Story of Saguache

Saguache (pronounced Sa-Watch) was first a campground for the Ute Indians who camped here before the white man came. They called it Sa-qua-qua-chi-pa, which means blue earth or water at the blue earth. The first settlement of note by the white man was in 1866.

Saguache is the county seat of Saguache County. Other towns in the county are: Villa Grove, Bonanza, Moffat, Crestone, La Garita, Center, and Hooper.

The Saguache Town Company organization in 1874 was in anticipation of growth in the area. The town site, originally 110 acres, was on land donated by seven ranchers.

Saguache grew and prospered as a supply town for the agricultural neighborhood. Miners who purchased supplies, and travelers coming from Poncha Pass or Cochetopa Pass found comfortable lodging. Saguache became a closely knit community. The first public school was started in 1874. Churches, businesses, banks, newspapers and fraternal organizations offered stability.

The Indian, trapper, trader, early explorer and miner are gone as are the pioneers, both men and women, who braved dangers and hardships to live in the San Luis Valley. Stories and mementos of their experience must be saved. It is with this in mind that the Saguache County Museum was created.

We invite you to come by the museum and step back in time with us to re-live the story of Saguache and Saguache County.