Historic Routt County

Background Statement

At the time of its founding, Historic Routt County was a grassroots nonprofit organization created to meet an urgent need in the community in the early 1990s, when there was little interest in historic preservation in Routt County.

At that time the rapid development of the Steamboat Ski Area, rising property values, and the deterioration and demolition of familiar historic buildings were forever changing the cultural landscape. What to do?

Enter Historic Routt County, when a group of concerned citizens decided to take action to work with willing property owners to document and preserve the special places that convey the area's history.

Since 1999, Historic Routt County has led the way to survey over 100 working ranches and to successfully list nearly 100 individual properties on the Routt County Historic Property Register. Past preservation projects include the rehabilitation of the Mesa Schoolhouse, the restoration of the original facade of the Routt County National Bank building, stabilization and restoration of the Mad Creek Barn and Hahns Peak Fire Tower, training local youth and volunteers to rebuild the Diamond Window Cabin and the Yock Family cabin, restoration of the Foidel Canyon Schoolhouse, the adaptive reuse of Crossan's Market in Yampa, and partnering to relocate the iconic Arnold Barn. We provide resources and educational opportunities to ensure property owners and the public understand the benefits and how-tos of historic preservation. At its Annual Meeting, HRC recognizes successful preservation projects and advocates. We regularly publish articles about local historic buildings and projects in the local press and host events to promote awareness of local historic resources.

Since inception, Historic Routt County has forged partnerships with the City of Steamboat Springs, Routt County's many museums, the US Forest Service, local land trusts, and many private property owners to accomplish its work.