Help rebuild a fort?
Much of Colorado history has already been lost, unthinkingly destroyed as development
continues. Thus, every student of Colorado history has to rely on the written word, hoping
that all significant facts and sites have been duly noted. The site of historic Fort
Lupton, built in 1836, has been researched and plans drawn for its reconstruction.
Attend a one-room school?
After the Watada family donated a schoolhouse built in 1875, it was moved to the
historic farm portion of the Society's land and designated a historic building by the Fort
Lupton Historic Preservation Board and the City Council. Under a grant from the State
Historical Fund, the school was restored for all the uses of a
traditional country schoolhouse. Volunteers did most of the work.
Restore a homestead house?
Donelson House
In 1995 the Society rescued the Donelson House from
destruction by accepting its donation from the James White family and moving it to the
Historic Farm portion of Fort Lupton Historic Park. The house has received local historic
designation and restoration, partially
funded by a State Historical Fund grant, is now under way.
Participate in living history events?
Trapper Days Rendezvous is an annual event, the weekend after Labor Day.
Want to know more about South Platte Valley Historical Society?
About SPVHS
Planned features of Fort Lupton Historic Park
- Interpretive Center which will contain a research
center, meeting room, offices, store, and ancillary features
- Historic Farm area to include the Donelson House and other farm
buildings and the
1875 schoolhouse
- Rendezvous Area and nature area
- Black Powder Shooting Range
- Internal roads, trails, and parking areas
The Society gratefully acknowledges the help it has received from the City of Fort
Lupton, many local businesses, and several other volunteer organizations. Donors have
included Society members, friends of deceased Society members, and non-members with an
interest in seeing the Fort Lupton Historical Park completed.
Donations of land have come from the Fort Lupton Development Corporation and from the
Parker Family Trust. Grants for archaeology and restoration have come from the State
Historical Fund, administered by the Colorado Historical Society. A grant from the Edmund
and Eleanor E. Quick Foundation is earmarked to rebuild Fort Lupton, along with a major
donation from the Twombly family.
If you have any questions or would like to help, contact us at info@spvhs.org.
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