Montrose’s 1922 Time Capsule Reveals What Life Was Like

Calling all Western Slope history buffs. The city of Montrose has finished preparing the contents of 1922’s time capsule for public viewing, and we can now take a look at what's inside.

What did the city’s residents in 1922 want us to see in 2026? Their historic newspapers, photographs, and documents are now on permanent display at Montrose County Courthouse.

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The Time Capsule Was Actually Opened in 2024

Residents of Montrose County packed a time capsule in 1922, which was opened on November 7, 2024, more than 100 years after it was sealed. When historic capsules like this one are opened, it takes time to sort, catalog, and protect the items inside. Now that the work is done, the items are housed in glass on the third floor. They are ours to enjoy during normal business hours.

What Was Inside the 1922 Time Capsule?

It's a collection of newspapers, clippings, photos, and letters that the community wanted all of us to see 100 years later. It’s the ordinary objects that everyone wants to see. A tangible glimpse of what Montrose was like in 1922. The county has not published a complete item-by-item inventory in its current public announcement, so the display itself may reveal details that go beyond the broad categories officially listed.

Montrose Is Now Making a Time Capsule for 2126

The city did decide on a time capsule to represent 2026. It’s been filled, sealed, and set aside in the courthouse to be opened on September 15, 2126. Community organizations were invited to contribute digital photographs, letters, artwork, community highlights, and historical reflections, according to the June announcement. What item would you add to a 2026 time capsule from Montrose, Colorado?

LOOK: The History of Welcome Signs in the Centennial State

Colorado is surrounded by seven neighboring states with multiple highways that will lead you in and out from all sides. More than 40 Welcome to Colorful Colorado road signs are waiting to greet visitors. Scroll on to find out where they are and to get a glimpse of each of them.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

THROWBACK: Exploring the History of Grand Junction, Colorado

If you came to western Colorado in 1880, you probably never would have guessed how the valley would look in 2023. Check out a timeline of significant events that brought Grand Junction from the frontier to a small city from 1880 to 1900.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

NEXT: 12 Of Montrose, Colorado's Longest Street Names That Stand Out

We’re tracking down the Montrose street with the longest name you can actually see on a sign. Every letter, space, and suffix counts—‘Drive,’ ‘Avenue,’ or ‘Circle’ all matter. Any guesses on which street takes the crown?

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams