Colorado Preservation Highlights 5 Endangered Historic Sites

From a castle to a small-town theater, these Colorado landmarks face uncertain futures.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Colorado Preservation, Inc. has announced its 2026 list of the state's 'Most Endangered Places', featuring five historic sites in need of preservation efforts. The list includes Bent's Old Fort, a reconstructed 1800s trading post; Hartman Castle, a privately-owned 19th century home in Gunnison; La Morada, a former Penitente meeting hall in San Luis; the Ordway Pharmacy, a century-old building slated for revitalization; and the Pearl Theater, a historic performance venue in Buena Vista.

Why it matters

These endangered sites represent Colorado's diverse history, from Indigenous communities to early settlers, miners, and visionaries. Preserving them helps maintain the state's cultural heritage and identity, even as rapid development and changing times threaten historic structures. Community efforts to save these places aim to breathe new life into them while honoring their past significance.

The details

Bent's Old Fort requires complex repairs to its reconstructed 1833 structure, which uses aging materials like compressed dirt, wood, plaster, and concrete. Hartman Castle in Gunnison sits vacant and in need of restoration, though a group hopes to purchase and revive it. La Morada in San Luis, a former Penitente meeting hall from the 1860s, has collapsed walls and deteriorating features. The Ordway Pharmacy, vacant since 2020, faces a failing roof and crumbling brick, but the town plans to transform it into a laundromat, arcade, and snack counter. The Pearl Theater in Buena Vista, originally a 1880s mercantile, later became a beloved community movie house, but now faces potential demolition due to structural issues.

  • Colorado is celebrating 150 years of statehood in 2026.
  • Bent's Old Fort was reconstructed and dedicated in 1976.
  • Hartman Castle was constructed in 1894.
  • La Morada has been vacant for over 50 years.
  • The Ordway Pharmacy closed in 2020.

The players

Colorado Preservation, Inc.

A nonprofit organization that has highlighted 149 historic sites in Colorado over the past 29 years through its 'Most Endangered Places' program, with 57 saved and 9 ultimately lost.

Katie Peterson

The Endangered Places Director at Colorado Preservation, Inc.

Alonzo Hartman

A postmaster, banker, and rancher who was a founding member of the Gunnison Cattlemen's Association and played a key role in Gunnison's early development.

Annie Hartman

An artist and philanthropist who was said to be the brains behind the design of Hartman Castle.

Chief Ouray

A prominent Native American leader who was friends with Alonzo Hartman.

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What they’re saying

“Long before Colorado became a state 150 years ago, this land was home to people whose stories, traditions, and stewardship continue to shape this place today. From Indigenous nations and early settlers to miners, ranchers, railroad workers, and visionaries who followed, Colorado's history has always been one of resilience, creativity, and connection. As Colorado marks 150 years of statehood, the Endangered Places Program stands as a reflection of that milestone.”

— Katie Peterson, Endangered Places Director (Colorado Preservation, Inc.)

What’s next

Colorado Preservation, Inc. is working with local partners to raise awareness and funding to help restore and preserve these endangered historic sites.

The takeaway

These five endangered places in Colorado represent the state's diverse cultural heritage, from Indigenous roots to early settlement and small-town Americana. Preserving these landmarks helps maintain Colorado's identity and history, even as development and changing times threaten their futures.