by
Bryan Zug,
May 19, 1997
As
the story goes, when western film star Tom Mix visited
the Columbian Hotel in the early part of the century,
he stayed in room 214 and rode his horse Tony up the main
staircase. Tony
stayed in room 212.
Trinidad
began its life as a rough and tumble trail town and for
over 115 years the Columbian Hotel has sat at the intersection
of where two of the main trails crossed.
The
building at 101 West Main was originally known as the
Grand Union which many believe came from the union of
the two routes of the trail at what is now the intersection
of Main and Commercial streets.
As
a result of the fervor of the 400th anniversary of Columbus'
discovery of the new world, the owners of the hotel renamed
it the Columbian around 1894.
Many
characters of the American West made their way through
the luxury of the Columbian. Accounts report visitors
such as Doc Holliday, President Hoover, Douglas Fairbanks
and Mary Pickford.
Will
Rogers and Wiley Post stayed at the hotel on their trip
to Alaska where they were killed in a plane crash in 1935.
By
all accounts the Columbian was famous for its luxury.
It
had over 100 guest rooms, a stunning saloon and dining
room, an ornate terrazzo floored lobby, a grand ballroom
with striped floors of alternating white ash and dark
walnut, and gaming rooms in the basement.
The
red brick walls of the Columbian have also played a role
in many of the significant historical events of Trinidad's
history. It once served as the headquarters for the Colorado
Militia during what is known as the Trinidad
War.
Currently
under restoration, the Columbian will serve as a cornerstone
of Trinidad history for years to come.
Sources:
"A
Walk Through the History of Trinidad" written by
Jerry Stokes on behalf of the Trinidad Historical Society.
1986. Trinidad, Colorado.
Photo
by Ollie Aultman from the Aultman Photo Collection courtesy
of the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art in Trinidad,
Colorado.