Trinidad, Colorado - A Historic Building Survey
Fire Department Building
Map location #25.
The building which the fire department occupies was built in 1895 on a lot purchased in 1886 by the city from Emma Rifenburg for $1200.
The fire department changed from a volunteer squad to a department maintained by the city in 1891. The construction of the building to house the fire department followed this change in status. In 1895 there were five firemen in the department: Sid King, J.A. Richardson, Robert Daugherty, W. J. Murray and J. D. Carter. Mr. L. H. Roberts was the first fire chief of the new city department.
This narrow two-story building constructed of brick and stone has several connections with Trinidad's past that make it one of the most historically significant and exciting buildings in the City. Not only did this diminutive building once serve as City Hall but also as a jail. The old jail is a catacomb like affair in the basement of the building. Much of the jail, its locks and facilities remain intact under this charming little building which is soon scheduled to be abandoned as a fire station.
The second photograph was taken in July of 1970.
Legal Description: Lot 2; Block 125 OTS.
Figure 52 Fire Department Building
