Trinidad, Colorado - A Historic Building Survey
Las Animas Block
Map location #8.
Enhancing the interest of many of the buildings are the records of ownership, for many of the illustrious names involved in Trinidad's early history appear in these records. For example, the original deeds for the lots on which the Las Animas Block now stands were held by Maurice Wise (lot 4) and John R. Skelley (lot 1). The next date on the records indicates that Mary L. Skelley sold parts of or the whole of lots 1 and 4 to Elbridge Sopris on May 22, 1887. On October 27, 1887 the deed for part of or all of lot 4 was transferred to Mary L. Skelley. Other names are given in transactions involving lots 1 and 4. Then Sopris' name enters the records again in 1908 when he and Mary L. Sopris sold all of or part of lot 1 to Peter Berta.
The two-story brick was built in 1883 while Sopris held the deed. In fact the block has also been referred to as the Sopris Block by many local residents.
The first photograph was taken about 1910 and the second one in July, 1970.
Legal Description: Part of Lot 1 and Lot 4. East 23 feet Of Lot 4; Block 112 OTS.
Figure 18 Las Animas Block
