Costilla County
We Create
About
Costilla County Colorado is home to some of the oldest churches in the state. This church is in Garcia Colorado. The picture is from the National Archives. Photographer Lee Russell took it in July of 1940. This church in one of nine that are included in the Sacred Circle Tour of Costilla County.
Religious History & Architectural History
The nine churches of the Tour, shine a light on to the lives of the Hispano settlers from this area. The original constructions began in the 1850's and lasted through the 1930's. According to the Costilla County Economic Development Council, construction on this church in Garcia began in the late 1800's.
- Construction: Late 1800's
- Website: sdcparish.org
- Phone: 719-992-0122
- City: Garcia, Colorado, USA
- Age: approx 140 years
- Denomination: Catholic
- Email: admin@sdcparish.org
- Office Hours: Monday-Thurs 8 A.M. - Noon
Garcia Colorado is the first town you come to when entering the state driving North out of New Mexico. Hwy 522 in New Mexico becomes HWY 159 in Colorado. Don't miss the Crazy Beaver Bar & Grill (Previosuly the 101 Bar & Grill). It has great reviews, is a family style restaurant, and has motorcycles inside. It takes 2 minutes to get there off of 159 if you are coming North from NM. Take County Road B 1 mile (you can only go left).
Costilla County Census Residents 2024
Average Annual Deer Hunt Trinchera Deer Herd
Households with Broadband Internet
Hard Workers Full Time Employees All Sectors
2023 Median Age, Poverty Rate, Ethnic Diversity
50.7
History
Costilla County was founded November 1st 1861 by the creation of the Territory of Colorado. Named for the Costilla River by the Hispano farmers from Taos Valley in New Mexico that came here, it contains the oldest town in Colorado. San Luis was founded on April 5th 1851. So it predates Colorado itself. San Acacio is the site of the oldest standing church in Colorado. The Capilla de Viejo dates from the 1860's. Colorado played a significant role in America's westward expansion. Discovery of gold in Colorado brought work and immigrants that settled the territory and contributed to eventual statehood. Costilla County linked up to the crucial Sante Fe Trail via the Taos Trail (Trapper's Trail). This led to Northern connections like Pueblo and Laramie. The La Vega Communal Grazing Area was established in 1863 and remains the only communal gazing area in the state. Each year a lottery system is utilized to determine which farmer(s) will utilize the grazing area for that year.
Land Grant
Sangre de Cristo Land Grant
Awarded to Carlos Beaubien in 1843
- Born October 22, 1800 in Nicolet, Quebec
- Died February 6, 1864 in Taos New Mexico
- Fur Trader A.K.A. Alexis Beaubien & Charles Trotier
Sangre de Cristo Meaning
Blood of Christ
- Refers to the red hues the mountains display especially when covered in snow.
- Coined by Antonio Valverde y Cosio
- Spanish Explorer from Villapresente, Spain
- Born 1670, he died February of 1737 in El Paso Texas
Incorporated Towns are San Luis & Blanca
Costilla 1st colonized in 1540
- Francisco Vàsquez de Coronadonado
- Born Salamanca, Spain in 1510
- Died September 22, 1554 Mexico
- First European expedition to see the Colorado River
Centennial Farms
Home to some of Colorado's Oldest Farms
1851 - Present
We grow alfalfa, hay, potatoes, maize, barley, canola, beans, and more. We also raise beef, goats, chickens ,and hogs.
- The Ortega farm was established in 1851
- Atencio Farm was established 1894
- Gallegos Ranches established in 1860
- Our farms utilize center-pivot irrigation and acequia irrigation methods
Marijuana Cultivation & Sales
On the Decline
Marijuana Prices Plummet Statewide
- At one time Costilla County sported a dozen retailers and growers.
- As of 2025 there are only two commercial growers and an additional medical only grower.
- The state market has been hit by legalization in nearby states and a glut of marijuana businesses.
- Recently Costilla County Commission voted to lower the yearly taxes for cultivation & sales from $5000.00 to $2750.00.
- It remains to be seen how effective these measures will be given nearby New Mexico licenses are only $250.00.
- Additionally, a local grower reports that where pound of marijuana fetched $3000.00 in recent years, it now sells for $300.00.
Yesterday & Today
Here are images from around Costilla County. If you have a modern image of Costilla County, that you took, and are willing to put in the public domain, please feel free to share. Modern images from Chama, San Pablo, Garcia, Jaroso, San Francisco, San Acacio, and Mesita are especially desired. Thank You!
- All
- Mt. Blanca
- Civil War Cannon
- San Pablo Cash Store
- Soldiers Theatre Ft. Garland
Be Prepared
The San Luis Valley has a lot of beauty and adventure, but that comes with some risks. Be sure to fill up your gas tank, and have a good spare tire. Bring closed toed shoes and long pants. Make sure you charge your phone and have a battery backup of some sort. A lot of our county is remote, take that into account.
Sunglasses are a Must
Bring your sunglasses. You will need them. If you are going to the sand dunes consider some wrap around eye-protection like goggles. On windy days the sand can be brutal. Hats and umbrellas don't hurt either.
Bring Water
Throw a pack of waters in your car. If you have a break down, it can be a long walk to cell coverage or help. You'll want a backpack just in case.
Wifi & Cell
We have decent cell phone coverage in more populated areas, but there are large areas with nothing. This county is bigger than Rhode Island, don't assume you can call for help.
Bring your lenses
Make sure your cameras and binoculars are ready to go, you'll have plenty to see and capture.
Sunshine and lots of It
Be sure to protect yourself from the Sun, it will not let up. Do not forget your lip balm!
Bring Coins & Cash
Not everywhere takes cards, some places only have coin operated vending. Sometimes the Internet is out.
Plants & Stuff
Our native species include Englemann Spruce, Bristlecone Pine, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Narrowleaf Cottonwood, Colorado Blue Spruce, Aspen, Douglas and White Firs
Thriving in sunny locales with well drained soil, this yucca variety is both edible and practical. The leaves can make rope or baskets. The leaves, fruits, and flower stalk are edible. Finally the roots can substitute for soap and shampoo.
Yucca
Useful & Partly Edible
Jaroso's early settlement began about 1890 with a nearby town named Eastdale started by a group of Mormons. The bankruptcy of the San Luis Southern Railroad hit the town hard. The banks failed, there was a store fire and eventually they lost their Ford dealership. Despite it all, Jaroso is still here.
Jaroso Car
Arthur Rothstein 1939
Bean Bag Toss, or Corn Toss is often played at events because of its portability and accessibility for most people. Bring a board and some bags, or borrow ours.
Soft Horseshoes
Games We Play
We are about half a mile closer to space than even Denver. Maybe that makes it just a little bit easier to see the beauty of the Milky Way. The Sangre de Cristo Dark Sky Reserve is an initiative to achieve International Dark Sky Reserve status.
Big Moon
Rising
Our daytime skies are pretty awesome too. There must be a million different places to take a gorgeous picture of our landscapes and sky.
Dirt Roads
Mountains & Skies
Contact
Please use the form below to get in touch with us. Also if you have any troubles with the website or the forums. Thanks!
Address
P.O. BOX 592, Fort Garland, CO 81133
Call Us
+1 256 479 5711
Email Us
admin@costillacounty.org