Salida in Chaffee County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Chaffee County Courthouse
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2025
1. Chaffee County Courthouse Marker
built by Ray Lines Post 64 American Legion
Architect De Morduant
Approximate cost $120,000
Completed 1932
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.
Location. 38° 32.246′ N, 105° 59.862′ W. Marker is in Salida, Colorado, in Chaffee County. It is on Crestone Avenue just west of Poncha Boulevard (TransAmerica Trail), on the right when traveling west. The marker is on the right side of the front/main courthouse entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 104 Crestone Avenue, Salida CO 81201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Arkansas River Valley, in the Colorado High Rockies and on the Continental Divide. 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Rails New Trails (approx. Ό mile away); Heart of the Rockies (approx. Ό mile away); A Railroad Town (approx. Ό mile away); Chaffee County Honor Roll Board (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Salida Steam Plant (approx. 0.3 miles away); FIBArk: First in Boating on the Arkansas (approx. 0.3 miles away); Water Use and Water Rights (approx. 0.3 miles away); Votes for Women (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salida.
Regarding Chaffee County Courthouse. Colorado State Register of Historic Properties Site № 5CF.850.
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Chaffee County Courthouse (History Colorado).
Excerpt: Constructed in 1932, the courthouse is architecturally significant for its use of the Art Deco style. It is one of a few Art Deco-styled buildings designed by prominent architect Walter DeMordaunt and is one of only three Art Deco courthouses in Colorado. Adding to its significance is the well-preserved interior. A compatible addition was constructed in 1968.(Submitted on February 16, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Chaffee County Courthouse (American Courthouses).
Excerpt: The building faces west and is a three-story buff colored brick and concrete structure. The rectangular shaped building is located on spacious landscaped grounds in the center of Salida. The center section projects from the main building and rises three stories. The entrance is faced with stone. The north and south wings are two-story and lower in height. The windows are vertical with panels between.(Submitted on February 16, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Walter DeMordaunt (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: American architect who practiced in Pueblo, Colorado from 1920 to 1962. He was one of Colorado's(Submitted on February 16, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)most prolific architects. He focused on the structure of buildings, allowing his staff of four to six people to add the style and decorative elements. Their work was primarily in Pueblo, but also in the Colorado cities of Caρon City, Grand Junction, Lamar, Las Animas, Meeker, and Salida.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 20252. Chaffee County Courthouse MarkerThe marker is on the right side of the main courthouse entrance.
In 1929, he was selected to design the Chaffee County Courthouse in Salida, Colorado. His Art Deco style design called for stained glass windows for the records vaults; however, county officials bricked over the windows, citing securing concerns. Community vigilantes removed the bricks to expose the windows, only to have the county replace them. The courthouse opened without the windows in 1932. It is listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2025
3. Chaffee County Courthouse (southwest elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2025
4. Chaffee County Courthouse (south elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2025
5. Chaffee County Courthouse (1968 addition)
This architecturally sympathetic two-story addition was constructed on the north side in 1968 to house the county offices. The architect was Edward A DeVilbiss and Charles E Gathers.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2025
6. Chaffee County Courthouse (northwest elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 48 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 16, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
