
by trade and the growing
stream of settlers, gold-
seekers, and soldiers during
and after the Mexican-
American War.
Clashes with the Plains
Tribes had become more
frequent, cholera was
sweeping the area, and
William Bent’s first wife and
three brothers had died.
Today, Bent’s Fort is
reborn; faithfully
reconstructed by the
National Park Service on its
original site. Visitors can
take a self-guided or guided
tour, view the documentary
film and visit Western
National Parks Association
Book Store. Special events
include the Santa Fe Trail
Caravan in May, Living
History Encampment in
June, Kids’ Quarters July,
Fur Trade Encampment
Mid-October , and the
Traditional Holiday
Celebration the first week in
December.
.
 Mountain
bike, hike
or
horseback
ride
through
fantastic
wonders
of nature

WONDROUS CANYONLANDS
By Barbara Preskorn
Prairie grassland ecosystem
The Comanche National Grassland
consists of vast open agricultural and
natural grassland spaces and an
extensive network of beautiful canyons.
The canyons are located in remote areas
where archaeological sites abound. The
U. S. Forest Service oversees protection
of both the fragile soil and the cultural
resources in what has grown to be
450,000 acres divided into two units.
Many of the sections of grassland
seen today were born of the Dust Bowl
era when many farmers and ranchers
simply could not continue to attempt to
raise crops and livestock against the
odds of persistent drought, dust rollers
and economic depression. 10,000 foot
high dirt and sand storms, dubbed
“black blizzards,” rolled through the
region regularly for several years,
turning rich top soil to gritty dust that
can still be found along a few fence lines.
After encouraging homesteaders for
several wet decades prior to the 1930s to
cultivate 160 acre sections in eastern
Colorado, the U. S. Department of
Agriculture in the mid-1930s began
purchasing these sections. The federal
government had not learned about
. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 9
drought cycles until one coincided with a
national economic depression, which
made it doubly hard for those living
here.
Much work had to be done to stabilize
and restore soil from past practices. It
had to be revegetated for land uses that
would sustain it over time. Farmers who
stayed on their land also began using
various soil conservation techniques.
The U. S. Forest Service has
jurisdiction over two units, the Carrizo
Unit in Baca and Las Animas counties
and the Timpas Unit in Otero and Las
Animas counties. They manage domestic
livestock grazing on the prairie and care
for numerous Indian archaeological and
historical homestead sites that are found
primarily in the canyons.
The land is still in recovery. Grazing
cattle have replaced bison, but
pronghorn, deer and elk continue to
graze the short and mid-tall grasses
throughout the High Plains.
Grazing is important to keeping fuel
for prairie fires low.
Lightening can start prairie fires that
grow and move quickly if wind
conditions are right. Properly managing
and maintaining a healthy and
sustainable grassland and canyon
ecosystem is important to the plants,
wildlife, domestic animals and the
culture of the people making the region
their home.
Canyon gems
Colorful and extensive canyons exist
along the many tributaries of the
Cimmaron and Purgatoire (Purgatory)
Rivers. Conditions ideal to promote
human activities were created by
CONTINUED ON 10
CONTINUED FROM PG. 9
protective canyon walls with
numerous well-positioned
springs and seeps where
groundwater surface. This
ecosystem now provides
protective cover and water for
the plentiful wildlife and
hundreds of species of birds,
ample trees and grasses.
Humans have been attracted
to this network of canyons for
what is estimated to be as
many as 11,000 years.
Accessing remote
areas
Several of these Comanche
Grassland canyons are
maintained for public
recreational and educational
uses. The U. S. Forest Service
advises visitors to prepare for
their treks into these remote
areas.
Safety and natural resource
management are of concern.
Visitors are advised to consult
with either the Springfield or
the La Junta offices for
A Beautifully Restored
Establishment in
Downtown LaJunta Colo
Page 10 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
current conditions before
embarking onto trails. A
detailed map of the
Comanche National
Grassland is available for
purchase. Weather
conditions, availability of
water, proper equipment and
understanding of travel
management rules need to be
reviewed. Cell phones work
sometimes on top of mesas,
but rarely in the canyons.
Photography of rock art is
difficult where light
conditions do not create
shadows, so having a sketch
notebook is recommended.
Using a “sky” filter and a
lower f-stop is sometimes
helpful as is photographing
from a slight angle. Do not
touch or mark the rock art in
anyway, as it is illegal.
Vandalism is occurring at
an increasing rate as areas
become more accessible. The
most common types of
damage are done with paint,
scratched graffiti and
gunshot. All cultural
resources on public lands are
protected by law, please help
the U. S. Forest Service
protect the past. Signs of
recent vandalism should be
reported immediately.
Picket Wire Canyon
Along the Purgatoire River
35 miles southwest of La
Junta in the Picket Wire area,
points of interest extend from
the Jurassic Period 150
million years ago to the
recent past when
homesteaders established
ranches and cultivated
gardens and crops. Because
the area is rich with
prehistoric Indian
archaeological sites, access is
limited and no facilities are
provided.
The day trip from the
Withers Canyon Trailhead to
the largest number of
dinosaur tracks in the
country, is approximately 11
miles round trip, with hilly
terrain. (William J. Withers
14 Colorado Ave • LaJunta, CO. • 719-241-2003
Excellent Gourmet
Sandwiches
& Soup
managed part of the JJ Ranch
division of the Prairie Cattle
Company, located between La
Junta and Las Animas along
the Purgatoire River from
1882 to 1917.) No overnight
camping is allowed.
It is important to be in
sufficient physical condition to
manage extremes in weather.
Proper equipment, including
first aid supplies, ample
drinking water and insect
repellant is essential. Boots
and long pants are highly
recommended, packing shoes
for crossing the river which is
necessary to see the dinosaur
tracks.
Rock art
Prevalent in the miles of
rock walls above the
Purgatoire, rock art locations
have not been disclosed for
protective reasons. The U. S.
Forest Service 4-wheel drive
tour offered in spring and fall
of each year, does sometimes
CONTINUED ON 11
.
CONTINUED FROM PG. 10

make one stop at an

important rock art site.
Reservations can be made by
calling 719.384.2181. More
information can be found at
www.fs.fed.us and click on “to
find a forest or grassland.”
Many classic animal and
abstract designs are depicted
as well as what appear to be
counting or record-keeping
grids and meandering lines.
Rock art in this area are
almost exclusively
petroglyphs pecked or etched
into rock usually heavily
coated with brown iron-
colored patina, allowing the
lighter rock color to show
through. When the art is
older, new patina has grown
over the fresh rock cuts lines at sundown on a certain dinosaurs. Brontosaurus are members of the public. It is
making them harder to day of the year. also known to frequent the listed on the National Register
detect. region during the Jurassic of Historic Places. For a
Because intent is often Dinosaur tracks Period. while, it was part of the
hard to prove, researchers Where 1,300 dinosaur Army’s Pinon Canyon
can only speculate about tracks are presently located at Mission Cemetery Maneuver Site until they
purposes and meaning of the river’s edge, apatosaurus The trail passes by the turned it over to the U. S.
certain glyphs or alignments and allosaurus were the most Hispanic Delores Mission Forest Service in 1977.
of shadows on those glyphs. prevalent dinosaurs at the Cemetery that contains A interpretive kiosk
A large 20 foot high rock that edge of a very large lake in a several headstones and the describes the life of the Irish
is split apart and surrounded tropical savannah remains of a church. There is emigrant Eugene Rourke
with petroglyphs around both environment 150 million years evidence of garden crops family members who lived
sections is located in a ago. As these dinosaurs being grown so a small here. In 1871 Mr. Rourke
northern inaccessible portion walked along the muddy community was present close- claimed a 40-acre homestead
of Picket Wire. It is possible shore, they left footprints that by. deed. Through years of
that this rock also contains eventually became covered hardship, they succeeded in
seasonal time-telling potential. over and turned to stone with Rourke Ranch
establishing one of the largest
It has been noted that a spot subsequent pressures on the The U. S. Forest Service ranches in southeast
of light from a small crack sandy mud. Because of the tour also stops at the 19th Colorado.
moves across the interior extensiveness of the tracks, century Rourke Ranch,
surfaces coming to rest on the scientists can learn about currently being refurbished as
fourth of four pecked parallel social behavior among the a destination for interested CONTINUED ON 12

. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 11

CONTINUED FROM PG. 11
Santa Fe Trail
To the west of Picture
Canyon around the
community of Timpas, wagon
wheel ruts provide evidence
of the Santa Fe Trail
Mountain Route (1821-1880)
used until the steam
locomotive reached Santa Fe.
Two other routes pass
through the Comanche
Grassland, the Aubry Cutoff
east of Campo (1850-1860)
and the Granada-Ft. Union
Military Route, west and
north of Kim (1872-1874).
This route crosses Highway
287/385 about 20 miles north
of Springfield. Where
evidence of these trails can be
found, the spot is marked by
limestone posts.
Carrizo Canyon
The east fork of the Carrizo
Creek flows through this
small canyon graced by
juniper and cottonwood.
Images of mountain sheep,
elk and a deer with
fantastically-branched antlers,
have been pecked into the
canyon walls where trees and
vegetation provide cover.
Carrizo Canyon contains a
wonder array of grasses fed
by springs and seeps, making
the short loop trail very
picturesque.
Covered picnic tables and
restrooms are available and it
is a good choice for travelers
who have only a few hours to
enjoy the richness of the
wildlife and Indian culture
along Carrizo Creek.
Birds are easily spotted and
observed. The allusive Lark
Bunting, Colorado’s state bird
is known to be in the region
during summer months.
Known for its wonderful song
and distinctive solid blue
black color with a single white
patch along each wing it is
wonderful to watch in flight.
The attractive yellow-breasted
western kingbird, a flycatcher,
also frequents the area.
Carrizo Canyon is
accessible from Highway
Page 12 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
287/385, by turning west just
north of Campo onto County
Road M, and traveling 22
miles on this well maintained
gravel road. However, in wet
conditions any of the unpaved
roads can become slippery
and difficult to navigate,
making 4-wheel drive
preferred if wet weather is
possible. County Road 10
goes north to paved Highway
160 near Pritchett.
Picture Canyon
This well known canyon is
accessible along the same
County Road M, but turn
south at 8 miles. A sign will
indicate proceeding on
County Road 18 for another 8
miles to the Picture Canyon
sign, again turning south onto
Forest Service Road 533.
On the right just after
turning, watch the top of the
second “hill” for signs of
intentionally placed larger
rocks. This is the location
where train robber Black Jack
Ketchum’s gang ambushed
the posse from Folsom, New
Mexico chasing them.
Although Black Jack got away
on this occasion, he was
caught later and hung. This
gang also robbed wagon
trains and local ranchers, so
many people were unhappy
with Black Jack!
Please sign the registry in
the parking area. In less than
a mile, a trail leads to the rock
art area on the east wall. Two
iconic figures on the Dakota
Sandstone “picture” rock wall,
the warrior and the horse, are
good examples of where
pictographs and petroglyphs
are found together. These
depictions were highlighted
with black pigment. On close
inspection, faint lines above
the horse may indicate
teepees. An antelope and a
pig were created in red
pigment farther down on the
same wall.
The figure of a woman,
with many circles across the
chest and belly, is one of the
most fascinating of all images
depicted among this extensive
collection. It is assumed that
most of the rock art here was
created during the 17th or
early 18th century by Plains
Indians.
The U. S. Forest Service
provides occasional tours to
this wall of pictures. Check
with the Springfield office
about tour availability by
calling 719.523.6591. Their
bus tours to Crack Cave, 3/4
mile from the Picture Canyon
parking area on the days of
the spring and the fall
equinoxes, arrive directly at
the site before sunrise.
The cave contains hatch
marks that some researchers
find strongly resemble Ogam,
of European origin.
Anthropologists have not
found collaborating evidence
that Europeans actually
visited this region. The marks
are clearly delineated with
light as the sun rises on these
two days each year.
Lush riparian habitat and
the area’s perennial springs
allowed for a semi-permanent
living environment for
indigenous peoples. Teepee
rings, rocks of certain size
found in deliberately placed
circular formations, have been
located on the mesa above the
canyon by scientists, but none
have been designated for
public viewing.
Many undocumented
dinosaur tracks are reported
to exist in the rocks above the
canyon. Abundant plant
fossils including stems, twigs,
cones and the first flowering
plants are also found within
the layers of rock in Picture
Canyon.
Vogel Canyon
The eastern most trail in
Vogel Canyon winds along
over rocky pinon-covered
terrain with rock walls within
viewing distance. The easy
alternative trail, directly south
from the parking area, is level,
wide and well-maintained and
leads to the canyon overlook.
CONTINUED ON 13
.
CONTINUED FROM PG. 12
It is handicap accessible.
Either route on this
interpretive trail can take the
visitor to two springs at the
base of a high rock wall on
the east side of the canyon,
where an abundance of rock
art also can be viewed. One
large animal figure is
prominent in the northern
overhang and abstract
designs and symbols are
depicted. Some of the rock art
here is over 1,000 years old
and fragile.
When in bloom the flora of
this canyon is spectacular.
The remains of the foundation
of an old stone homestead
house can be explored.
Unique rock formations
abound.
During the 1870s a spur off
the Santa Fe Trail was
developed by the Barlow and
Sanderson Mail and Stage
Line. Sections of the
Hair Gallery
103 1/2 South Main
Lamar
(719) 336-9708
Melissa
Hair & Nails
. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 13
stagecoach road and ruins of
the station can still be found
on the much longer outer trail
loop west of the campground.
Access to this loop is
noticeable on the road into
the parking area.
Vogel Canyon is accessible
by traveling 13 miles south
from La Junta on Highway
109, then west onto County
5385 Hwy. 50/287
Lamar, CO 81052
(719) 336-3623
(719) 940-4038
• Full Service
• Pull Thru
• Seasonal Pool
• Indoor Stalls
• Outdoor Runs
• Minutes from Lamar
Ruthie
Road 802 for 1.5 miles, south
on Forest Service Road 505A
for 1.5 miles to the parking
lot. Vogel Canyon picnic area
has beautiful camp sites,
separated from each other.
Covered picnic tables and
restroom facilities are
available. When returning to
Highway 109 a turn south
toward Kim passes through
more scenic canyons for
about 15 miles.
Baca County WPA
self-guided tour
A brochure which
highlights a few of the
hundreds of Works Progress
Administration (WPA)
projects in Baca County with
directions to their locations is
available at many locations,
including the Two Buttes and
Springfield Museums and the
U. S. Forest Service office in
Springfield.
The opportunity to work
Sun. & Mon. Closed
Tues. - Fri. 10-6
Sat. 10-3
saved many families from
having to move on. A letter at
the Two Buttes Museum from
one worker from Walsh
expresses appreciation for
being able to participate in
building the Two Buttes
gymnasium.
Bridges, public buildings,
gymnasiums and schools
were built between 1935 and
1940 in primarily Baca and
Prowers counties in Colorado
to help the region recover
economically from
devastating drought
conditions and many are still
in use. Simple and functional,
they remain excellent
examples of stone masonry
where workers had little or no
previous training. Large hand
saws for two and hammer and
chisel were the primary tools
used to cut local stone to
shape.
SAND CREEK HISTORIC SITE
L
ocated in Kiowa
County, the Sand
Creek Massacre
Historic Site pro-
vides some insight into one
of the most infamous inci-
dents in the history of the
settlement of the American
west.
Its victims numbered in
the hundreds. Cheyenne and
Arapaho survivors were dis-
placed, relocated to Indian
Territory. Its aftermath in-
cluded congressional investi-
gations, bitter critics, and
staunch defenders, — repri-
sal, revenge, the mustering
out of a Colonel and the res-
ignation of a Governor.
At the dedication of the Sand Creek Massacre Historic Site in 2007 dignitaries such as
Sand Creek also gave rise former Colorado Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell spoke to the crowd that assembled for the
to a new generation of feder- event. Ceremonies included various tribal songs and drum circles.
al Indian policies, new trea-
ties at the Little Arkansas
and Medicine Lodge — and Site commemorates historic
the next generation of fight-
ers and fights: Beecher Is-
land, Washita, Summit
1864 massacre
Springs, Palo Duro Canyon, South Platte, and claims that gan — farmers, printers,
Sappa Creek, and the Little troops had initiated conflict miners, clerks, politicians,
Big Horn. near a place called Fre- gamblers, and even an actor
mont’s Orchard foreshad- heeded the call.
Sand Creek is among our
nation’s most profound his- owed war. By June, the mur- On November 24, 1864, a
toric places. The event re- ders of the Hungate family force of some 600 troops un-
mains a powerful, and to near Denver and lingering der the command of Colonel
some, sacred symbol of sac- fears of Indian attacks like John Chivington, mostly vol-
rifice and struggle. those at New Ulm, Minneso- unteers who had been
ta which had claimed hun- chided as the “Bloodless
A Colorado Territory dreds of lives, increased ten- Third” Regiment, began a
grew, so to did the tension sion among pioneers and
and fear between settlers ride from Camp Fillmore to-
Colorado officials. Assur- wards Fort Lyon, some 120
and native tribes. The set-
ances of amnesty for “friend- miles down the Arkansas
tlers’ desire for land and
ly” tribesmen were tempered River. At Lyon, the expedi-
prosperity was confronted by
by a proclamation to “kill tion was joined by an addi-
nations who lived, hunted,
and traveled across the same and destroy” hostiles. By tional battalion.
areas. Negotiations between summer, war would erupt
“Boots and Saddles” was
leaders — governors, agents what had been promised ten across the plains of Nebras-
sounded on the evening of
and officers on one-side, years earlier. The seeds of ka, Kansas, and Colorado. A
November 28. An all night
chiefs and headmen on the conflict began in 1864 with September sojourn by Chiefs
ride brought the volunteers
other, failed. A reservation the murder of Cheyenne to meet with Colorado Gov-
to Sand Creek. Here, at
established in 1861 was in- Chief, Lean Bear. In addi- ernor Evans and Colonel
dawn, the troops got their
sufficient for the nomadic tion, the burning of several Chivington accomplished
first sight of the camps of
Cheyenne and Arapaho. The Cheyenne camps by Colo- little. Soon, the recruitment
area was but a fraction of rado cavalrymen near the of additional volunteers be- CONTINUED ON 15
Page 14 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado .
CONTINUED FROM PG. 14 Chivington, Major Harry The Sand Creek Massacre
Richmond, stoutly defended National Historic Site will be
Black Kettle, White Ante- the attack. Volunteers anx- open daily, 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.
lope, Left Hand, and other ious to restore honor and The site will remain on this
leaders. Within moments, a reputation, referred to them- schedule through November
barrage of arms fire and selves as the “Vindicators.” 30. We will close for the sea-
howitzer bombardment was One, Sergeant Stephen De- son on December 1. The site
leveled against the Chey- catur, penned, “We are not currently contains approxi-
enne and Arapaho. The violators of the flags of truce! mately 2385 acres. There is
tribes used driftwood and We are not the cowards who 3
⁄ 4 mile walking trail from
underbrush as defense while would massacre disarmed the visitor parking area to
others crawled into pits dug prisoners of war! Nor the the monument. At this time,
along the banks of Sand vain braggarts to bring home there is no access beyond
Creek. Big Head, Howling trophies of a battle with de- the trail.
Wolf, Spotted Horse, and fenseless and already subju-
other small groups of warri- There is no entrance fee to
gated enemies$ We are men
ors fought the troops in sev- visit the Sand Creek Massa-
who proved our manhood by
eral desperate struggles near cre National Historic Site.
and claims of atrocities led to going out in defense of all we
the creek. hold dear. We are Ameri-
Congressional investiagions Please call the park at 719
Later, groups of volunteers and military inquiry. These cans, who love the flag of 438 5916 for additional in-
continued to pursue Chey- took testimony from dozens freedom, and we believe that formation, or visit our web-
enne and Arapaho for sever- of eyewitnesses and ac- we honored and did not dis- site at www.nps.gov/sand.
al miles up Sand Creek. By cepted depositions from oth- grace that flag at the battle of
The Sand Creek Massacre
afternoon, about 160 of the ers. Controversy arose as Sand Creek.”
is located in Kiowa County
tribes lay dead, the majority some veterans, like Lieuten- White Antelope and Yel- Colorado. To visit the site,
women and children. ant Joseph Cramer and Cap- low Wolf, venerated Chey- follow Colorado State High-
Before departing the tain Silas Soule, bitterly con- enne Chiefs, were two of way 96 east off Highway 287
“Bloody Third” ransacked demned the attack, citing its many leaders to perish at near Eads, or west off High-
and burned the village. Doz- ghastly scene and brutalities. Sand Creek. Others included way 385 at Sheridan Lake.
ens of wounded troopers and On December 14, Soule Lone Bear, Warbonnet, Near Chivington, turn north
their dead comrades were wrote, “I refused to fire and Standing Water, Heap of onto County Road 54, or at
taken to Fort Lyon for care swore that none but a cow- Crows, Black Wolf, and Bear Brandon, turn north onto
and burial. Here, protesta- ard would, for by this time Robe. A list of 112 Sand County Road 59. Follow
tions against the attack were hundreds of women and chil- Creek Heads of Families was these roads to their intersec-
lodged by some officers and dren were coming towards translated and complied by tions with County Road W.
civilians — sparking bitter us and getting on their the United States in 1865. The park entrance is along
indignation that would con- knees for mercy$ My compa- The list includes killed, CR W a mile east (right) of
tinue for years. ny was the only one that wounded, and uninjured. CR 54 or several miles west
kept their formation, and we The names of additional vic- (left) of CR 59. Caution
A native of Pennsylvania,
did not fire a shot.” Soule tims, particularly babies, Large Vehicles and Motorcy-
Shoup commanded the 3rd
was alter murdered on the children and women, are clists: There is approxi-
Colorado Regiment at Sand
harder to ascertain — and mately eight (8) miles of
Creek. streets of Denver.
the difficult task of identifica- dirt/sand roads leading to
Questions about the attack Others, including Colonel tion continues. the site.

