Alamosa in Alamosa County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
William H. “Billy” Adams
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Richardson Hall
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Luther Bean Museum
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2025
1. William H. “Billy” Adams / Richardson Hall / Luther Bean Museum Marker
William H. “Billy” Adams
Adams State University's founder and namesake, William H. “Billy” Adams (1861-1954), was a strong advocate for rural education.
For a period of 50 years, Billy Adams held several offices in Colorado including: Mayor of Alamosa, Conejos County Commissioner, Colorado State Representative, Colorado State Senator, and Governor of Colorado.
Richardson Hall
Named for Adams State University's first president, Dr. Ira Richardson (1871-1959), Richardson Hall is the oldest building on campus.
Its cornerstone was placed on August 31, 1923.
Following the initial construction of the main building, completed in 1925, south and north wings were added in 1929 and 1937.
Designed by Denver architect William N. Bowen (1868-1944), who also designed the President’s Residence/Marvel House (1932) and Rex Gymnasium (1938-39), the building is Classical Revival style.
Richardson Hall was designated on the City of Alamosa’s Historic Registry in 2015.
Luther Bean Museum
(Museum del Valle de San Luis, re-dedicated 1976)
Located in the university's original library on the second floor of Richardson Hall, the Luther Bean Museum honors
this page online
Dr. Bean (1887-1976) was a professor of education, author, and the founder of the Outing Club.
In partnership with valley communities, Adams State's Luther Bean Museum seeks to preserve, enhance and promote the study of the diverse cultures and history of the San Luis Valley and Adams State University.
Collection highlights include works by Allan Houser (Haozous), Joseph Henry Sharp, William Moyers, Stephen Quiller, Epifania “Eppie” Archuleta, and a mural by J. Noel Tucker. Pueblo pottery and retablos are among the many cultural and historical artifacts on display.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is August 31, 1923.
Location. 37° 28.2′ N, 105° 52.811′ W. Marker is in Alamosa, Colorado, in Alamosa County. It can be reached from Edgemont Boulevard just north of Main Street (U.S. 285), on the right when traveling north. The marker is on the Adams State University campus, along the walkway on the south side of Richardson Hall. Touch for map.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2025
2. William H. “Billy” Adams / Richardson Hall / Luther Bean Museum Marker
The south wing of Richardson Hall is in the background.
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: Millstone, c. 1845 (here, next to this marker); 1988 NAIA Division 1 National Championship Runner-Up (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Old Mose" (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Memory of Maj. Paul J. Weaver III (approx. half a mile away); Sacred Heart Catholic Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); Educational Desegregation (approx. 0.7 miles away); Maestas Case 1912-1914 (approx. 0.7 miles away); American Legion Building (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alamosa.
Also see . . .
1. William Herbert “Billy” Adams (Wikipedia).
Excerpt:(Submitted on March 3, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)American politician who served as the 25th governor of the state of Colorado, from 1927 until 1933. Adams was born in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. In 1878, when he was 17, Adams moved to Alamosa, Colorado. He was later elected to City Treasurer, then Mayor of Alamosa, and later as Conejos County commissioner. In 1886, he was elected to the Colorado General Assembly as a member of the Colorado House of Representatives. In 1888, he was elected to the Colorado Senate where he served until 1926, when he was elected as Governor of Colorado.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 20253. Richardson Hall (south wing)Today Richardson Hall houses the Luther Bean Museum.
In 1921, during his term as Colorado Senate Senator, Adams received approval on a bill that formed Alamosa State Normal School in Alamosa, Colorado. The college’s name was later changed to Adams State Teachers College in honor of its founder and finally to its present name Adams State University.
2. Luther Bean Museum, Adams State University (Colorado Museum Trail).
Excerpt: Richardson Hall (built in 3 stages between 1924-39), which houses the Luther Bean Museum, was the first building on the Adams State campus.(Submitted on March 3, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)The museum was the institution’s first library from 1930–1954. The space was later used as a theatre-in-the-round during the late 60s through the early 70s. In 1976 the space was dedicated as a museum in the memory of Dr. Luther Bean. The Luther Bean Museum includes memorabilia of the former Colorado Governor and ASU’s founder William H. “Billy” Adams including his governor’s chair, family photos of his life in Alamosa, a collection of books from his private library, and his desk.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 20254. Richardson Hall (east entrance)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2025
5. Richardson Hall
Designated Landmark, City of Alamosa Historic Registry
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2025
6. Richardson Hall Cupola
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2025
7. Richardson Hall (east elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 29 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on March 3, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
