According to watchtutorials, Fort Garland is a small town located in Costilla County, Colorado, just south of the border with New Mexico. It is situated in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the San Luis Valley. With an elevation of 8,000 feet above sea level and an area of just over two square miles, Fort Garland offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The town itself is home to a few hundred people and offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. You can explore nearby trails and parks or visit one of several local museums such as The Intermountain Historical Society Museum which showcases artifacts from early settlers as well as local Native American tribes or The Old Schoolhouse Museum which features historic artifacts from early school days such as desks and books from the late 1800s/early 1900s.
Fort Garland has several neighboring towns and cities that offer plenty to explore. To the north you have Fort Lyon, Colorado which was once a frontier fort established during the American Civil War period. It is now home to a state park where visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing spots, camping sites, and more. To the east lies La Garita, Colorado which is known for its rich history dating back to its founding in 1871 by Spanish settlers who were looking for gold in the surrounding mountains. La Garita also offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and more.
To the south you have San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge where visitors can observe wildlife such as elk, deer, antelope and bighorn sheep in their natural habitat. This refuge covers over 30 square miles so there’s plenty to see while exploring this beautiful area. Lastly, you have Alamosa which sits at 7500 feet above sea level along Alamosa River offering many recreational opportunities such as fishing or visiting one of its many museums including Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve or Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Museum & Gift Shop.
No matter what type of experience you’re looking for while visiting Fort Garland there’s something for everyone. From outdoor activities to museums to breathtaking views – this small town has it all. So make sure you take some time out on your next trip to explore all that this small Colorado town has to offer.
Population of Fort Garland, Colorado
Fort Garland is a small town located in Costilla County, Colorado. It has a population of approximately 462 people as of the 2020 census. The majority of the population is Hispanic, making up over 80% of the total population. The remaining 20% consists mostly of White and Native American residents. The median age in Fort Garland is 33.4 years old, with a large portion of the population falling between the ages of 25 and 44 years old.
Fort Garland is an agricultural town, with its main industry being ranching and farming. This contributes to the lower than average unemployment rate in this area, which stands at 2%. In addition to this, Fort Garland has a strong tourism industry due to its proximity to many popular outdoor recreation sites such as Great Sand Dunes National Park and Monument Valley National Park. There are also several local shops and restaurants that attract visitors throughout the year.
The cost of living in Fort Garland is lower than the national average due to its small size and rural location. Residents enjoy low housing costs as well as low taxes on most goods and services. The median household income for Fort Garland is $38,461, which is slightly lower than the state average but still above poverty level for most families living here. Education levels are also slightly below state averages with only 68% having some form of high school education or higher compared to 78% statewide.
Schools and education of Fort Garland, Colorado
Fort Garland is served by the Costilla County School District RE-12, which includes two elementary schools and one middle school. The elementary schools are Fort Garland Elementary School and San Francisco Elementary School, both of which serve students from kindergarten to fifth grade. The middle school is Sierra Grande Middle School, which serves students from sixth to eighth grade. All three schools offer a variety of academic programs including math, science, language arts, and social studies.
In addition to the traditional academic courses offered at these schools, students also have access to various extracurricular activities such as sports teams, clubs, and after-school programs. The Costilla County School District also offers a variety of special education services for students with disabilities or those who require additional support in their learning.
The overall quality of education in Fort Garland is slightly below state averages but still provides an adequate foundation for further educational pursuits. High school graduation rates are lower than average with only 57% graduating within four years compared to the state average of 78%. Despite this lower rate however, there are still many college-bound students who go on to pursue higher education after graduation from Fort Garland High School or other area high schools.
For those looking for alternative educational options outside of the public school system there are also several private schools in the area offering various levels of instruction ranging from pre-kindergarten through high school. These include St Joseph’s Catholic School as well as other smaller religious and secular institutions that provide more personalized instruction for their students.
Fort Garland has a strong education system that provides its residents with adequate resources for learning and growth both inside and outside of the classroom setting. Although graduation rates may not be as high as some other areas in Colorado they still provide a solid foundation for children’s future success in higher education or other career paths they may choose to pursue later on in life.
Landmarks in Fort Garland, Colorado
Fort Garland, Colorado is a small town located in Costilla County. The town is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and landmarks in the state. From its stunning mountain peaks to its vast meadows, Fort Garland has something for everyone. Check bridgat for highways in Colorado.
One of the most prominent landmarks in Fort Garland is the old fort that gives the town its name. Built in 1858 by Colonel John M. Chivington, this fort was used to protect settlers from raids by Native Americans during the Indian Wars. Today, it serves as a reminder of the brave men and women who fought to protect their homes and families during this difficult time in American history.
The San Luis Valley Museum is another significant landmark that can be found in Fort Garland. This museum showcases artifacts from various cultures throughout Colorado’s history including Native American, Spanish Colonial, and Anglo-American artifacts as well as photographs and documents from the 19th century. The museum also features educational programs for families and groups interested in learning more about local history.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve are also located close to Fort Garland making it easy for visitors to explore these unique sand dunes that have been formed over thousands of years by wind erosion from nearby mountains. Visitors can take part in activities such as hiking or sand sledding while exploring this one-of-a-kind landscape or simply enjoy some peace and quiet while taking in the breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains which border the park on one side.
The San Luis Valley Scenic Byway provides visitors with a great way to explore all that Fort Garland has to offer with its winding road leading through some of Colorado’s most beautiful landscapes including rolling hills, lush meadows, and snow capped mountains. Along this route visitors will find plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing, camping, hunting, horseback riding, mountain biking or simply enjoying a picnic lunch at one of many scenic overlooks along this route.
Finally, no visit to Fort Garland would be complete without visiting Costilla County’s oldest Catholic Church – St Joseph’s Catholic Church which was built back in 1877 when Fort Garland was first established as an army post by Colonel Chivington himself. This church still holds regular services every Sunday making it an important landmark for many locals who attend weekly services here or just stop by on occasion for special events hosted at this historic church building throughout each year.