Fort Garland

Fort Garland is rich in history from the Civil War era. This small town of just 433 residents has a wonderful historical museum dedicated to the Civil War, all within five of the original buildings which made up the fort (originally 22 buildings). It's easy to spend an afternoon just learning about the history and then having dinner at a locally owned restaurant. There is also a very old Catholic Church in town, Holy Family Catholic Church, which is neat to see. In addition to the historical side of Fort Garland, there are some pretty incredible views here of the surrounding mountain range.

The main industry in Fort Garland is accommodation and food services and the median household income is $23,210 with about 18% of the population living in poverty. Purchasing a home here is much cheaper than the Colorado average and a single family detached home will cost you about $106,600. Some of the homes in town are very well tended and look nice, but there is also a small area with mobile homes that is very run down looking.

Fort Garland is a community of about 500 people along the stretch of HW 160 as it opens up in to the beginnings of the San Luis Valley west of La Veta pass. Fort Garland is a little town with a few restaurants, gas stations and businesses and just about 5 minutes from sister town Blanca a bit to the west.

I often go through Fort Garland and turn south to head to Taos, New Mexico. It is a nice little area with great mountain views and a desert feeling looking to the west. There are many mountain ranches and farms and lots of great forest access roads in the area. It is a gateway to the valley and once you get though Fort Garland you know you are heading towards the four corners area of the continent. The Great Sand Dunes are only about 30 minutes away and the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains surround the area.

There are some scattered trailers and homes out in the desert and a neighborhood that makes up the downtown. The prices of homes is very affordable and there are a couple small apartment buildings in town for those looking to rent.