Heart of the Rockies

Heart of the Rockies. . , Salida sprouted within weeks of the arrival of the railroad. Homes and businesses couldn't be built fast enough, and many families spent time camped along the Arkansas River. In its first edition The Mountain Mail newspaper reported that three weeks prior “not a stick of timber was on the present town site.” At the time of publication, 45 businesses were under construction. , The first building lots cost $200, corner lots were $800. Hotels, saloons, and mercantiles were soon joined by churches and a school. A glamorous opera house on First Street and numerous saloons and houses of ill repute were established on Front Street (now Sackett) within easy reach of trains arriving at the depot. , Salida's railroad town identity ended in 1971, when it ceased to be a D&RG division point. In 1984 the Salida Downtown Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. But Salida is also a contemporary town. Active businesses, vibrant arts and plentiful recreation mean something's always happening. , Follow the Hearts to Salida , Follow the Hearts to Salida was a successful 1942 promotion by Salida Chamber of Commerce President Wilbur B. Foshay. A somewhat questionable character, Foshay also circulated a promotion about the area's fur-bearing trout. Nevertheless, the heart theme remains a recognizable identity for Salida. , Looking for ghosts? , While there are several ghost towns throughout Chaffee County, you don't have to leave downtown to discover mysterious remnants of the past. Many of the downtown buildings sport layers of hand-painted signs. These “ghost signs” advertise everything from cola to ammunition. , [photo captions] , . Salida's early wood buildings were vulnerable to fire. A devastating fire in 1888 led town officials to decree brick construction. Many downtown buildings date from this era. , . A stray dog became a fixture at the railroad yards and the unofficial greeter of the nearby Monte Cristo Hotel. Duke was credited with saving the lives of several people who weren't as savvy about the rails as he. These ladies are visiting Duke's memorial, established after his death in 1902. Today a Tenderfoot Hill trail leads to the site., Salida milestones , 1859 . Gold was discovered in the Upper Arkansas Valley. , 1876 . Colorado achieved Statehood. , 1878 . The Cleora townsite was established. , 1879 . Chaffee County was formed from the southern portion of Lake County. , 1880 . Salida townsite was established as Denver and Rio Grande Railroad arrived. , 1882 . Salida was chosen for the official D&RG hospital to serve employees throughout the railroad system. , 1883 . Monte Cristo Hotel opened and became famous for its cuisine and luxury. A stray dog called Duke became a fixture at the hotel and railyards. , 1885 . The D&RG Hospital was completed. , 1888 . A major fire destroyed most of downtown between First Street and the river. , 1896 . Laura Evans came to Salida and opened a “female boarding house” on Front Street, which operated until the city closed it in 1950. Laura died in 1953 in her home at the age of 91. , 1908 . Salida's Carnegie Library cornerstone was laid. , 1928 . The Chaffee County seat was moved from Buena Vista to Salida , 1941 . Salida's original railroad station and Monte Cristo hotel were demolished. , 1949 . FIBArk: First in Boating on the Arkansas was begun as an international river boat competition with a race from Salida to Cañon City. , 1967 . The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad discontinued passenger service through the Upper Arkansas Valley and Salida. , 1971 . The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad eliminated Salida's division point activities. , 1982 . The Monarch Branch railroad operations ceased following closure of the limestone quarry that had supplied Colorado Fuel and Iron in Pueblo. The rails of the Monarch Branch line were removed by 1985. , 1997 . The Union Pacific Railroad discontinued freight traffic through the Upper Arkansas Valley and Salida.