The La Veta center is about 9 miles southwest of Spanish Peaks Regional Health and 14 miles southwest of Walsenburg Mining Museum.
La Veta is a delightful destination to visit year-round, but the best time to experience its allure depends on what you enjoy most. Summer brings warm and sunny weather, ideal for fishing, kayaking at the nearby lakes, and exploring the Highway of Legends. Winter transforms La Veta into a snowy paradise, offering excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Noteworthy events include the La Veta Oktoberfest in early October, which features live music, artisan vendors, and delicious food, and the Francisco Fort Day in late July, celebrating the town's history with reenactments and local crafts. Each season has unique activities and breathtaking natural beauty, making La Veta a year-round destination. Its comfortable climate and diverse seasonal activities ensure a memorable visit whenever you choose to come.
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La Veta has a rich and eventful history that dates back to the early 1860s. In 1862, Col. John M. Francisco, a sutler at Fort Garland, and his business partner, Henry Daigre, bought 48,000 acres of land in the Cuchara Valley. This land was part of the Vigil land grant. They established a settlement for farmers and ranchers, with Francisco Fort as the commercial hub. The fort was a 100-foot-square building with 2-foot thick adobe walls and rooms that opened to a central plaza. It had a flat roof with gun ports for defense. In 1863, the fort was attacked by Ute Indians, but the settlers defended it until the Utes retreated before reinforcements arrived. By 1871, the settlement was named Spanish Peak, and a post office was established. The arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad brought more settlers to the area. The narrow-gauge railroad, which crossed La Veta Pass, was the highest railroad pass in the United States at the time. A depot was built one block north of Francisco Fort. In 1876, the town was officially incorporated by railroad tycoon William Jackson Palmer and Governor Alex Hunt. Since then, the Huerfano Historical Society has operated the fort, and a post office called La Veta has operated since 1876. The name "La Veta" comes from a mineral deposit near the original town site, meaning "mineral vein" in Spanish. La Veta also played a role in labor history. On November 8, 1913, William Gambling, a miner who refused to join a strike, was attacked by pro-strikers while traveling to a dentist in La Veta. After leaving the dentist, he was caught in a gunfire attack that killed all but him. This incident was part of the early stages of the Colorado Coalfield War. Gambling managed to escape and was helped back to the Oakview Mine by a local dairy farmer. The town's convenient location, combined with its friendly atmosphere, rich history, and access to outdoor adventures, makes La Veta, CO, an excellent choice for those seeking a varied traveling experience. It's a pleasant inclusion in any Colorado travel plan. Booking a stay in La Veta through HotelPlanner is an effortless process, allowing you to focus on experiencing all that this charming Colorado town and its surroundings have to offer.