Elbert County has a very professional museum in Kiowa, which was opened in 1991 after several years of planning and preparation. New citizens are encouraged to visit this county gem. After doing so, you will feel a greater sense of pride for your county.
Joe Martell is the President of the Historical Society. He is supported by a hard-working staff that includes Hank & Donna Smith, Lucy Hoffhines, Monty Ashliman, Patsy North and Carla Martell. Together, they and museum volunteers make your experience one to remember. The museum is open from Memorial Day Sunday through Labor Day Sunday. They are open Thursday through Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free, donations are welcomed and encouraged. You will find that this experience is especially enjoyable to young citizens.
The architecture is rather unique from other buildings in the area. It was the original Kiowa High School that was vacated when the new school was built. The idea of gathering historical items was started by the Old Timer’s Picnic that became the Elbert County Historical Society in 1956, and Jake Kruse was elected President. It was followed by years of reaching out to citizens to identify the items that would have historical value in the future. Storage of the items were stored in several buildings over time until the current building was selected.
Get yourself acquainted with the first citizens occupying Elbert County. Pictures and stories give credit to these first Elbert Countians living here preceding the Spanish and Anglo explorers where they hunted for deer, antelope and buffalo.
Hundreds of settlers soon settled in the area as others passed through on their way to the gold mines in Central City and the Rocky Mountains. This route was known as the Pike Peak Express and also known as the Starvation Trail where it is suspected that cannibalism took place when lack of food became a major problem.
The museum tour begins with the Smoky Hill Trail. It was instrumental in the early settlement of the area and which later became Elbert County. Initially, the trail began in Atchison, Kansas, crossing the eastern Colorado plains to reach Denver. The trail split into three branches crossing Elbert County with a southern branch passing through the town of Kiowa. This trail was used by many brave families. The biggest challenge on their journey was food, water and firewood.
The tour passes through a covered wagon. It sets the stage for what is to come. The next segment passes you through the history of the railroad in developing the county. The covered wagon and railroad were important in bringing people and supplies into the area.
Hank Gentsch was an outstanding wood carver and donated a number of dioramas that relate to the early trails that crossed Elbert County. His work appears throughout Colorado. As you walk around this portion of the exhibits, you will find it to be one of the most outstanding exhibits. This is a must-see exhibit that you will appreciate by seeing it in person.
This portion of the museum is dedicated to the early pioneers who settled in Elbert County. Navigate through the names & stories will help you better appreciate the pioneers that came to the area early on.
Colorado originally had 17 counties in 1861. Elbert County was carved out from Douglas and Greenwood Counties in 1874. It stretched from the Douglas County border all the way to the Kansas border until 1889 when the county’s current configuration was created.
This is the original Judge’s Bench and Courthouse furniture, used by the county judge in the 1912 Elbert County Courthouse, which was located in Elbert. When the Justice Center was built in 1987, it was removed from the courthouse and stored until it was installed in the museum. It is very impressive and a great piece of our past.
You will find representations of early businesses such as a doctor’s office, a general store and more.
Visit the little gift shop to pick up items to remember your visit.
There is so much more to see. Make plans to visit, once it opens for the summer on May 29, 2022.
Consider to make one-time or monthly donation to this vital part of our county. Plan to attend the Pioneer Fourth Celebration which is a fun-filled day for the entire family. This is the museum’s largest fund raiser of the year. The event includes a museum open house, live local music, silent auction, pie baking contest, and games for all ages.
Elbert County Historical Society & Museum
515 Comanche Street, PO Box 43
Kiowa, Colorado 80117
For more information on the Elbert County Historical Society and Museum, and the museum activities, check out their website at ElbertCountyMuseum.org.