Gunnison's Hartman Castle on Colorado's Most Endangered Places List for 2026

Описание: The following is from Colorado Preservation, Inc. with whom CBS Colorado proudly partners to preserve Colorado's rich history:

In Colorado, only a handful of communities can boast the presence of a true castle, one built not from myth, but from the vision, artistry, and determination of some of the state’s most influential citizens. Completed in 1894, Hartman Castle is far more than a landmark. It reflects Gunnison’s ingenuity, progressivism, and enduring community spirit.

Alonzo and Annie Hartman constructed the Castle during a time when Gunnison was still defining itself. Alonzo arrived in 1872 as a government employee with the Los Pinos Indian Agency, where he formed a lifelong friendship with Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta. Over the decades, Alonzo would serve as Gunnison postmaster, banker, rancher, and one of the founding members of the Gunnison Cattlemen’s Association. His leadership and investment helped guide the town through periods of growth and transition.

The castle itself, however, was Annie’s masterpiece. As an artist, philanthropist, and civic leader, Annie designed much of the home herself. Her turreted studio became her space for painting, where she captured the surrounding landscape through oils and watercolors. Beyond her art, Annie played a leading role in Gunnison’s early women’s movement. She helped establish and host the Monday Afternoon Club, one of the region’s first women-led organizations that promoted education, culture, and social reform. Gunnison’s women gathered to discuss literature, civic progress, and the rights and responsibilities of women in public life, making the building a cornerstone of local change.

When completed, the Castle embodied the Hartmans’ forward-thinking vision. It featured modern amenities, including an elevator designed specifically for Annie, that reflected their emphasis on comfort, accessibility, and innovation. A windmill-powered pump supplied running water, and the home’s thoughtful design set it apart in the borderlands of Colorado for both its beauty and its innovation.

Today, Hartman Castle remains privately owned but stands vacant and in need of preservation. The Hartman Castle Preservation Corp., a dedicated local nonprofit, is leading an ambitious campaign to purchase the property, restore it, and reopen it as a much-needed community gathering space that will support events, local economic development, and opportunities for artistic and cultural programming.

CPI is excited to collaborate with local partners to raise statewide awareness of Hartman Castle and support ongoing efforts to ensure its next chapter is as inspiring as its past.


Colorado Preservation Inc: https://www.coloradopreservation.org


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