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Kiowa, CO
 The Elbert County Historical Society evolved
from an early “Pioneer’s Picnic” in 1956. This group
of men and women, many the descendants of early
settlers, had a vision of preserving the history of
Elbert County. Through the years, photographs and
artifacts were collected and stored in barns and
garages across the county, waiting for the museum
that would be established.
The Historical Society acquired the original Kiowa
High School building in 1991. Designed by the Denver
architect team of Gardner & Parry, the Spanish colonial
revival style structure was built in 1921 with all the
modern conveniences…electricity, steam heat, indoor
plumbing, and even a gymaniusm included in the
basement! The school saw the consolidation of the
one-room school houses in the Kiowa area, and was
used until the mid-1980s.
515 Comanche Street (Highway 86)
P.O. Box 43,
Kiowa, CO 80117
Memorial Day Sunday through Labor Day Sunday
Thursday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
or by appointment: call 303-621-2088
get a map | driving directions
 After the Society obtained the old school, work
began on the building and plans were made for its first
displays. The Elbert County Museum opened its doors in
June 1993 with its first permanent exhibit, “Windows to
the Past—Door to the Future.” In 2000, the building was
designated an Elbert County Landmark, and since that
time, restoration work continues.
The story of Elbert County’s trails is depicted in a
series of hand-carved dioramas. Gold seekers eager to
make their fortunes in the Rocky Mountains traveled
the harsh and often dangerous trails of the eastern
plains. Cutting through Elbert County, one of the
more traveled of these early trails included the three
branches of the Smoky Hill Trail. Extreme hardships
along one of the branches resulted in its nickname,
“Starvation Trail.”
A colorful stage curtain that originally hung in
the Elizabeth Town Hall adorns one full wall in
the museum. The stage curtain was rescued from a
dumpster by a community member who recognized
the significance of the curtain in Elizabeth’s history.
 Historical Society members in Elbert County are
a patient lot; they waited nearly four decades for their
museum to open. Modern explorers don’t need to wait
that long, however, for the collection is available for
viewing at the former high school building, a stop on
the Our Journey itinerary.
The Judge’s Bench and Courtroom furniture date
back to Elbert County’s 1912 Courthouse. Legend
has it that the bench, witness stand and jury box were
original furnishings in a courthouse at Cripple Creek,
Colorado. Following construction and dedication
of the Elbert County Courthouse, the furniture was
hauled to the new courtroom by Elbert County Under
Sheriff Roy Brown.
The beautifully detailed, interior oak façade of the
Elbert Post Office is reminiscent of other early
businesses in the county. Replaced by a modern post
office in the late 1990s, this antique false front offers a
glimpse into an age when customer service was hands-on.
More Museums:
- Lincoln County's Hedlund House Museum - Hugo, CO
- Limon Heritage Museum & Railroad Park - Limon, CO
- World’s Wonder View Tower - Genoa, CO
- Arriba Museum - Arriba, CO
- Elbert County Museum - Kiowa, CO
- Grampa Jerry’s Clown Museum - Arriba, CO
- Flagler Hospital Museum & Hal Borland Room - Flagler, CO
- Second Central School Museum - Flagler, CO
- Kit Carson County Carousel - Burlington, CO
- Old Town - Burlington, CO
- Kit Carson Museum - Kit Carson, CO
- Cheyenne County Museum - Cheyenne Wells, CO
- Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Museum - Cheyenne Wells, CO
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