The train whistle sounded its approval several times during the ceremony of the rededication of the Bent County Courthouse on a beautiful Saturday morning.
From the steps of the courthouse, Bent County Commissioner Bill Long introduced the history of the building.
The Bent County Courthouse was first dedicated on Dec. 31, 1888, New Year’s Eve. It is truly an “Icon of the American West.”
The courthouse represents at least six generations of men, women and children, farmers, ranchers, business men and women who have at one time or another have called Bent County home. It represents those who have served the country and the armed forces. It represents the 40- some young Bent County boys who died defending the nation in WWII, the greatest generation. “This is your courthouse and the next generation and the next.” Long said in the opening ceremony at the re-dedication on May 1, 2010.
The courthouse was built by true craftsmen and has been rebuilt by true craftsmen. The original cost of the building was $58,428, the renovation reached $3.7 million.
The cost to local taxpayers is about 30 cents on the dollar thanks to financial contributions of partners. The project has been completed without a tax increase or a debt to the county.
Notable contributors to the project are:
Colorado State Historical fund contributed $1.1 million.
Colorado Department of Local Affairs contributed $1.2 million.
Colorado Department of Transportation contributed $220,000.
United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development contributed $25,000.
American Reinvestment and Recovery Act contributed $120,000
The original tower blew off shortly after the original construction was completed in a wind storm. The new tower now shines above the town, day or night, standing tall in its glorious splendor. A clock keeps the time in each direction.
Several speakers followed Long including Ed Nichols, President and CEO of History Colorado. Nichols expressed that the cost of a new building may be similar to the cost of the renovation, but the character would not reflect the past and the history of the community. “My hat is off to the community for recognizing the importance of an historical structure. And to continue to work with others in order to preserve this and move it into the future,” Nichols said of Bent County.
Nichols also said that the State Historical fund has contributed over 3.8 million dollars toward several projects in Bent County.
To see Long’s segment of the re-dedication ceremony, log onto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Wk5vyTUHU&feature=channel
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The train whistle sounded its approval several times during the ceremony of the rededication of the Bent County Courthouse on a beautiful Saturday morning.
From the steps of the courthouse, Bent County Commissioner Bill Long introduced the history of the building.
The Bent County Courthouse was first dedicated on Dec. 31, 1888, New Year’s Eve. It is truly an “Icon of the American West.”
The courthouse represents at least six generations of men, women and children, farmers, ranchers, business men and women who have at one time or another have called Bent County home. It represents those who have served the country and the armed forces. It represents the 40- some young Bent County boys who died defending the nation in WWII, the greatest generation. “This is your courthouse and the next generation and the next.” Long said in the opening ceremony at the re-dedication on May 1, 2010.
The courthouse was built by true craftsmen and has been rebuilt by true craftsmen. The original cost of the building was $58,428, the renovation reached $3.7 million.
The cost to local taxpayers is about 30 cents on the dollar thanks to financial contributions of partners. The project has been completed without a tax increase or a debt to the county.
Notable contributors to the project are:
Colorado State Historical fund contributed $1.1 million.
Colorado Department of Local Affairs contributed $1.2 million.
Colorado Department of Transportation contributed $220,000.
United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development contributed $25,000.
American Reinvestment and Recovery Act contributed $120,000
The original tower blew off shortly after the original construction was completed in a wind storm. The new tower now shines above the town, day or night, standing tall in its glorious splendor. A clock keeps the time in each direction.
Several speakers followed Long including Ed Nichols, President and CEO of History Colorado. Nichols expressed that the cost of a new building may be similar to the cost of the renovation, but the character would not reflect the past and the history of the community. “My hat is off to the community for recognizing the importance of an historical structure. And to continue to work with others in order to preserve this and move it into the future,” Nichols said of Bent County.
Nichols also said that the State Historical fund has contributed over 3.8 million dollars toward several projects in Bent County.
To see Long’s segment of the re-dedication ceremony, log onto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Wk5vyTUHU&feature=channel
