Las Animas

With a population of nearly 15,000 residents, Las Animas County is the largest county in area in Colorado. By the early 20th century, the coal mines in the area were among the most productive in the nation.

Historically, the county was the site of the Ludlow Massacre, a deadly conflict between striking miners and state militia in the coalfields north of the town of Trinidad in 1914. Many of the miners’ families fled the tent colony when the fighting began, but hidden in a pit underneath one of the tents, were thirteen women and children who died of smoke inhalation. In 2009 the Ludlow Massacre site was declared a Historic National Landmark.

The current economy of Las Animas County reflects its agricultural heritage, harvesting crops of corn and wheat with a robust ranching community as well.

Tourism is also a significant contributor to the economy. Each year visitors flock to visit the Spanish Peaks Wilderness to climb, camp, hike, bike and fish. The city of Trinidad is home to a thriving creative district and arts community and Trinidad State College provides higher education opportunities for the region.