Our history has been damaged in Larimer County, Colorado

One of the first things people ask after a major disaster has occurred is how many lives were lost. It is the most important question after all. Next on the list is usually how many homes were destroyed or pets missing or the estimated cost of the damage. All good questions. Rarely does one initially think about what the historical loss of the disaster is. However, it is an important question after the recent flooding in Larimer County, Colorado.

Easterners are used to their historic brick and mortar buildings dating back at least a couple of hundred years. In the west, in places like Colorado, historic buildings are often a hundred to a hundred and fifty years old and older, they’re just wooden structures under construction. These buildings are equally important to the history of the United States, but they are the most susceptible to damage.

The Park Theater in Estes Park celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. It is the oldest continuously operating theater west of the Mississippi. When it opened, silent movies were shown. According to local folklore, its empty tower was built by one of the previous owners to symbolize the hollow heart of the bride who left it at the altar.

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park was built by FO Stanley, inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, when he decided to settle in the area for health reasons. In addition to the many dignitaries who have stayed there, it is famous for its ghosts.

There are historic buildings in the town of Drake that were used as a stagecoach stop for tourists traveling from Loveland to Estes Park.

Even if the previous buildings have survived the flood, will the current owners be able to bear the financial impact of any renovation costs that may occur? Will their businesses be able to wait for the roads to open and the normal number of tourists to return to the area?

In the vicinity of Estes Park is the nearby town of Glen Haven, where the wealthy Irishman Lord Dunraven built a hunting lodge. He and his wealthy friends enjoyed the surrounding beauty and abundant wildlife while drinking. The hunting lodge is no longer standing, but there are still rumors of a stash of booze. Was this hideout finally swept away and destroyed in the flood?

More importantly, what about the numerous areas in Larimer County where Native American artifacts have been found? How many ancient arrowheads that were waiting to be discovered just slipped away and are now buried under mounds of mud and rubble?

And who will have extra money after a disaster to help fund local museums? How many of its irreplaceable treasures have been destroyed?

When the rebuilding process finally begins, how much history will be left?