LAMAR
AUTO PARTS

311 N. Main
Wi-Fi – Breakfast – Fridge/MW, Pool
Truck Parking - Suites – Laundry – Play Area Lamar, CO
1801 S Main, Lamar. BlueSpruceLamar.com
719-336-4391
. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 15
Page 16 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado .
 AREA HISTORY PRESERVED
Big Timbers Museum
Prowers County’s Big
Timbers Museum is located
at the western edge of the
county on U.S. Highway 50
just North of the city of
Lamar.
The red brick building
was built j 1929 as an
American Telephone and
Telegraph (AT&T) transfer
station and contains many of
the solidly constructed
features of a building meant
for industrial use.
The exhibits reflect well
the ranching and agricultural
lives of those who settled in
the region. Saddles, barbed
wire, arrowheads and stone
artifacts are included in the
impressive collection. An
1001 N. Main, Lamar, CO
719-336-9049
John Adams, Owner
HAPPY HOUR 2-4 P.M.
. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 17
Area museums work
to conserve region’s
treasures
early telephone switchboard,
medical and dental tools and
other glimpses of 19th into
20th century life are all part
of this museum’s many
artifacts.
Even more rare is an
exhibit of framed World War
I posters in mint conditions
which display the artistry of
famous early 20th century
illustrators. The collection of
35 posters is believed to be
the largest of its kind outside
of the Smithsonian Museum.
The collection is shown in
the Weldon Green Room of
the museum, also know as
“War Room” because of the
many items brought home to
Prowers County from battles
as old as the Civil War and
the Spanish American War
and as recent as Desert
Storm. A rare confederate
battle flag believed to have
flown at Vicksburg in 1863
and an American battle flag
recently flown on a
helicopter mission in Iraq
are among the War room
treasures.
Phone 719-336-4455
Fax 719-336-8150
7395 U.S. Hwy 50 W
Lamar, CO 81063
DeWitt
Excavating, Inc.
Backhoe & Loader Service • Gravel & Fill Dirt
Irrigation & Pipe Supply • Trenching & Demolition
Irrigation, Sewer & Water Lines
The museum underwent a
top-to-bottom renovation in
2007 and exhibits are now
arranged in categories to
facilitate easy viewing.
The museum’s extensive
collection includes artifacts
from the infamous Prowers
County bank robbery by the
Fleagle Gang, Holiday on Ice
skater Jinx Clark who was
born in Lamar and later
retired here and a
newspaper archive dating
back to the early 1900s.
A nominal fee is charged
to tour the museum. Further
information about the
museum, including current
events, and hours of
operation is available at the
CONTINUED ON 18
 CONTINUED FROM PG. 17
museum’s We site
bigtimbersmuseum.org.
Kit Carson Museum
The Kit Carson Museum
is located in the southeast
corner of Las Animas. Turn
south on Highway 101 and
you will see the long white
barrack style building that is
the entrance to the building.
As you enter the museum,
your eyes focus on dinosaur
tracks, mounted buffalo
head, black and white
portraits of William Bent and
Owl Woman. This room tells
you what will follow in
individual rooms displaying
the history of the area.
The museum is one of the
German prisoner of war
barracks and each room is
unique with artifacts from
the mid 1800s to late 1900s.
One room shows many
different styles of phones as
well as a switchboard.
You may enjoy the farm
Page 18 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
Museum in Las Animas.
Kiowa County
Historical Museum
Kiowa County Historical
Museum can be found at
1313 Maine in Eads. They
are open afternoons from
May through September.
The museum houses
artifacts from the Eastern
plains.
The Towner bus tragedy
happened near here. You
can see one side of a similar
bus the children rode in to
attend school. On March 26,
1931, 20 children and their
implement room. Thee is Presidents he served and bus driver started home
the Spanish room with a places he had been are
from school but became
very unusual rug that is displayed throughout the stranded for 33 hours during
thought to have the wool room as well as his a snowstorm. Six did not
pounded together rather scrapbooks. survive. Their tale is told
than weaved.
Pike advised the here.
The last room in the President in 1805. A banking section has
museum is dedicated to Thompson advised various banking machines
Llewellyn Thompson, Presidents of the mid 1900s. on display. Ledgers from the
Ambassador to Russia The history of both can be bank were saved and remain
during the Cuban crisis. seen at the Kit Carson at the museum.
.
 HISTORIC RAILROAD DEPOTS
The railroad and the
depots that served the tracks
played a major role in the
development of southeastern
Colorado.
The Lamar brick Santa Fe
Depot also features the
“country seat” architecture
and closely resembles the
Garden City, Ks., depot and
the Las Animas depot. Today
the Lamar depot still
functions as a depot and also
houses the Lamar Chamber
of Commerce and Welcome
Center. It has been
historically restored to
preserve its architectural
features. Also on the
Santa Fe Railroad key to structures. As these frame
stations were small, agent
grounds is a retired Santa Fe
locomotive and a park for
development in the region quarters where usually a
small addition to the rear of
the depot of located in a
picnics and where carbodies were put to use as small frame depots were comer of the freight room.
community events are held. station facilities, waiting built or moved in and most Bristol, Hast, Wiley,
When manual signals rooms, freight offices and of them reflected the McClave and Fort Lyon were
were the standard, operator’s quarters. Where architectural features of the examples of this type of
frequently second-hand towns were establishes, larger brick Santa Fe station.

The
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101 N. 4th • Lamar, CO
719-336-4001
1 block east of Main St.
Free Samples on our taste table
* Health Library
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* Nutrition Counseling
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RESERVOIR
STATE PARK
30703 Road 24
Hasty, CO 81044
719-829-1801
john.martin.park@state.co.us

. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 19

 BLOWING IN THE WIND
Emick family
creating regional
windmill legacy
By Barbara Preskorn
Special for the Lamar Ledger
T
he community of La-
mar and the travel-
ing public are treat-
ed each Holiday
Season to three unique and
colorfully decorated wind-
mills along Main Street. The
Robert Emick family mem-
bers share their enthusiasm
for antique windmills through
magical lights and beautifully
landscaped grounds.
The multi-generational Em-
ick family cattle ranch located
26 miles south of Lamar is
now home for 98 wind power-
generation turbines and
about two dozen antique
American style windmills.
Their cattle graze on the
short grass prairie unper-
turbed by the presence of
looming wind power
generators overhead, silent
except for the hum made as
the gigantic blades slice
through the air.
Regarding the addition of
the Colorado Green wind tur-
bines that stretch either side
of Highway 287/385 at the
family ranch a few years ago,
Mr. Emick is happy to be able
to finally put the persistent
winds on his ranch to good
use.
“My uncle homesteaded
this ranch, and he managed
to survive during the windy
Page 20 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado . .
dirt and sand storms of the
1930s Dust Bowl era, which
hit this area particularly
hard.” Robert Emick worked
on his uncle Aaron Hasser’s
ranch during the 1950s and
purchased it in 1968.
American Windmill
Trade Association
Robert and Helen attended
their first American Windmill
Trade Association meeting in
Portales, New Mexico in 1989
with about 30 other people.
Since then their family has
worked to purchase and
transport deteriorated
windmills that are usually in
pieces. So great is their
passion for American mill
inventiveness, they have a
shop devoted to this activity
and one or more family
members are always
attending to some aspect of
restoration or installation.
Nearly 400 people in each
of four annual windmill
association meetings have
been hosted at the Emick
ranch since they first met in
1989. Again in 2011, people
will come from all over the
country to enjoy each other’s
company and to compare
restoration notes at the
Emick Ranch.
Helen Emick has great
affection for these old mills
and works tirelessly to help
with the restorations, most
notable with the painting,
lettering and logos as well as
keeping abreast of the
historical records. “Most
recently, I have retired from
all the painting. We get the
younger folks to help do
this!”
Dedicated to finding
and restoring old
windmills
This family is endeavoring
to preserve in a major way, a
very important part of
America’s homesteading
agricultural history. For
three decades Robert and
Helen Emick and their
children Kenneth, Tim,
Steve, Michael, Donald,
Greg, David and Tammy
Even have collected and
meticulously restored unique water is pulled up from deep arms and further aid in
American style windmills in the ground. The wheels holding the blades in place,
that they then share with the are at eye level.” are molded to the correct
public. The Emick family replaces shape in the shop to replace
Their contribution to this and re-crafts many parts in those broken or missing.
aspect of the region’s cultural the restorative process to Often, all wood parts need
heritage is evident along the bring back the original color replacing.
highway and in the city of or luster in making them Two classic American
Lamar. Altogether, they have functional. Some parts are windmills now located on
refurbished approximately sandblasted and cleaned, either side of the railroad
110 antique windmills from some parts have to be recast tracks along Main Street
the west and midwest. 40 of at factories because they are (Hwy 287) have been loaned
them can be viewed at the no longer available. to the City of Lamar. The
Lubbock (TX) Wind Most blades are hand north side mill
Museum. crafted from cyprus wood, commemorates how early
“At the Lubbock Museum,” and the arms (spokes), homesteaders got ground
Mrs. Emick tells “They have which hold the blades in water to crops and to
dug a trough into the ground place, are made of oak. New
so it is possible to see how rims, which attach to the CONTINUED ON 22
2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 21
CONTINUED FROM PG. 20
livestock in a short grass
desert environment where
water availability was
seasonal, if at all. The
Welcome Center mill
demonstrates how water
was transfered to steam
locomotives.
Early trains depend
on water
Coal-fired steam Atchison-
Topeka and Santa Fe
Railway trains began coming
through the region in the
1880s. “In Lamar, the
original tank that supplied
water to these locomotives
was a couple of blocks west
of Main Street,” Mr. Emick
recalls. “I used to play
around there as a kid.”
“I believe the only place in
America where a windmill
and a 10,000 gallon water
tank are displayed together
next to a locomotive is at the
Lamar Welcome Center.”
according to Mr. Emick.
Locomotives took on water
at railroad depots all across
America, and his family are
assuring this aspect of train
history is remembered and
enjoyed.
European-style Dutch
windmill
The iron parts for the
European-style Dutch
Windmill, now located in
front of the Prowers County
court house, were
purchased and shipped by
the Wilson family in the
early 1930s while on a visit
to Holland. It was installed
in the Wilson’s backyard
garden on east Parmenter
Street. A 1935 photo and
article indicate it was
charming center piece.
These are viewable on the
kiosk in front of the
windmill.
Robert Emick purchased
the deteriorated mill and his
family refurbished and
dedicated it in 2005 for the
public’s enjoyment. It
remains on loan to Prowers
County and Helen Emick
oversees gardening
Page 22 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
responsibilities.
Importance of
windmills in desert
environment
Playas and small lakes dot for landowners to deliver
the high plains region, but
many are seasonal. Playas
may only exist for very short livestock after the land was
periods following
downpours and this may
happen only once in several extremely limited access to
years. As water sinks
quickly underground in
sandy areas, they were not
reliable sources for those
needing surface water on a
consistent basis.
Development of
American style self-
governing windmills
Mr. Emick attributes the
ability of ranchers and
farmers to develop the vast
Great Plains agriculturally
between 1880 and 1920 to
the invention of the self-
governing American style
windmill developed by
Daniel Halladay in 1854 in
Connecticut. He created self- applications for self-
furling sails that prevented governing windmills
destruction by centrifugal
force by a mechanism that
allowed it to automatically
govern the wheel’s speed.
Automatic self-governing
windmills made it possible
water where it was needed
for irrigation and watering
parceled into fenced sections
and where there was
streams or ponds.
Irrigation and watering
livestock called for smaller
types of windmills that did
not have to be tied down
manually in order to stop the
wheel turning. The initial
automatic Halladay design
had four blades that rotated
and turned parallel with the
wind as it increased, thus
slowing down the rate of
turn. The slower the wind,
more blade surface would
rotate to face the wind. The
wheel always turned to face
into the wind, guided and
balanced by the vane. Many
hundreds of patents
followed after Halladay’s
invention.
“The early American mills
operate on a direct stroke.
For every revolution of the
wheel, the pump brings up
one “load” of water. There is
a ball that holds the water
between strokes to keep the
water from flowing back
down the pipe.” Mr. Emick
said when describing how
the wheel acts to bring water
to the surface.
Additionally, he added,
“To make these mills
operate independent of
humans, there is a reservoir
of oil in a bowl under the
main casting that allows the
gears to work through the
bowl. This requires
replacement of oil only about
once a year.”
Mr. Emick likes to tell
stories about a few of the
early windmills and why he
is so interested in keeping
them from being lost to
history. One extraordinarily
large electricity-generating
windmill invented by Charles
Brush in Cleveland in 1890
had a 60-foot wheel. It
rotated with the wind on
wheels circling the base of
the center post. Although
the Henry Ford Museum
wanted this unique “mill,”
the city of Cleveland put it
into storage with the idea of
using it later as an attraction,
but instead it was tossed and
lost when the value of all the
parts were not recognized by
a new administrator.
Plans for the future
“I have two rare windmills
that I plan to loan to Prowers
County that could be
displayed inside the new
proposed building at the Big
Timbers Museum designed
to display bigger items. It
will be up to the board of the
museum whether to accept
them,” he said.
“After getting the water
tank and windmill installed
next to the old locomotive at
the Lamar Welcome Center,
I think I will retire from the
windmill business!” Robert
Emick said smiling.
.
 AMACHE INTERMENT CAMP
Granada students help to keep memory alive
Camp Amache was a
Japanese American
interment camp located near
the town of Granada. It is
more than just a museum
since you can visit the site of
the camp outside of town.
Camp Amache was hidden
away for years. No one
wanted to remember this
chapter of history. Governor
Ralph Carr welcomed the
Japanese Americans to
Colorado near the small
town of Granada. It was the
smallest of the internment
camps. However in
Colorado, it was the 10th
largest city during this time.
The interment camp was
there only three years. The
town of Granada High
School teacher, John
Hopper, led the way to
restoring this relocation
camp. Hopper states, “When
we started this project, it was
a research project. We were
trying to gather as much
information about Amache
as we could.”
Among his duties was
teaching history and Hopper
saw the dirt covered cement
slabs of barracks and weeds
“as a piece of American
history.” A mathematics
instructor worked with
Hopper’s class to create a
scale model of Camp
Amache. Examining the
model in the museum, you
will find the five churches,
two silk screening shops, a
state of the art hospital, and
a high school. Camp
Amache was much like any
other town except that it was
entirely surrounded by a
barbed-wire fence and six
watch towers.
One dig uncovered a koi
pond which is a traditional
Japanese water garden,
buried under five feet of
blown sand. You can see the
pond and its small bridge
across the road from the
rodeo arena.
New signs have been
erected along the streets
identifying the sites of the
various buildings. Barracks
sold when the camp closed
are being purchased and
relocated to the site.
Students maintain the
camp’s cemetery, installing
benches, planting trees and
sod. During the war, some of
the Nisei men living at the
camp wanted to join the war
efforts. Eventually, they were
allowed to join the U.S. Army
and fought with the 442nd
and 100th battalion. By the
end of the war, they were the
most decorated battle units.
Many received Medals of
Honor. A large monument to
fallen soldiers can be found
in the cemetery along with
the grave markers of
children, and a pagoda-style
building. To protect the
cemetery, the students
encircled it with a chain link
fence surrounded by a
barbed-wire fence — a
remembrance of the original
enclosure. To see Camp
Amache, head west out of
town on Highway 50. Within
less than a mile there will be
markers directing you to
turn south into the camp.

Bent’s Old Fort

National Historic Site

Who says time travel

is not possible...
SPECIAL EVENTS
• June 4-5
50th Anniversary Celebration
• July 10
Kids Quarters
• Oct 9
Fur Trade Encampment
Western National Parks’ Book • December 3-4
Store at Bent’s Old Fort offers Holiday Celebration
many of the same trade
goods that were exchanged
for bison robesand other
peltries at the fort in 1846.

Call 719-383-5010 for

more information or visit
www.nps.gov/beol
45 miles west of Lamar via US 50 and CO 194
. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 23
 BIRDWATCHER’S PARADISE
B Climate, habitat
ird watching is the
fastest growing out-
door activity in
North America.
The National Survey of Rec-
reation and the Environment
says one in four Americans
watch birds and that number
is growing rapidly each day.
Because mountain weath-
er can be extremely harsh,
greater species of wildlife
can be found on the Plains
and Southeast Colorado has
the best year round bird
watching areas in the state.
It is estimated that there are
just over 700 species of birds
in the lower 48 states of the
United States and every one
of them can be seen on the
Southeast Colorado Plains.
Geography, location, and
the habitat are why birds
come to Southeast Colorado.
There are many different
habitats that attract species
from the northern, southern,
eastern and western regions
of the country to a very small
area in the state of Colorado.
Currently there are 800 po-
tential sites for bird watching
in the state of Colorado and
48 of those sites are in
Southeast Colorado.
The Colorado State Bird –
the Lark Bunting – is seen in
abundance in Southeast Col-
orado. All species of shore
birds have been seen in
Crowley, Bent and Kiowa
counties of Colorado.
Bent’s Old Fort, located 13
miles West of Las Animas, is
the best place in Colorado to
see the Black Rail. Of the 43
species of Warbler, 35 can
be found on the plains of
Colorado. The Least Tern
and the Piping Plover, both
threatened with extinction,
can be seen at John Martin
Reservoir in Bent County,
Adobe Creek (Blue Lake), as
well as the Great Plains Res-
ervoirs in Kiowa County.
The Lesser Prairie Chick-
Page 24 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
make for abundance
of birds
en is found in Baca County
on the Comanche National
Grassland. The land below
Two Buttes Reservoir in
Baca County is legendary for
migrant birds. Prowers
County is also the home of
the annual Snow Goose Fes-
tival in February. In late win-
ter every year thousands of
these geese begin their mi-
gration north and stop at the
many lakes and ponds of
Southeast Colorado to rest
and feed. You may have the
opportunity to see Burrow-
ing Owls wherever there is a
prairie dog town.
Southeast Colorado is
blessed with many State
Wildlife Areas, which pro-
vide excellent recreational
areas for wildlife observation
and photography. The five
county areas in Southeast
Colorado include Bent, Baca,
Crowley, Kiowa, and Prow-
ers.
Bent County’s wildlife
areas include John Martin
Reservoir, Las Animas State
Fishing Unit, Purgatoire Riv-
er State Wildlife Area, Set-
chfield State Wildlife Area,
and Adobe Creek Reservoir.
The wildlife areas in Baca
County include Two Buttes
Reservoir, Turks Pond, and
Burchfield State Wildlife
Area.
Crowley County’s wildlife
areas include Olney Springs
Reservoir, Ordway Reser-
voir, Lake Henry, and Mere-
dith Reservoir.
Kiowa County offers a vari-
ety of wildlife areas, includ-
ing Queens State Wildlife
Areas and the Great Plains
Reservoirs.
Prowers County wildlife
areas include the Arkansas
River State Wildlife Areas
and Holly State Wildlife
Area, Deadman State Wild-
life Area, the Mike Higbee
State Wildlife Area, Red Dog
State Wildlife Area, Thurston
Reservoir, Willow Creek
Park and the Willow Creek
Nature Trail.
Baca County a
birder’s haven
Over 275 species of birds
can be spotted in Baca
County during different
seasons. Baca County has
quietly become a favorite
site for traveling
ornithologists and Audubon
members alike. The upper
Two Buttes Lake area and
Two Buttes Canyon along
with the canyon area south
and west of Campo are a few
of the favorite sites.
Some of the more popular
species include lesser prairie
chicken, Canadian goose,
ducks, scaled quail, morning
dove. Prairie falcon, long-
billed curlew, loggerhead
shrike, white-crowned
sparrow, kingbird, lark
sparrow, horned lark, rough-
legged hawk, northern
shrike, roadrunner, black-
billed magpie, lark bunting,
several species of hawks,
meadowlark, killdeers and
eagles.
Every spring in Baca
County, the lesser prairie
chickens gather at the
“booming ground” for their
mating ritual. A viewing
blind offers an opportunity
for pictures of these
beautiful birds.
Snow Goose Festival
not just for geese
Another great opportunity
to view birds occurs at the
annual Snow Goose Festival
held each February.
The festival, centered in
Prowers County, offers
sunrise and sunset tours
where participants can view
snow geese and other types
of waterfowl including
Sandhill cranes. Participants
are encouraged to bring
along binoculars, a camera,
bird, identification book,
sunscreen, sunglasses,
layered clothing, a hat, and
rain gear. Participants can
also take advantage of the
Willow Creek Nature Walk.
In addition to the tours,
there are presentations from
organizations such as the
Raptor Center in Pueblo,
which brings live display of
birds. Other guest speakers
include representatives from
the Colorado Division of
Wildlife, United States
Department of Agriculture
and other wildlife experts.
The annual Snow Goose
Festival is sponsored by the
Lamar Chamber of
Commerce, the local
Division of Wildlife, Kiowa
County Chamber of
Commerce, Eads Chamber
of commerce, and Prowers
County Development, Inc.
Kiowa, Bent host variety of
birds
The Great Plains Reservoir
and Abode Reservoir in
Kiowa County afford prime
opportunities for bird and
wildlife viewing. Similar
opportunities can be found at
John Martin Reservoir, Blue
Lake, and Adobe Creek in
Bent County.
In Prowers County, bird
watchers can visit a DOW
hunting preserve along the
Arkansas River to view
pheasants, ducks and other
wildlife.
.
 FALCONRY ON THE PLAINS
Eastern
associate food with handling as it
becomes tame. The falconer will carry
the bird around and get it accustomed
prairies ideal to being near people.
Using a tether called a creance, the
for ancient falconer teaches the bird to return to
the gloved fist where it is rewarded

sport with bits of food. The distance is

The sport of falconry is said to date
back to the 13th and 14th centuries in
Mesopotamia. It was also popular
among the nobility of Medieval Europe.
Today, the sport is still has participants
around the world.
Falconers say that getting their birds
back after a hunt means they had a
successful day, whether a game animal
was caught or not.
Though trained to return to their
flyers, falcons and hawks, particularly
ones that are trapped, remain wild. The
birds are perfectly capable of surviving
on their own, and it is not uncommon
for a falconer to trap a wild bird before
the season begins and then train it and
hunt it before releasing it.
The raptors, even if tame, retain their
independence, and the only thing that
brings the bird back to its flyer is the
promise of a meal.
It takes two to three weeks of
training with an experienced falconer
before a bird can be flown free.
Training happens in three stages.
The first stage is called manning,
during which the bird learns to
gradually increased until the bird
returns from 30 — 40 yards away,
when it is introduced to the lure. A lure
is a leather pouch connected to a long
cord to which food can be tied. The
falconer swings the lure in a circle, and
it is the one image of falconry that most
people should recognize. Once the bird
responds to the lure, hunting can
begin.
Hawks and falcons are the two main
species used in falconry. Eagles
require a lot of paperwork and permits,
which limits their popularity among
practitioners of the sport. And owls,
while used occasionally are not
conducive to falconry because they
generally hunt at night.

b
za, Su s Kar
Pi wiche s
z aok
d
San ot Win
g DJ’s e &
nd
H
a

l
Truck Parking!
Poo e!
l
Tab
All Party’s
Bi
We kers Welcome!
lco
me
!

