The Story of Colorado’s Trujillo Homestead

Colorado is full of history, and luckily, some physical reminders of the state's early days are still present today.

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One of these landmarks that dates back to the state's infancy, with a story that could have been taken right out of a western movie, is known as the Trujillo Homestead.

Where is Colorado's Trujillo Homestead?

The Trujillo Homestead is located on the eastern plains of Colorado near Mosca between La Junta and Trinidad.

The Trujillo Family Settles in Colorado

In 1860, a Mexican sheep farmer named Teofilo Trujillo settled in the area, and 19 years later, just three years after Colorado was granted statehood, his son, Pedro, began to develop the property into a homestead.

Pedro proceeded to build a barn, a log cabin, and several other buildings, effectively establishing the Trujillo Homestead.

Conflict Between Colorado Farmers

As the Trujillos established themselves as ranchers in the area, conflicts arose between the family, who spoke Spanish, and other neighboring English-speaking ranchers.

The conflict eventually erupted into violence, culminating in the English-speaking ranchers burning down Teofilo's house.

Colorado's Trujillo Homestead Today

After the fire, the Trujillos sold the properties, which are now part of the National Historic Landmark District and are currently owned by the National Conservancy.

This is the main structure still standing on the Trujillo Homestead.

Here's another look at the two-story log cabin still standing on the Trujillo Homestead.

Finally, here we see an aerial view of the main cabin as well as ruins from another structure on the Trujillo Homestead.

Read More: Former Colorado Homestead Turned State Park is a Hiker’s Paradise