Walsenburg, Colorado
Encyclopedia
The City of Walsenburg or Los Leones is a Statutory City that is the county seat
and the most populous city of Huerfano County
, Colorado
, United States
. The city population was 4,182 at the 2000 census.
Robert Ford
, the assassin of outlaw Jesse James
, operated a combination saloon and gambling house in Walsenburg; his home at 320 West 7th Street still stands.
, Walsenburg has a total area of 2.3 square miles (6 km²), all of it land.
The Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center is located two miles (3 km) west of Walsenburg on , opposite the entrance to Lathrop State Park. Inside the building, there are a state-operated veterans retirement home and a community hospital that serves the area.
Walsenburg has transformed itself in recent years with the revitalization of its downtown area, led by the efforts of Richard McEntee and Marti Henderson and many other local businesses who have joined together to revitalize this historic and scenic community.
, located 2 miles (3.2 km) west of the city limits of Walsenburg, is the State of Colorado's first State Park and is over 1600 acres (6.5 km²) in size. Two lakes, Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake offer fishing, stocked by the State of Colorado (Division of Wildlife of the Department of Natural Resources), water skiing, boating, jet skiing, hiking, camping and is the only State Park in Colorado with a golf course.
The nearby Spanish Peaks
are a national landmark and named one of Colorado's Seven Wonders by the Denver Post
. The Highway of The Legends, connecting Walsenburg with La Veta
, other historic mining towns, and Trinidad
, is a National Scenic and Historic Byway,
The Walsenburg Golf Course is a 9 hole public golf course open for play year round. The City opened a two-million dollar water park, "Walsenburg Wild Waters" after efforts by former mayor Maurice Brau and the City Council, on May 27, 2007.
The Waikiki BeachBoys led by Frank Manuma, Harry Makalena, Lionel Haile, George Aio, Sam Hono'kano, Bruce Sharsh, Peter Kama and others performed a concert at the new water park Walsenburg Wild Waters raising over $20,000.00 for the youth of Walsenburg. The State Flags of Colorado and Hawaii were exchanged and flown over the state capitols in Honolulu and Denver. Sponsored by Colorado Senator Ken Kester and Hawaii Hawaii Rep. Gene Ward. Hawaii Rep. Barbara Murumoto issued "Spirit of Aloha" proclamations to The City of Walsenburg, Colo. Sen. Kester and Richard McEntee that were signed by Hawaii Rep. Barbara Murumoto and Hawaii Speaker of the House Calvin Lay. Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle also signed a proclamation validating the Hawaii State flag. It was a great cultural exchange between Walsenburg and Hawaii that will be treasured for many years to come. Plans call for another Hawaiian Don Ho/Waikiki Beachboy Day in 2009.
The area's first new subdivision in 25 years, Black Diamond Park, is attracting investors and future residents with its features which include an impressive gated entrance. Black Diamond Park is a master planned gated community that borders the Walsenburg Golf Course and Lathrop State Park. The subdivision features all-underground utilities and ready-to-build "estate home sites" with spectacular views of the Spanish Peaks
, the Sangre De Cristo Mountains
, Mt. Mestas, Greenhorn Mountain
, and the Walsen Ridge.
Over 3.6 million cars a year pass through this "Gateway to the Southwest" and travel and tourism are important to the local community.
of 2000, there were 4,182 people, 1,497 households, and 881 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,795.2 people per square mile (693.0/km²). There were 1,723 housing units at an average density of 739.6 per square mile (285.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 74.99% White, 4.78% African American, 3.35% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 12.46% from other races
, and 3.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 50.96% of the population.
There were 1,497 households out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.1% were married couples
living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.1% were non-families. 37.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the city the population was spread out with 20.9% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 133.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 141.1 males.
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
and the most populous city of Huerfano County
Huerfano County, Colorado
Huerfano County is one of the 64 counties of the State of Colorado of the United States. The county was named for the Huerfano Butte, a local landmark. The county population was 7,862 at U.S. Census 2000...
, Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The city population was 4,182 at the 2000 census.
Robert Ford
Robert Ford (outlaw)
Robert Newton "Bob" Ford was an American outlaw best known for killing his gang leader Jesse James in 1882. Ford was shot to death by Edward O'Kelley in his tent saloon with a shotgun blast to the front upper body...
, the assassin of outlaw Jesse James
Jesse James
Jesse Woodson James was an American outlaw, gang leader, bank robber, train robber, and murderer from the state of Missouri and the most famous member of the James-Younger Gang. He also faked his own death and was known as J.M James. Already a celebrity when he was alive, he became a legendary...
, operated a combination saloon and gambling house in Walsenburg; his home at 320 West 7th Street still stands.
History
The City of Walsenburg traces its history back about 150 years. The settlement was first established as La Plaza de los Leones which was named after the Leon family on the north side of the Cuchara River by Don Miguel Antonio Leon and a family named Atencio. In 1870, Fred Walsen settled nearby and opened up his large mercantile, making the town an attractive location for German settlers. After Fred assisted in the incorporation of the town's 320 acres (1.3 km²) site, it was suggested that he be honored by formally naming the new town "Walsenburg". In 1876, Walsen also opened the area's first coal mine, and the development of the town was influenced for a century by coal mining in the region. An estimated 500 million tons of coal was mined until a combination of corporate mergers, environmental regulations, and enforcement of mine safety regulations led to the closure of virtually all mining in the area.Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, Walsenburg has a total area of 2.3 square miles (6 km²), all of it land.
The Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center is located two miles (3 km) west of Walsenburg on , opposite the entrance to Lathrop State Park. Inside the building, there are a state-operated veterans retirement home and a community hospital that serves the area.
Walsenburg has transformed itself in recent years with the revitalization of its downtown area, led by the efforts of Richard McEntee and Marti Henderson and many other local businesses who have joined together to revitalize this historic and scenic community.
Local attractions and recreation
Lathrop State ParkLathrop State Park
Lathrop State Park is a Colorado state park. Out of the 42 State Parks in Colorado, Lathrop State Park was the very first State Park in Colorado and is named after Harold Lathrop, the first park commissioner. The park features 2 lakes, Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake, that offer gold medal fishing...
, located 2 miles (3.2 km) west of the city limits of Walsenburg, is the State of Colorado's first State Park and is over 1600 acres (6.5 km²) in size. Two lakes, Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake offer fishing, stocked by the State of Colorado (Division of Wildlife of the Department of Natural Resources), water skiing, boating, jet skiing, hiking, camping and is the only State Park in Colorado with a golf course.
The nearby Spanish Peaks
Spanish Peaks
The Spanish Peaks are a pair of volcanic mountains located in southwestern Huerfano County, Colorado. The Ute indians named them Huajatolla , meaning "two breasts". The Spanish name translates as "Breasts of the Earth". The two peaks, West Spanish Peak and East Spanish Peak, are the easternmost...
are a national landmark and named one of Colorado's Seven Wonders by the Denver Post
The Denver Post
-Ownership:The Post is the flagship newspaper of MediaNews Group Inc., founded in 1983 by William Dean Singleton and Richard Scudder. MediaNews is today one of the nation's largest newspaper chains, publisher of 61 daily newspapers and more than 120 non-daily publications in 13 states. MediaNews...
. The Highway of The Legends, connecting Walsenburg with La Veta
La Veta, Colorado
La Veta is a Statutory Town in Huerfano County, Colorado, United States. The population was 924 at the 2000 census.-Geography:La Veta is located at ....
, other historic mining towns, and Trinidad
Trinidad, Colorado
The historic City of Trinidad is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous city of Las Animas County, Colorado, United States...
, is a National Scenic and Historic Byway,
The Walsenburg Golf Course is a 9 hole public golf course open for play year round. The City opened a two-million dollar water park, "Walsenburg Wild Waters" after efforts by former mayor Maurice Brau and the City Council, on May 27, 2007.