Live Music Our Specialty!

Home of “ROAD JAM” Street Party - 12 Hours of Live Music
Big Screen and Multiple TV for Sporting Events
4:00 PM till 7:00 PM Happy Hour Monday thru Friday- Daily Specials
Downtown Historic Building Decorated like a Musical Museum
101 North Main - Lamar, Co. 81052 - Phone 719-336-7415

. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 25

 FLY FISHING
Southeast Colorado has its share of big fish
By Steven Becker mouth and it’s easy to set a
hook without a hard jerk.

T
he best places to
catch big fish seem
to be far away, and
require a lot of
surplus cash, possibly a
passport and maybe a week
at a high priced resort. But
what is a big fish? Any fish
that can cause a fly rod to
bend clear down into the
handle is a respectable
catch, and we have a lot of
such fish right here in
southeast Colorado. It’s a
pretty good bet we have
more ten pound carp in this
state than five pound trout or
bass, yet because of a bad
rap, anglers tend to ignore or A good starting place would
distain carp.
While I love to fly fish, I
don’t always have a lot of
surplus cash and idle time
together at the same
moment, but give me a two
hour window of opportunity
during the summer months, market that probably could
and I’m off to Lake Henry
near my home in Crowley
County to fish for carp.
Carp are very intelligent,
have good eye sight, and are chase blue water species
fairly shy in waters where
they are regularly pursued
by anglers and are incredibly reel with a decent drag
strong. All this makes for a
great sport fish. When
hooked, the carp’s first tactic lb Dacron backing and
is a long hard run. It’s not
unusual for a five pound fish
to strip all the fly line from a
reel along with 20-30 yards
of backer. The final stage of
a carp’s fight is to bulldog
you to the bottom and make
it as tough as possible to lift
its head. These tactics are
initially very similar to trout omnivorous, they will take a
or salmon, and finish up like wide variety of fly patterns.
members of the black bass
family.
Page 26 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
Fly fishing equipment for
carp need not be expensive.
be a 5 weight rod. For those
not familiar with fly fishing,
rods are weighted for the
size of the water and fish
being pursued. There is a
000 weight rod (extremely
light weight) out on the
provide hours of
entertainment fishing in
someone’s aquarium, up to a
16 weight stick (extremely
heavy weight) that is used to
such as marlin and yellow fin
tuna. A fair, single action
system is almost a necessity,
loaded with 100 yards of 20
either a weight forward or
double taper 5 or 6 weight
floating line. Add to this a
nine foot 3X leader, two feet
of 4x tippet material and all
you need is a few fly patterns
to start your quest.
Because carp are
In the spring when the
cottonwood trees are
shedding their seeds, a
cottonwood seed pattern is
ideal. A lot of insect patterns
such as ants, small
grasshoppers, scuds, as well
as juvenile crayfish and
wooly buggers are a great
starter selection. A lot of dry
flies such as Renegades,
Hares’ Ear, Elk Hair Caddis,
and others are equally
effective. Because carp have
been called a fresh water
bonefish, I also carry a
selection of “Crazy Charlie”
bonefish flies in my carp fly
box.
A fly has to be delicately
cast to within a foot of the
carp’s head, or cast close as
possible and carefully
stripped (pulled) back to be
right in front of the fish’s
face. It is always exciting to
watch a big carp turn and
inhale your fly. When the
carp are feeding in the algae
on the rocks for the insects,
drop a fly as close as
possible, slowly strip the
pattern back to the rock
where the fish is feeding and
watch as the carp lunges
forward to capture the fly.
Carp have a firm fleshy
Most of the time, walking
along the dams or shoreline
looking for the fish will be a
successful way of locating
the fish and being able to
determine if they are feeding
or not. When one that is
actively feeding is spotted,
begin the cast once you are
within range. Fish that
appear to be just cruising
along seldom feed and it’s
best to pass them up in favor
of feeding carp. Carp tend to
school up at different times
and you can hear the carp
feeding and sucking on the
surface. They will appear as
a tight school or ball of fish
active on the surface. Cast a
fly in close proximity to the
school and hang on; one of
them will take the fly and
head for the far shore line
which is why you’ll need the
100 yards of backing
material on your reel.
Steven Becker has been
an avid fly fisherman and fly
tier for over 45 years. He
worked for the State of
Kansas as a Fisheries
Management Biologist
where carp were being
actively promoted as a
recreational and food
resource. Additionally he has
worked with the Wyoming
Game and Fish Commission
on the North Platte River
and with the Colorado
Division of Wildlife on the
impact of the Curecanti
Project on the Gunnison
River; he worked as a Park
Manager and Ranger with
Jefferson County Open
Space for a number of years
and currently lives with his
wife in Crowley County
where he serves as the
County Undersheriff.
.
 BOATING & FISHING GUIDE
Southeast Colorado offers what many think is the best warm water fishing in the state.
With nearly a dozen reservoirs and the Arkansas River, fishermen have many opportunities, from well developed
recreating areas like the new state Park at John Martin Reservoir, to smaller and lesser known bodies that contain
excellent fishing opportunities, but only primitive camping or very few facilities, and therefore, generally smaller
crowds. At some of the smaller reservoirs, you may even find that you nearly have the place to yourself.
And, with the exception of John Martin, there are few if any fees at southeast Colorado reservoirs. A word of
advice, though, it is usually wise to pack your own toilet paper and water in, and to be prepared to pack your trash
out. Some facilities have little or no maintenance, and water levels at many reservoirs fluctuate widely because they
are used for irrigation. Following is a list of top fishing spots in Southeast Colorado:

ramps available near the in 2002. Many large wipers, as

Adobe Creek
(also known as Blue Lake)
Location: From Las Animas,
go north on Bent County
Road 10 for 15 miles to the
property.
Property: 5,147 acres public
access land, 5,000 acres
surface area
Motor Boats: Permitted,
public boat ramp available
Facilities: Boat Ramp,
Public Restrooms
Camping: Permitted, but few
facilities. No developed
campgrounds or hookups
available
Access: Open all year
Species: Blue Catfish,
Channel Catfish, Clack
Crappie, Saugeye, Walleye,
Wipers, White Bass.
Most Abundant Species
(2004 DOW gill net report):
Channel Catfish, Blue
Catfish
Notes: Huge members of fry
size Wipers and Saugeye
were stocked in 2001.
Closed Nov. 1 through last
day of waterfowl season.
John Martin
(including Lake Hasty)
Location: From Lamar, go
west approximately 20 miles
on US Highway 50. Turn
South at the town of Hasty
and follow the road
approximately two miles
south to the John Martin
Dam.
Property: 22,325 acres
public access land, 13,000
acres surface area.
Motor Boats: Permitted on
John Martin, not permitted
on Lake Hasty. Public boat
. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 27
dam. Free boat ramp
available on Lane 19 near the
west end of the lake, but not
accessible unless water
levels are relatively high.
Facilities: Boat ramps,
public restrooms, RV
hookups, RV dump stations,
showers, laundry,
playground, covered
buildings, many developed
and semi-primitive
campsites. Handicapped
access to fishing in Lake
Hasty. Hiking trails. Public
telephones, marina, bait
shops, convenience stores
and fuel available nearby.
Camping: Camping in the
state park is permitted below
the dam at the Lake Hasty
Campground and on the
north side of the reservoir at
the Point Campground.
Camping fees apply in both
areas.
Access: Lake Hasty open all
year. John Martin closed
from November 1 to end of
waterfowl season, usually
mid March to April 1.
Species: Channel Catfish,
Wipers, Saugeye, White
Bass, Blue Catfish, Flathead
Catfish, Walleye, Trout.
Most Abundant species:
Saugeye, Channel Catfish,
Wipers.
Lake Hasty: Lake Hasty is
stocked primarily with trout
but is an excellent fishing
location for the handicapped
and young children. John
Martin holds recent state
records for Walleye and/or
Saugeye, and promises to be
one of the prime Saugeye/
Walleye fisheries in the state
well. Boaters should take
special precautions with
winds, which can rise
suddenly and cause
hazardous boating conditions
to unwary boaters.
Nee Gronda
Location: From Lamar, go
north on U.S. Highway 287
approximately 21 miles to
Kiowa County Road C, then
1 mile west to property.
Property: 4,426 acres public
access (includes entire
Queens, Nee Gronda, Nee
Noshe area,) 3,400 acres
surface area.
Motor Boats: Permitted.
Small, primitive free public
boat ramp available on east
side of lake. Privately owned
boat ramp available on north
side of lake.
Facilities: Boat ramp and
restroom on public lands. No
drinking water or developed
campgrounds on public
lands. Privately owned
marina/campground on
north side of lake offers
numerous facilities.
Camping: Permitted. Free
on public land, but few
amenities and now water.
Access: Closed from Nov. 1
to end of waterfowl season
(usually mid March to April
1).
Species: Channel Catfish,
Saugeye, White Bass,
Wipers, Carp, Largemouth
Bass.
Most Abundant Species:
Wipers, Channel Catfish,
Saugeye, White Bass.
Nee Noshe
Location: From Lamar, go
north on U.S. Highway 287
approximately 24 miles to
Kiowa County Boat Ramp
access road, then one
quarter miles east to public
boat ramp.
Property: 4,426 acres public
access (in entire 4-lake
complex), 3,696 acres
surface area.
Motor Boats: Permitted.
Free public boat ramps
availableFascilities: Boat
ramp, public restrooms
Camping: Permitted but few
facilities. No developed
campgrounds or hookups
available. No fees.
Access: Public access
prohibited from Nov. 1 to
end of waterfowl season.
Species: Channel Catfish,
Carp, Wipers, Saugeye,
Walleye, White Bass, Large
mouth Bass, Crappie, Blue
Catfish.
Most Abundant Species:
White Bass, Wiper, Saugeye
: Huge numbers of fry size
Saugeye and Wipers were
stocked in 2004. Historically
yields large wipers.
Queens
(Upper and Lower)
Location: From Lamar, go
approximately 21 miles north
on U.S. Highway 287 to
Kiowa County road C, then
3.5 miles east to Upper
Queens. Follow the access
road south about two miles
to Lower Queens.
Property: 4,426 acres public
access in four lake complex,
CONTINUED ON 28
CONTINUED FROM PG. 27
1,900 acres surface area.
Motor Boats: Permitted.
Free public boat ramps
available.
Facilities: Restrooms, boat
ramps. No drinking water.
Camping: Permitted, but no
developed campgrounds or
hookups. No fees. Bring
your own water and toilet
paper, pack out your own
trash. A few well shaded
camping spots are available.
Access: Upper Queens
closed from Nov. 1 to end of
waterfowl season.
Species: Black Bullhead,
Black Crappie, Channel
Catfish, Carp, Saugeye,
Wipers, White Bass, Blue
gill.
Most Abundant species:
Wiper, Saugeye, White Bass.
Notes: Small numbers of
Tiger Muskie and Northern
Pike have been stocked in
recent years, but none were
reported caught in 2001 gill
net reports.
Thurston Reservoir
Location: From Lamar, go
north 9 miles on Colorado
Highway 196 to Prowers
County Road TT, then 1 mile
west to County Road 7, then
1
⁄ 4 mile north to the
reservoir.
Property: 173 acres public
access, 200 acres surface
area.
Motor Boats: Permitted
except during waterfowl
season. Primitive free boat
Page 28 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
ramp.
Facilities: Boat ramp and
Restrooms.
Camping: Permitted, but no
developed campgrounds or
hookups. No drinking water.
Bring your own toilet paper
and pack out your own trash.
Access: Open all year, but
closed to motor boats in
waterfowl season.
Species: Crappie, Channel
Catfish, Largemouth Bass,
Bluegill, Wipers, possibly
some Tiger Muskie.
Notes: This is the closest
lake to Lamar, roads are good
and access is easy. Nice day
trip and some decent shore
access.
Turks Pond
Location: From Lamar, go
south on U.S. Highway 287
approximately 36 miles to
Colorado Highway 116, then
east 14 miles to Baca County
Road 39, then south
approximately 5 miles to
property.
Property: 200 acres of land,
55 acres surgace area.
Motor Boats: Prohibited.
Only craft propelled by
hand, wind, or electric motor
permitted.
Facilities: None.
Camping: Prohibited.
Access: Prohibited from
Nov. 1 to close of waterfowl
season.
Species: Black Crappie,
Saugeye, Largemouth Bass,
Wipers, Channel Catfish,
Trout, Bullhead,.
Most Abundant Species:
Channel Catfish, Saugeye,
Bullhead.
Two Buttes
Location: From Lamar, go
south on U.S. Highway 287
for 29 miles to Baca County
Road B.5, then 3 miles east
to reservoir.
Property: 6,793 acres public
access.
Motor Boats: Permitted.
Free boat ramp
Facilities: Boat ramps,
restrooms, rifle range.
Camping: Permitted, but no
developed campgrounds and
no hookups. Drinking water
may be available, but bring
your own to be safe. Bring
your own toilet paper and
pack out your own trash.
Access: Open all year.
Species: Black Bullheads,
Saugeye, Wipers,
Largemouth Bass, Crappie,
Blue Gill, Channel Catfish.
Most Abundant Species:
Gamefish populations
approximately equally
distributed.
Notes: Wildlife managers
struggle to keep fish
populations thriving because
of low and sporadic water
conditions. Recently,
largemouth bass have done
well, but water levels are
often low and the lake may
become choked with
vegetation. The Black Hole,
just below the dam is a nice
camping spot and, although
small, is also stocked with
fish. Excellent place to fish if
conditions are too windy over
Providing
Since 1908
the dam. Two Buttes is also
probably the most
geologically interesting
picturesque of all Southeast
Colorado Lakes. Wildlife is
abundant, so the trip is
enjoyable, even if the fishing
doesn’t go well.
Lake Henry
Location: From Ordway, go
three miles east on Highway
196 to County Road 20, then
one mile north to property.
Property: 1,350 acres, 1,120
acres surface area.
Motor Boats: Permitted.
Facilities: Campground,
public boat ramp.
Camping: Permitted.
Access: Open all year.
Species: Walleye, Crappie,
Largemouth Bass, Channel
Catfish, Bluegill, Wiper,
Bullheads.
Most Abundant Species:
Bullheads, Wipers, Channel
Cats.
Lake Meredith
Location: From Ordway, go
three miles east on County
Road 6 to County Road 21,
turn right onto property.
Property: 3,700 acres
surface area.
Motor Boats: Permitted.
Facilities: Restrooms, public
boat ramp.
Camping: Permitted.
Access: Closed from Nov. 1
to end of waterfowl season.
Species: Walleye, Channel
Catfish, Bluegill, Wipers,
Tiger Muskie
.
 CAMPING AND HUNTING
There are many opportunities for hunting
and camping Southeast Colorado
John Martin Reservoir
State Park, an oasis on the
eastern plain of Colorado, is
located south of Highway 50
near Hasty. Two
campgrounds offer a total of
213 sites for RV, van, camper,
or tent camping. Each
campsite feature a picnic
table, a high-use tent pad, and
a fire ring.
The Lake Hasty
campground boasts all
electrical sites, shade, potable
water, a playground, and a
Camper Services Building
with coin-operated showers,
flush toilets, and laundry
facilities. Nearby are a swim
beach, a fish-cleaning station,
and a dump station.
The Point Campground is
basic camping at its finest.
Situated on the north shore of
the reservoir, it offers
breathtaking views. Vault
toilets are available in the
campground. Reservations
can be made by calling 1 800
678 CAMP outside Denver or
303 470 1144 in the Denver
Metro Area. Online, point
your Web browser to
www.parks.state.co.us. The
Caddoa Shelter for group
camping can be reserved for
family reunions, church
camping trips, company
camping, etc. The East and
West Picnic Shelters are
available for the same sorts of
activities but only for day use.
All three of the group shelters
are available by reservation
only; call 719 829 1801 ext. 28
for more information.
Group camping and group
picnic reservations can be
made at The Visitor Center
that is located at the entrance
to the park. Annual passes,
Aspen Leaf Annual passes,
day passes, camping permits,
and boat, OHV, and
snowmobile registrations are
sold here as well as at the
Hasty Entry Building. In
addition, hunting and fishing
licenses can be purchased at
the Visitor Center.
Information on interpretive
programs is available through
the Visitor Center.
Current information and
conditions can be obtained by
calling John Martin Reservoir
State Park at 719 829 1801 or
online at
www.parks.state.co.us.
The Great Plains
Reservoirs of Kiowa County
feature picnic and camping
areas, public restrooms, and
shady tree-lined shores.
You can find remote
campsites at Two Buttes
Reservoir in Baca County
where you should be sure to
bring a camera, hiking boots
and fishing gear.

2nd weekend of June. Jarrod Selenke

Store Manager

Store 2672
1432 East Olive •Lamar, CO 81052
719.336.0530

Paul’s Body Shop Sales, service

and installation
& Towing on...
Commercial Glass
719-384-9832 Residential Glass
719-384-5926
719-384-5272 fax
Windshields
7345 US HWY 50 Lamar, Co. 81052 Auto Glass
221 Raton
719-336-9018 24hrs: 719-688-1943 La Junta, Colorado Garage Doors
. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 29
 SUMMER FESTIVAL
Holly Free Bluegrass Festival a big attraction
T
he Town of Holly
was celebrating its
100th anniversary
of being
incorporated in 2003. Part of
the celebration was held on
the second weekend in June
during Holly Days which
began in 1966 to
commemorate the
devastating 1965 flood.
Larry McLemore was a
member of the Holly
Commercial Club at the time
and had a great idea. His
idea was to invite his family’s
band “The McLemores”, a
bluegrass group from Colby,
Kansas to help Holly
celebrate it’s founding at
Holly Days.
After the 100th
anniversary celebration, a
group of Hollyites had so
much fun that they decided
to hold another event in
2004.
The event turned into a
three-day festival, and thus
the Holly Days Bluegrass
Festival was born. Being a
FREE bluegrass festival,
funds had to be raised to pay
for the bands that would
perform, and the Grand Old
Opry-Holly Style was started
with their first show in the
spring of 2004.
Page 30 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
Both traditions have
carried on since 2003 and Festival is always held the
are now in their 8th year. second weekend in June of
each year. Friday night is
jam session night with area
and out of state players
coming together for some
good old toe tappin’ and lots
of banjo, guitar, and
mandolin pickin’.
In 2009, there were as
many as 25 to 30 pickers
from the area as well as
Kansas, Oklahoma, and
Missouri.
On Saturday, the all day
festival begins at 10:00 a.m.
and runs until 8:00 p.m. and
jammin’ follows until........!
On Sunday, there is gospel
music and community
church.
In 2009, the festival was
able to move back in
Gateway Park, where it had
always been held until the
tornado of 2007 destroyed
most of the trees in the park.
The Holly Bluegrass
Festival is the only free
festival in the State of
Colorado and many of the
surrounding states. All you
need to do is bring your lawn
chair and you can enjoy
various bands of bluegrass
and country music
throughout the day.
For more information you
The Holly Bluegrass can visit the web site at
www.townofholly.com or
contact (719) 537-6482.
.
. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 31
 ARTS ON THE PLAINS
L
amar is home to
Southeastern
Colorado’s
hometown
community band, the
Arkansas Valley Wind and
Percussion Ensemble, Inc.
and the Southeast Colorado
Arts Council.
Free formal concerts are
offered twice yearly in
December and April and
several other free and paid
performances are given
throughout the year.
Since 2006, the AVWPE
band programs, the Lamar
Dudes and Dames and many
others have used the Shore
Arts Centers for a wide
variety of downtown
concerts, sales, dinners,
dances, receptions and other
events.
The Shore Arts Center
was donated by the Shore
Family Trust of metro
Denver in late 2006 and was
formally dedicated by the
family in May of 2007. The
old building was home to a
legendary hotel in the early
1900’s and later as a
women’s and children’s
clothing store into the
1990’s. After sitting vacant
for several years, the
AVWPE, assisted by the
local community and
founders such as the Butler
Huddleston Trust, El Pomar,
Prowers Medical Center,
Deloach’s Tires and many
others have worked to make
the Shore Arts Center a
thriving part of the local
community.
For more information
about our concert band
programs, please call Christi
Ludwig at 719-336-9769 or
for information about our
jazz programs, please call
David Northrup at
719-336-3130.
Page 32 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
Southeast Colorado
is home to an active
arts community
In keeping with the vision
of making the Shore Arts
Center a hub of artistic
expression, the Southeast
Colorado Arts Council has
made their home at the
Shore Arts Center, setting
up an office as new programs
develop. Having a home for
business and meetings will
be a great plus to the arts
council, which acts as an
umbrella organization for all
arts groups in Prowers
County.
“The Southeast Art Guild
currently displays art works
in the Shore Arts Center
front window on a rotational
basis. We want the general
public to know that we have
many talented local artists in
the region and part our
thinking now is to create a
large gallery space that
would support exhibition
needs for existing artist
groups as well as individual
artists,” said Rose Ann Yates,
executive director.
Eads, Colorado home of
Art Gallery and Gift Shop
In 1996 four women in
Eads decided they wanted to
paint. From this small group
came the Artists of the
Plains Art Club. Founded in
April 2001, the club quickly
procured grants and rented a
small building to use as a
meeting place and gallery. In
2004 the club purchased the
building, with the generous
assistance of Rod Johnson, a
Kiowa County
Commissioner.
Today, the renovated
gallery stands as an Eads
landmark. The gallery is
staffed by volunteers who
gladly give their time to keep
the doors open. The location
also serves as a gift shop,
offering numerous craft
items, jewelry, handmade
greeting cards, bookmarks
and other items. Recently a
coffee shop was added and
the building also houses a
visitor information center.
The gallery also boasts
two members who are local
authors, Lucinda Perry of Kit
Carson and Jeff Campbell of
Eads.
There is a wide variety of
quality art for sale. The
gallery also touts a
Christmas Boutique which is
open during the months of
November and December
and offers originally crafted
decorations and gifts for the
holidays.
The Artists of the Plains
Gallery is well worth the
time to stop and have a look
around. You will find it open
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Wednesday through
Saturday.
.
 JOHN MARTIN RESERVOIR
Gem of SE Colorado
a hub of outdoor
activities
J
ohn Martin Reservoir is
great for boating and
other water activities.
Lines at the boat ramps are
virtually nonexistent, and
there is never a capacity
problem, so one doesn’t have
to wait for a boat to come off
the lake before putting a
boat on the lake. John
Martin Reservoir is on the
Colorado Birding Trail. Bent
County has 373 documented
species of birds, and most of
them can be seen at the
reservoir.
One of the historic Santa
Fe Trail markers can be seen
on the north shore of John
Martin Reservoir State Park.
Fishing is a popular sport
at John Martin Reservoir
State Park. Lake Hasty is
regularly stocked with
rainbow trout and other
species; this is a great place
for kids to fish. An below the dam is an reservoir; in particular,
accessible fishing pier is excellent spot to catch fishermen come to John
located on the west side of catfish. Many warm-water Martin in the spring and fall
Lake Hast. The stilling basin species populate the for crappie.

