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 Pioneers of the San Luis Valley - Alamosa, CO
N 37° 29.316 W 105° 52.257
13S E 423004 N 4149433
Monument dedicated to James T. Maddux and other San Luis Valley pioneers
Waymark Code: WMGPBQ
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 03/27/2013
Views: 5
This Historical Monument is dedicated to
all of the pioneers of the San Luis Valley:
James T. Maddux came to the Valley in 1864 and homesteaded on a
section of land here, just one mile north of the present site of
Alamosa. He married Mary Schock in 1876. They raised seven
Children: Etta, Alva, William, Ella, Nora, Aria and Arthur.
Mr. Maddux built seven buildings here, one of which was used for a
store and post office. The name of this small community was
Wayside. Horses were kept here for the stage run from Denver to
Creede. At this location he drilled the first artesian well (350 ft.)
in the Valley.
Ranch products, baked goods, shelter (25 cents a night) and the
ever present, much needed two-holers were available. Other
supplies were limited as they had to be shipped in by wagon train.
A large scale was also installed for weighing freight and animals.
A stage coach carrying several gold bars was robbed about 5 miles
west of Wayside. Ute Indians came when hungry for food, sugar,
cornmeal, and flour.
San Luis was the county seat at this time so all official business
was transacted there. Also the only flour mill was in San Luis, so
wheat had to be hauled there to be ground into flour.
After the DRGW railroad came across the Rio Grande to the south,
Alamosa was rapidly formed by moving the buildings on a work
train from the town of Garland. The post office was moved from
Wayside to Alamosa in 1878.
This monument was made possible by the descendants of James T.
Maddux. It was designed and built by grandson Lloyd E. Jones, Sr.
Courtesy of the City of Alamosa, In the Year, 2000 |
Group or Groups Responsible for Placement:
Lloyd E. Jones
City of Alamosa
County or City: Alamosa, CO
Date Dedicated: 2000
Check here for Web link(s) for additional information: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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