Recent events
On July 20, 2007 the City of Walsenburg proclaimed the day: Don Ho/Waikiki BeachBoy Day and welcomed 13 Hawaiians who traveled to Walsenburg from Hawaii as the guests of local citizen/developer Richard McEntee. The Don Ho/Waikiki Day proclamation was personally delivered to Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in the Mayor's office in Honolulu, by Richard McEntee on July 11, 2007.The Waikiki BeachBoys led by Frank Manuma, Harry Makalena, Lionel Haile, George Aio, Sam Hono'kano, Bruce Sharsh, Peter Kama and others performed a concert at the new water park Walsenburg Wild Waters raising over $20,000.00 for the youth of Walsenburg. The State Flags of Colorado and Hawaii were exchanged and flown over the state capitols in Honolulu and Denver. Sponsored by Colorado Senator Ken Kester and Hawaii Hawaii Rep. Gene Ward. Hawaii Rep. Barbara Murumoto issued "Spirit of Aloha" proclamations to The City of Walsenburg, Colo. Sen. Kester and Richard McEntee that were signed by Hawaii Rep. Barbara Murumoto and Hawaii Speaker of the House Calvin Lay. Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle also signed a proclamation validating the Hawaii State flag. It was a great cultural exchange between Walsenburg and Hawaii that will be treasured for many years to come. Plans call for another Hawaiian Don Ho/Waikiki Beachboy Day in 2009.
The area's first new subdivision in 25 years, Black Diamond Park, is attracting investors and future residents with its features which include an impressive gated entrance. Black Diamond Park is a master planned gated community that borders the Walsenburg Golf Course and Lathrop State Park. The subdivision features all-underground utilities and ready-to-build "estate home sites" with spectacular views of the Spanish Peaks
Spanish Peaks
The Spanish Peaks are a pair of volcanic mountains located in southwestern Huerfano County, Colorado. The Ute indians named them Huajatolla , meaning "two breasts". The Spanish name translates as "Breasts of the Earth". The two peaks, West Spanish Peak and East Spanish Peak, are the easternmost...
, the Sangre De Cristo Mountains
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains. They are located in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico in the United States...
, Mt. Mestas, Greenhorn Mountain
Greenhorn mountain
Greenhorn Mountain is the highest point in the Wet Mountains of southern Colorado and at elevation is just high enough to pass tree line which is about in this part of Colorado. The massive mountain can be seen from Pueblo and all along Interstate 25 rising 6,000 feet above the surrounding area...
, and the Walsen Ridge.
Over 3.6 million cars a year pass through this "Gateway to the Southwest" and travel and tourism are important to the local community.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 4,182 people, 1,497 households, and 881 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,795.2 people per square mile (693.0/km²). There were 1,723 housing units at an average density of 739.6 per square mile (285.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 74.99% White, 4.78% African American, 3.35% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 12.46% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 3.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 50.96% of the population.
There were 1,497 households out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.1% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.1% were non-families. 37.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the city the population was spread out with 20.9% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 133.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 141.1 males.
See also
- State of Colorado
- Colorado cities and towns
- Colorado municipalitiesColorado municipalitiesThe U.S. state of Colorado currently has 271 active incorporated municipalities, including 196 towns, 73 cities, and two consolidated city and county governments.-Municipal government:...
- Colorado municipalities
- Colorado countiesColorado countiesThe U.S state of Colorado is divided into 64 counties. Counties are important units of government in Colorado since the state has no secondary civil subdivisions, such as townships...
- Huerfano County, ColoradoHuerfano County, ColoradoHuerfano County is one of the 64 counties of the State of Colorado of the United States. The county was named for the Huerfano Butte, a local landmark. The county population was 7,862 at U.S. Census 2000...
- Huerfano County, Colorado
- Colorado cities and towns