OQUIST FAMILY KIOWA C OUNTY HOSPITAL

CHIROPRACTIC PC, Eads Medical Clinic
DR. SEAN OQUIST, CHIROPRACTOR 1211 Luther Street
P.O. Box 7, Eads, Colorado 81036
719-438-2251 FAX: 719-438-2254
Sports Injuries and
Wellness Guidance Wiley Medical Clinic
301 1/2 Main Street
109 W Lee Ave, Suite 1 P.O. Box 99, Wiley, CO 81092
719-829-4627 FAX: 719-829-4269
Lamar, CO 81052
Tel: (719)336-6800 Business Office Hours: 8-12 and 1-5 M-F
(Provider hours 9:30-12 and 1:30-4:30 M-F)
Fax: (719)336-6805

GUARANTY ABSTRACT CO. STAGE STOP

312 South Main Street Hotel
Lamar, CO 81052

PH 719-336-3261
Fax 719-336-8106
Cherry
C
Ch erry
er r y Gonser,
ry Gon
onse
ser,
se r, Owner
r, Own
ner
er
Incorporated in 1903 1033 Main Springfield, CO 81073
Family Owned and Operated Since 1927
stagestophotel.com
Title Insurance ~ Abstracts ~ Closings 719-523-4737
. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 33
 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
There’s no shortage of family fun
in southeast Colorado
JANUARY
Crowley Chamber Annual Banquet
Lamar Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet
FEBRUARY
Wiley Lions Club Soup and Pie Supper - Wiley School
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet - Elks Lodge -
Lamar
Sweetheart Swing Dance at Shore Arts Center - Lamar
Karaoke Fundraiser for SE CO Initiative - Eagles Lodge
Granada Pride Committee Pancake Supper
KVAY Bachelor and Bachelorette Auction - Lamar
Annual High Plains Snow Goose Festival - Lamar
Eads Chamber Breakfast
MARCH
Dinner Theatre - Granada
Spring Equinox Festival - Springfield
The Gun Show - Elks Lodge - Lamar
Wiley Lions Club Annual Pancake Supper - Wiley School
Lamar Community College Career Day
Lamar Community College Regional Science Fair
Lamar Elks Lodge Annual Crab Crack and Dance
Granada Pride Committee Steak Dinner and Dance
APRIL
Denim and Lace Revue - Lamar Community Building
Grand Old Opry Holly Style - Holly High School
Dudes and Dames Revue - Lamar Community Building
Equine Time at Camp Amache
Rocky Ford All Schools Arts Festival
College Rodeo - Lamar
Santa Fe Trail Days - Las Animas
Kiva Free Day - First Sunday in April - La Junta
Golf Tournament - Las Animas
Town of Crowley Antique Tractor Show
MAY
Highway 50 Yard Sale - Las Animas
Archaeology Day - Boggsville
Huck Finn Day - Las Animas
Children’s Theatre - Walsh Arts Center
Loomis Iris Show - Rocky Ford
Crowley County Auction
Cattle Sorting - Granada
La Junta Raceway Events May - September - La Junta
Cinco de Mayo Celebration - Lamar
Car Show Willow Creek Park - Lamar
Lamar Days Parade
Little Britches Rodeo - Prowers County Fair Grounds
Page 34 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
JUNE
Colorado High School Rodeo State Championship
Walsh Ranch Rodeo
Youth Rodeo - Baca County Fairgrounds
Granada Days
Annual Thunder on the Plains - Lamar
Summer Kiva Shows - La Junta
Kids’ Quarters - Bent’s Old Fort
Otero Museum Chuck Wagon Bean Supper - La Junta
Let’r Buck Ranch Team Competition End of the Line Arena -
Granada
Holly Days Bluegrass Festival
Jr. Rodeo Assn. - Prowers County Fairgrounds
Granada/Bristol Days
JULY
Onion Festival in Granada
Springfield July 4th Fireworks
Walsh July 4th Fireworks
4th of July Fireworks Celebration - Rocky Ford
La Junta July 4th Fireworks
Crowley County July 4th Rodeo
Granada July 4th Fireworks
Lamar July 4th Fireworks
4th of July Fireworks - Las Animas
Art in the Park - Eads
Bazaar - La Junta
Native at Heart Youth Pow Wow - La Junta
Missouri Days - Fowler
Santa Fe Trail Encampment - Bent’s Old Fort
Crowley County Days and County 4-H Fair - last weekend of
July
Crowley County Arts Show
Baca County Car Show - Springfield
Watermelon Festival - Campo
Bent County Fair and Rodeo - Las Animas
AUGUST
Free Ice Cream Social - Willow Creek Park
Lamar Area Hospice Golf Tournament
Ag Appreciation BBQ - Las Animas/McClave
Arkansas Valley Fair - Rocky Ford
Kids Rodeo and Race - La Junta
Lamar Sidewalk Sales
Lamar Sand and Sage Fair and Rodeo - Lamar
Planes to Plains Fly in Air Show - Lamar
Baca County Fair - Springfield
SEPTEMBER
Boggesville Days - Las Animas
Dam Run - John Martin State Park
Fall Equinox Festival - Springfield
Rocky Mountain Long Ears - Granada
Kiowa County Fair - Eads
CONTINUED ON 35
.
 NOVEMBER
Hunter’s Breakfast — Granada City Complex
Christmas Lighting — Springfield
Dinner Theater — Walsh Arts Center
Annual Mennonite Relief Sale — Rocky Ford
Hot Air Balloon Festival and Fine Arts Show and Crafts —
Rocky Ford
Parade of Lights — La Junta
LCC Craft Show — Lamar
Farm City Banquet — Lamar
Rebekah/Lodge Craft Sale — La Junta
Holiday Harvest Craft Fair — La Junta
Art/Craft Show — Eads
CONTINUED FROM PG. 34

Gateway Fair - Holly

Crowley County Fireman Oktoberfest
Early Settler’s Day - La Junta
Big Brothers, Big Sisters Annual Golf Tournament - La
Junta
Balloon Festival - Rocky Ford
Big Bail of Hay Contest - McClave
OCTOBER
Retail Trades Haunted House
Lobster Dinner and Dance - Lamar Elks Lodge
Lamar Community College Antelope Stampede Rodeo
Oktoberfest - Lamar
SE Colorado Art Guild Show - Lamar Cultural Events
Center
Rocky Mountain Invitational/Aerobatics Contest - Lamar
Harvest Show - Las Animas
DECEMBER
Las Animas/Bent County Community Center Craft Show — Las
Animas
Holiday Basketball Tournament — La Junta
Centennial Ball — Rocky Ford
Christmas Parade of Lights — Rocky Ford
Parade of Lights — Lamar
Holiday Home Tour — Lamar
Wagon Rides and Camp Amache Tours — Granada
Christmas Lighting Contest — Wiley
Craft Fair — Holly
Chili Supper — Eads
Crowley County Chamber Parade of Lights
Crowley Chamber Christmas House Decorating Contest
Kiva Winter Ceremonials — La Junta
Traditional Holiday Celebration — Bent’s Old Fort
Parade of Lights — Las Animas
New Year’s Eve Dance — Las Animas
Two Shot Goose Hunt — Lamar

WESTERN THINGS Artists of the Plains

300 E. Colorado (HWY 50)
Holly, COlorado
(719) 537-0600
(7199) 688-6377
(719) 688 63
377
wide selection of A unique art gallery consisting of many
gifts,purses,jewelry, talented artists.
Watercolor • Acrylics • Colored Pencil • Oils,
andallthingswestern Photography • Wood turnings • Greeting cards,
Orphan Art • Fabric covered plates • Hand-made jewelry.
We have many special events throughout the year such
as a Featured Artist, Special shows, classes and workshops
for the public in many different mediums.

