San Luis in Costilla County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Costilla County Courthouse
Erected in 1883
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2025
1. Costilla County Courthouse Marker
Located within the National Historic Landmark District of La Plaza de San Luνs De La Culebra
Listed to the National Register of Historic Places on December 22nd, 1978
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 37° 11.91′ N, 105° 25.572′ W. Marker is in San Luis, Colorado, in Costilla County. It is on Main Street (State Highway 159) just south of Archie Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker is mounted on the right side of the west courthouse entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 304 Main Street, San Luis CO 81152, 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: San Luis Valley (a few steps from this marker); R & R Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Plaza de San Luis de la Culebra (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); San Luis and Costilla County Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away); San Luis Valley Country (approx. 0.2 miles away); Acequias (approx. 0.2 miles away);
this page online
Regarding Costilla County Courthouse. Contributing property, Plaza de San Luis de la Culebra, National Register of Historic Places № 78000837. Also a contributing property in Colorado State Register of Historic Properties Site № 5CT.47.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by Mrs. Sally Vigil, 3/31/1977:
The Plaza de San Luis de la Culebra is both a monument to the past and to a unique and viable culture of today. With few exceptions, the great majority of structures in the town are small scale one- and two-story brown cream or white buildings, the oldest of which have been in continuous use since they were built in the early 1860s. The result is harmonious, with the overall integrity of the town intact.
During the 1880's, the simple adobe structures were giving way to more complex shapes and forms. Examples include the County Courthouse. The overall effect is one of elaboration yet possessing clearly distinguishable ties with the simple structures of the past. Most of the buildings have been added to and altered over the years, a tributeto the viability of the Spanish tradition, but the overall rhythm and harmony remain consistent throughout the district.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 20252. Costilla County Courthouse MarkerThe marker is mounted on the right side of the west courthouse entrance.
The Costilla County Court House was built in 1883 and is an adobe structure with a stone foundation. It is still the center of County government.
Also see . . .
1. Plaza de San Luis de la Culebra Historic District (History Colorado).
Excerpt: Established in 1851, San Luis is the oldest continuously inhabited town in Colorado. The district contains an important collection of buildings that includes the county courthouse, the convent and Church of Most Precious Blood, numerous residences, and the towns commercial core. The district also includes the Vega, a common ground for animal grazing, and the San Luis Peoples Ditch.(Submitted on February 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Costilla County Courthouse (American Courthouses).
(by John Deacon) Excerpt: Style: Classical(Submitted on February 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Architect: John Farrington, Samuel Tucker and others
Contractor: John Farrington, Samuel Tucker and others
The building faces west and is a one-story stone and stucco structure. It is located on landscaped grounds in the center of San Luis. The west front has a recessed entrance in the center. At the center of theroof is a square wood cupola with green colored roof. The roof is sloped. The building houses the County District Court and County Court of the 12th Judicial District. The building was renovated in 2008. The architect was Gifford Spurch and Associates and Albert Moore & Associates and the contractor was Crocker Limited and Upscale Builders, Inc.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 20253. Costilla County Courthouse (west entrance)
The county was created in 1861, and San Michael was selected as the county seat. The county seat was moved to San Luis in 1863. The county used rented premises. The first and present courthouse was constructed in 1883 to 1884.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2025
4. Costilla County Courthouse (northwest elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2025
5. Costilla County Courthouse (southwest elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2025
6. Costilla County Courthouse (west elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 30 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
