Antonito in Conejos County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Foundations of Faith
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2025
1. Foundations of Faith Marker
Deeply rooted in the Catholic religion, the Hispano settlers of the San Luis Valley shared unique spiritual beliefs. On the edge of the frontier, they were extremely isolated with only the occasional priest visiting to administer mass, rites, or further propagate the Catholic faith.
In the absence of clergy, the Penitente brotherhood, whose membership consisted of local men, became the religious and social leaders for each village. Never infringing on the sacramental duties of the clergy, Los Hermanos (the brothers) provided religious direction, cared for the sick and needy, buried the dead, and helped to maintain the peace. The Penitentes have remained an integral part of their communities.
Guadalupe was the first permanent settlement in the southwestern part of the San Luis Valley, established in 1854. That same year, a small jacal (built of vertical logs covered with mud) was constructed to serve as a place of worship until a church could be constructed.
Erected by Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission, Colorado Historical Society, Colorado Department of Transportation, and The Nature Conservancy.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans •
this page online
Location. 37° 4.267′ N, 106° 0.715′ W. Marker is in Antonito, Colorado, in Conejos County. It is on U.S. 285 just south of 1st Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Antonito CO 81120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains and in the San Luis Valley. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Railroad Boom Town (here, next to this marker); La Sociedad (here, next to this marker); Welcome to El Valle de San Luis (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Colorado / Antonito Country (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cumbres & Toltec (within shouting distance of this marker); The Horse and the Indian (within shouting distance of this marker); Denver & Rio Grande Railroad San Juan Extension (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Warshauer Mansion (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Antonito.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Conejos County Churches
Also see . . .
1. Guadalupe, Colorado (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: Guadalupe was among the first(Submitted on August 29, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)settlements in the San Luis Valley. It was founded by Lafayette Head in 1854 in what was then Taos County, New Mexico Territory. The Territory of Colorado was organized on February 28, 1861. On November 1, 1861, the Territorial Legislature created Guadalupe County with Guadalupe as the county seat. Six days later, the legislature changed the county name to Conejos County. Fearing flooding, the Conejos, Colorado Territory, post office opened on February 25, 1862, at a site 3 feet higher across the Conejos River. In 1863, Conejos County moved its county seat 0.6 miles across the Conejos River to the newer town of Conejos.Courtesy Ron Kessler2. Marker detail: JacalA jacal such as this one was used as a place of worship in Guadalupe. When Guadalupe was later flooded, Our Lady of Guadalupe church was built just across the Conejos River in the village of Conejos.
2. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (History Colorado).
Excerpt: The present Our Lady of Guadalupe Church dates to 1927/1948 and serves a heavily Hispano parish that has long-standing ties to the settlement of the San Luis Valley in the early 1850s. The church has been a focal point for community events since its initial founding in the 1850s, and the present church has been the site of funerals, weddings, and feast days. The church is also an example of the Spanish Colonial Revival style and includes extensive installations of stained-glass windows, a hand-crafted(Submitted on August 29, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)altar, statuary, and other works of art, much of which are the works of local craftsmen.
3. Marker detail: Conejos County ChurchesOrtiz, Las Mesitas, San Rafael, Conejos, Antonito, and San AntonioAbove: Catholic mission churches dot the landscape in the towns and villages of Conejos County. Our Lady of Guadalupe is home to the oldest Catholic parish in the State of Colorado.
Left: The San Rafael Presbyterian Church, located in Mogote, was established in 1895. The church is Conejos Countys only remaining Spanish-speaking Presbyterian Church and one of the oldest surviving adobe churches.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2025
4. Foundations of Faith Marker
Welcome Caminante to Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic & Historic Byway and The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area
Looking south. This marker is the leftmost of two interpretive panels on the north side of the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic & Historic Byway kiosk in Antonito. US Highway 285 is on the left.
Looking south. This marker is the leftmost of two interpretive panels on the north side of the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic & Historic Byway kiosk in Antonito. US Highway 285 is on the left.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2025
5. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Conejos, Colorado
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2025
6. Saint Augustine Catholic Church, Antonito, Colorado
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 29, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