We also house: REGIONAL HERITAGE

TOURISM CENTER FOR NATIONAL PARK \
& OTHER SITES
OBJECTIONS OF AFFECTION - a vintage shop
with many interesting finds, and jewelry. We also have
DRINKS & SNACKS!
Stop by sometime, it will be worth your
time. We would love to see you!
703 Wanstead (Hwy 287 & 7th), Eads, CO 81036
OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY Sandy Jones President 719-688-5583
FROM 10:00 AM TO 5:00 PM
. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 35
 CHURCH DIRECTORY
LAMAR
Radiant Life Assembly of
God: Pastor Tim Douglas. 27534
U.S. Hwy 287 ( 1 ⁄ 2 mile south of
the golf course).
St. Francis de Sales/Our
Lady of Guadalupe Catholic
Church: Rev. Charles Sena. 600
East Parmenter.
Lamar Missionary Baptist
Church: Pastor John A.
Morrison. 507 S. 14th
First Baptist Church: Pastor
David Davis. 1600 S. Main.
Grace Evangelical Lutheran
Church: Rev. Steven Thomas. 1
Memorial Drive.
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s
Witenesses: 1701 S. 8th.
Lamar Christian Church:
Senior Minister Ian Blacker,
Associate Minister Ray
Matteson, Worship Minister
Jacob Donato. 811 S. Main.
Mt. Olive Evangelical
Lutheran CLC: Pastor Timothy
Wheaton. 811 S. 1st
Crosswind Church: Rev. Chet
King. Corner of Pearl and
Seventh
Church of Christ: 7th and
Savage Ave.
Redeeming Love Church:
Pastors Mark and Renee Viar.
204 North St. (Old Skating
Rink).
Calvary Baptist Church:
Pastor Jeffrey W. Alexander. 907
S. 3rd.
United Methodist Church 0f
Lamar: Pastor Jessica Rooks.
107 S. 6th.
First Presbyterian Church:
Pastor Rory Gillespie. 1110 S.
6th.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church:
Father Bernie Ebert. 4th and
Parmenter.
Victory Life World Outreach:
Pastor Mike Caldwell. 110 N.
6th.
Iglesia Christiana: Pastors
Aviel and Elisa Alvarez. Poplar
and 9th Streets.
First Southern Baptist
Church: Pastor Harold Bohl. 706
W. Pearl.
Page 36 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
Life Center Foursquare:
Pastors Manuel and Debbie
Tamez. 1807 S. 11th.
Community Church of the
Nazarene: Rev. Roy L. Gueswel.
N. 8th and Maple
Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints — 1700 S.
14th St.
Faith Friends Church:
Pastors Galan and Mary Burnett.
7th and Chestnut.
Seventh-Day Adventist
Church: Pastor Dale
Fuhrmeister. S. 6th and Savage
Ave., across from ball parks.
Apostolic Assembly Church:
Pastor Jose E. Roman. 411 N.
2nd.
Lamar Church of Christ: 6th
and Parmenter.
WILEY
United Methodist Church of
Wiley: Rev. T.L. Phillips. Gordon
and 4th St.
Valley Baptist Church: Meets
at the Wiley Community
Building. Missionary/Pastor
Douglas Sanford.
Church of God: Pastor Mike
Schneider. 104 Welton.
Wiley Community Church:
Pastor Mike Schneider. 500
Main.
McCLAVE
United Methodist Church of
McClave: Rev. T.L. Phillips.
Grant and First St.
BRISTOL
St. Mary’s Catholic Church:
211 North LaBelle.
Bristol/Granada Methodist
Church: Rev. Greg Borden.
Bristol Presbyterian Church:
Pastor Gillespie, 1 block east of
385 of Frederick.
HOLLY
First Christian Church:
Pastor Toney Jenkins, Hwy 50
and 5th St.
Holly Evangelical Free
Church: 35311 County Road GG.
Holly United Methodist
Church: Rev. Kathy Leathers.
511 W. Colorado.
First Church of the Nazarene:
Pastore Eugene Birt. 1004 W. Colorado
St. Frances of Rome Catholic
Church: 119 South 6th.
Holly Church of Christ: Minister
Don Lawrence. W. Hwy 50.
First Baptist Church: Pastor Ralph
Plummer. 512 W. Colorado.
Cowboy Calvary Worship SBC:
Pastor Jack Martin. 204 South 5th.
SPRINGFIELD
Springfield Church of God: Rev. Ron
Groningu. 900 Tipton Street.
Springfield Baptist Chapel: Rev. E.
Russell Young, Pastor. 441 Pinion.
Our Lady of Annuncaition: Rev.
Charles Sena. 140 Kansas St.
EADS
First Baptist Church: Pastor Russell
Parker. 705 N. Main St.
United Methodist Church: Rev.
Nancy Peacock. 110 E. 11th St.
First Christian Church: Minister
Alvin J. Clamp. 100 East 7th.
LAS ANIMAS
St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church Wels
Center: Pastor Robert Glasgow. 1119
Amb. Thompson Blvd.
Parkview Baptist Church: Pastor
Nathan Gumkey. 1625 6th St.
HASWELL
United Methodist Church: Rev.
Nancy Peacock. Main St.
CHIVINGTON
Chivington Friends Church:
Galan and Mary Burnett, Pastors.
55676 U.S. Hwy 96.
HASTY
Midvalley Cowboy Worship: Pastor
Jack Marin. Hasty Fire Department
.
 SOUTHEAST COLORADO
LODGING GUIDE
(719) 336-1031 Hampton Inn
CAMPO
Turner Motel Cow Palace Inn 27800 US Hwy 50
279 East 5th 1301 N. Main (719) 384-4444
(719) 787-2293 (719) 336-7753 Holiday Inn Express
EADS Day’s Inn 27994 US Hwy 50
Eads Travelers Lodge 1306 N. Main Frontage Road
609 E 15th St. (719) 336-5340 (719) 384-2900
(719) 438-5451 Golden Arrow Motel La Junta Inn and Suites
611 E. Olive 1325 E. Third
HASTY (719) 384-2571
(719) 336-2717
Hasty Retreat
Bed & Breakfast Holiday Inn Express La Junta KOA
121 S. Main and Suites 26680 West Hwy 50
(719) 829-1890 1304 N. Main Street (719) 384-9580
Hotel Front Desk Mid-Town Motel
SPRINGFIELD (719) 336-4010 215 East Third Street
Crawford Motel Hotel Reservations (719) 384-7741
288 Colorado 1-888-465-4329
(719) 523-6276 Stagecoach Motel
Holiday Motel 905 West Third St.
J’s Motel 404 N. Main (719) 384-5476
265 Main (719) 336-9745
(719) 523-6257 Super 8 Motel
Lamar Sportsman 27882 Frontage Road
Stage Stop Hotel Campground (719) 384-4408
1033 Main St. and Horse Motel
(719) 523-4737 Travel Inn of La Junta
5385 US Hwy 50 110 E. First
Starlite Motel (719) 336-3623 (719) 384-2504
681 Main Super 8 Motel
(719) 523-6236
1202 N. Main LAS ANIMAS
MCCLAVE (719) 336-3427 Bent’s Fort Inn
HUDS Campground 3rd Street Nest Bed and East Hwy 50
29995 US 50 Breakfast (719) 456-0011
(719) 829-4344 304 S. Third Street Cottonwood Mobile Home
LAMAR (719) 336-5217 and RV Park
Blue Spruce LA JUNTA 30001 Cty Road 10
1081 S. Main Finney House Bed (719) 456-0893
(719) 336-7454 & Breakfast Santa Fe Trail Inn
Chek Inn 608 Belleview Avenue 638 Bent Ave.
1201 S. Main (719) 384-8758 (719) 456-0303

. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 37

 PUBLIC GOLF COURSES
Cottonwood Links Rocky Ford
1 Cottonwood Lane Country Club
Fowler Southwest of Rocky Ford
(719) 263-4500 (719) 254-7528

Eads Public Golf Smoking River

Course Golf Course
County Road S & Hwy 287 475 N. Second East
Eads Cheyenne Wells
(719) 767-5021
La Junta Golf Club
27696 Harris Road Spreading Antlers
La Junta Golf Club
(719) 384-7133 South Hwy 287
Lamar
Las Animas Public (719) 336-2297
Golf Course
2200 Country Club Drive Springfield Golf
Las Animas Course
(719) 456-2511 West on Hwy 160, travel
past Southeast Colorado
Power for 1 ⁄ 4 mile.

ACE Tire Service

Specializing in All Your
Tire & Alignment Needs
C OBERLEY
motor sales and service
Automotive Repair • Auto Sales
JEFF MILLSPAUGH ED COBERLEY
32605 Speculator Circle OWNER/OPERATOR
(off Hwy. 50)
GARY W HENSON
Lamar, CO 81052
OWNER/OPERATOR
Cell (719)688-8265
GARY E HENSON
(719) 336-0403 MECHANIC
719-336-7214
All Brands - New - Mobile Service 9181 E. HWY 50 • LAMAR, CO 81052

West on Airport Road

Route No. 2
Lamar, CO
336-5410
Page 38 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado .
 SPREADING ANTLERS
GOLF COURSE
Golf course is a jewel on the plains
Set in the natural you’ll find Spreading Antlers
landscape of southeastern Golf Course conveniently
Colorado’s High Plains, open from 8 a.m. — dark,
Lamar’s Spreading Antlers seven days a week, from the
Golf Club invites players to first day of April to the first
drive down fairways in an weekend in October.
area where teamsters once
You can walk or rent a
drove heavily laden freight
cart, with no tee-off time
wagons.
required, and reasonable
Located south of Lamar on green fees for weekdays of
Highway 287, Spreading $12 for nine holes and $22
Antlers is listed in Colorado for weekends and 12 holds
Golf Magazine’s Golf Guide. for $14 on week days and
It is a public nine-hole par-35 $25 on weekends.
golf course. Memberships are also
creates strategic challenges balls, take a lesson to available for a very
Built in 1965 and designed
for every skill level. increase the accuracy of reasonable cost.
by the late golf professional
and course designer Labron Whether you want to play your shot, pause for a bit to For more information on
Harris, Sr., the extremely a round with friends, eat in the snack shop, or just Spreading Antlers Golf
well manicured course practice hitting a bucket of browse in the golf shop, Course call (719) 336-5274.

La Mission
Villanneva

WhetherLayouMission
are visiting, or Serving Southeast Colorado since 1997!
Villanueva 2
just traveling through, be sure
973 Main St.
to stop in try some of our
Springfield, Co.81073
delicious cuisine!
719-523-4999 • Parts Department
•Daily Specials
•American Grill
•Platters
•Appetizers • ASE Certified Center
•Refreshing Beverages •Kids Menu

Fast, Friendly Service • New and Used

Dine-in or Carryout Automotive Sales
Bienvenidos
100 Savage Ave. • Lamar, CO • (719) 336-8888
Monday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

. 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 39

 CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
Bent County Chamber of Commerce
332 Amb. Thompson Blvd.
Las Animas, CO 81054
(719) 456 - 0453
Contact: russellatchamber@yahoo.com
La Junta Chamber of Commerce
Bent County
Development Foundation
Bent County Chamber of Commerce
332 Amb. Thompson Blvd.
Las Animas, CO 81054
(719) 456 - 0452
Fax: (719) 456 - 0455
www.bentcounty.org
Bcdf@bentcounty.org
Crowley County
Chamber of Commerce
301 Main Street
Ordway, CO 81063
(719) 267-4444 ext. 4
www.crowleycounty.net
Crowley County
Economic Development
603 Main, Suite 2 Rocky Ford Chamber of Commerce
Ordway, CO 81063
(719) 267-4444 ext. 259
www.crowleycounty.net
Eads Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 163 Springfield Chamber of Commerce
Eads, CO 81036-0163
(719) 438- 590
Fax (719) 438-5652
www.kiowacountycolo.com
Fowler Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 172
Fowler, CO 81039
(719) 253-4461
www.fowlerchamberofcommerce.com
Page 40 — 2010 Discover Southeast Colorado
Holly Commercial Club
P.O. Box 114
Holly, CO 81047
(719) 537-6622
110 Santa Fe Avenue
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-7411
Fax (719) 384-2217
www.lajuntachamber.com
Lamar Chamber of Commerce
109-A East Beech Street
Lamar, CO 81052
(719) 336-4379
Fax (719) 336-4370
www.lamarchamber.com
Las Animas/Bent County
Chamber of Commerce
332 Amb. Thompson Blvd.
Las Animas, CO 81054
(719) 254-0453
Fax (719) 456-0455
105 N. Main Street
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
(719) 254-7483
www.rockyfordchamber.net
948 Main
Springfield, CO 81073
(719) 523-4061
www.springfieldco.info
.
In the Begining...

Bob & Helen Emick

Steve, Don, Dave, Mike, Greg, Tim, Tam,
Kenny and all the Emick family are proud
to sponsor the windmill story inside.
 LA JUNTA Colorado DISCOVER
www.VisitLaJunta.net SOUTHEAST COLORADO
Come and VISIT Us!
t
The Smile Hi City - we’ve got a lot to smile about...
La Junta is home of:
• The World Renowned Koshare Indian Museum
& Dancers
• La Junta SK8way Skating Park

C
• Bent’s Old Fort National Park
• The Otero Museum
• The Comanche National Grasslands Headquarters
Vogel Canyon Indian Rock Art
Jurassic Period Dinosaur Tracks
• Otero Junior College
• Beautiful 9 hole golf course
• Municipal Swimming Pool and Wipe-Out Slide
• And much much more

Visit these websites for more information

www.LaJuntaEvents.com
www.ci.la-junta.co.us
www.MusicAtTheJunction.com
www.LaJuntaChamber.com
www.LaJuntaEconomicDevelopment.net

Paid for by:

LAJ U N TA
Economic Development

2010 Travel and Tourism Guide

for Southeast Colorado