Saguache, CO: small rural town with an amazing historic downtown
March 2023: Driving west across the Rocky Mountains for a spring break get-away road trip, we headed south on US Hwy 285 into the north end of the San Luis Valley. While admiring the beautiful snowcapped mountains in the distance, our eye was drawn to a beautiful white church with a bright red door.
Then we saw a brightly painted sign for the town of Saguache, which we learned has a 2020 population of only 539 residents. Intrigued, we found the main street business district and took a look around. What an amazing place! Check out the beautiful historic buildings, including a “Pueblo Deco” (a melding of Art Deco with Southwest Indian designs) catholic church!
Saguache – A Brief history
Saguache is located on the north end of the San Luis Valley, between the Sangre de Crist Range (east) and San Jan Mountains (west). The area was a winter location for the Native Americans who lived higher in the surrounding mountains in the summer.
The Spanish moved into the area in the 1600s, finding the valley a good location for grazing sheep. Settlers and miners passed through the area, seeking westward passage along the Old Spanish Trail. Permanent settlers established Saguache town (and nearby Villa Grove) in the mid 1860s. It served as a trading post and eventually a miners supply base.
Saguache is the county seat of Saguache County.
Downtown vibe / walkability
We were immediately impressed by the old historic buildings – and how nicely renovated they are! We were impressed with an old Bank building with fancy pillars that is currently a branch of the Aventa Credit Union, as a unique nod to the past.
We stopped by Saguache 4th Street Diner & Bakery for coffee and fresh baked goods. Yum!
They have an old movie theater, an art gallery, local craft store. Even their one back alley with artistic graffiti was cool!
A deeper dive
Curious about how such a small population town can support such a vibrant historic downtown, I did an on-line search and found this excellent video that talks about the community engagement to build a stronger and more inclusive town for everyone. I also found a historic walking tour booklet (compiled in 2000) which provides a history of many of the old historic buildings in this towns.
Saguache is an historical gem for anyone who loves Colorado hisotry; next time you are in the area, be sure to stop by for a cup of coffee and snack – and check it out!
Link to smalltownresearch.org for more information
