Colorado Gators Reptile Park

Sir
Chomps O' Lot's Birthday
Sept 25, 2010 

COSTILLA COUNTY
* San Luis, the county seat of Costilla County, is located on Colorado Highway 159 in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado, about 35 miles southeast of Alamosa . A picturesque little town, it lies at the mouth of the Valley of the Ventero, at the foot of Culebra Peak . San Luis was part of the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant, originally owned by Carlos Beaubien (who was also one of the original grantees of the Maxwell (Beaubien-Miranda) Land Grant). He convinced 50 families to move here and San Luis was officially founded on April 9, 1851. While it is the oldest surviving settlement in Colorado, it was not the first. Visit: www.sangres.com/colorado/costilla/sanluis.htm

* San Luis Museum & Cultural Center features colonial and post-colonial artifacts of Hispanic cultural tradition and the history of San Luis and Hispanic communities of the Culbera River. Displayed are Santos, a unique Hispanic religious art form, including painting on wood (retablos) and primitive carved gifures (bultos). The morada room is a fascinating replica of the adobe chapel of the Penitentes religious brotherhood, dating from 16th century Spain. Summer hours 10 am - 4 pm. Winter hours 9 am - 4 pm. Adults $2.00 -- Seniors/Students $1.00. Visit: www.museumtrail.org/SanLuisMuseum.asp

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* Stations of the Cross is one of the "must see" sites in San Luis. The shrine is a pedestrian walkway featuring sculptures depicting the last hours of Jesus life. Examine life-size scenes of His judgment, suffering, death and resurrection. The shrine is located on La Mesa de la Piedad y de la Misericordia - The Hill of Piety and Mercy. Visit:  www.rvtravelog.com/stations_cross.dir/stations_cross1.htm

* Fort Garland Museum, just south of the US 160 & Highway 159 intersection in Ft. Garland, is part of the Colorado State Historical Society's museum system. Walk the parade ground of the fort once commanded by legendary frontiersman Kit Carson. Established in 1858, Fort Garland had a garrison of over 100 men and served to protect the earliest settlers in the San Luis Valley. Tour the original adobe buildings on the grounds that recreate the commandant's quarters during Carson's time and view the folk art and culture of the Hispanic community. Open 9 am-5 pm Daily April 1st - October 31st Adults $4.00; Seniors (65+) $3.50 Age 6-16 $4.00; Under 6 Free. Closed May 28th. Call (719) 379-3512 or visit: www.museumtrail.org/fortgarlandmuseum.asp

* Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway (Los Caminos Antiguos -"The Ancient Roads") is the best route to follow through the region of the upper Rio Grande - the northern outpost of sixteenth century Spanish territorial expansion. Explore the rich culture and traditions of some of Colorado's oldest communities and the panoramic views of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountain ranges, the high, fertile San Luis Valley, The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the Rio Grande National Forest, state parks and federal wildlife areas. Call (719) 379-3500 or visit: www.loscaminos.com

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