5 Facts About the Oldest Town in Colorado
It's the oldest continuously occupied town in Colorado and here are five facts you should know.
San Luis is recognized as the oldest Colorado town, dating back to 1851. By comparison, Grand Junction did not become an incorporated town until 1882.
San Luis is located in south-central Colorado, and serves as the county seat for Costilla County, Colorado's 9th least populous county.
It is doubtful you have ever been to the historic town of San Luis and unlikely that you ever will. It's not likely most of us will ever be passing by, so, from afar, we pay tribute to San Luis, Colorado's oldest town.
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Hispanic Early Settlers
Hispanic settlers from New Mexico established a number of villages in the area, and officially took possession of the land on April 9, 1851. At the time, San Luis was part of the New Mexico Territory. The town sits just 18 miles from the state line.
- 2
Santa Ana y Santiago Fiesta!
The Santa Ana y Santiago Fiesta celebrates the patron saints of two local churches and has been an annual event for more than 100 years. The event features parades, horses, music, vendors, and church events.
- Google Street View
Google Street View 3Population 629
The current estimated population of San Luis is 629. The town is predominantly Hispanic with strong ties to Spain's religious, cultural, and artistic traditions. The median income is $20,875.
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Fourth Generation Mayor
The Mayor of San Luis is Tiffany Gallegos, a fourth-generation native of San Luis. She says "My parents have always given back to our community. I am following their legacy. I want to give back to our community. I want to help make our community to become whole again.”
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Stations of the Cross
San Luis is home to a tourist attraction the Shrine of the Stations of the Cross. The shrine features a total of fifteen 3/4 to full size bronze statues illustrating the stations of the cross, the 15th being the resurrection of Jesus. The statues are creations of sculptor Huberto Maesta,with each statue finished in bronze using the 'lost wax process."
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