Built
around 1930, the two story Carlisle building stands directly
across Main Street from a place that has seen much activity
during the early days of Trinidad. This south east corner
of Main and Maple is the location of the first stage coach
stop in Trinidad.
This
is where the United States Hotel once stood.
Built
on the location of an the previous stage stop, this was
one of the first hotels in Trinidad. The two story structure
featured six guest rooms and a large public room that
served as a lobby, bar, and dining room.
After
enduring the 90 mile ride from Bent's Fort southwest toward
Trinidad, stage coach passengers stayed at the United
States Hotel where many important guests stopped at one
time or another.
One
such guest was Ulysses S. Grant.
The
former President and Civil War general came to Trinidad
in 1880. As the story goes, almost every vehicle in the
county met him and his staff at the train station and
escorted him to the hotel.
It
was probably the first time a President already in Colorado
had been escorted to the United States. Grant and his
entourage were treated to a festive banquet during his
visit to Trinidad.
It
seems that not much has changed over the last century
when it comes to affairs like this--anyone who was anyone
was scheduled to give a speech.
Hence
the popularity of such gatherings to this day.
Sources:
"A
Walk Through the History of Trinidad" written by
Jerry Stokes on behalf of the Trinidad Historical Society.
1986. Trinidad, Colorado.