At the heart of the Apishapa River Valley in south central Colorado, Aguilar thrives midway between Trinidad and Walsenburg off I- 25. The business route, Exit 30 & 34, will deliver you to Aguilar’s Main Street and CR 46.7 following the Apishapa River & up the scenic Apishapa Valley. This is the best and most rugged part of the Highway of Legends route leading to the canyons west through Cordova Pass, beneath the East Peak (11,248 ft.) & climbing the shoulder of the West Peak (13,623 ft.)
The drive down Main Street reveals many historic buildings from the growth of the town during the mining boom & illegal liquor running during Prohibition, when the population peaked over 2500. Included among the historic buildings are the First State Bank of Aguilar, which will be restored in the new year and is on the State Register of Historic Properties. Also the Antonio Lo Presto building, home to the well known Ringo’s Market and the site of a notorious gangland shooting.
Today the population is under 500 but the townspeople are enjoying a revival of businesses as new residents work with them to improve the infrastructure and historic buildings on Main Street. New businesses include the Aguilar Mercantile, a hardware Store (opening soon) and a gas station. For more info (We’ve many stories to tell) contact the Apishapa Valley Historical Society at www.aguilarhistory.com or visit the Apishapa Heritage Center at 132 Main St., open in summer months, or @ FB Apishapa Valley Heritage Society.
