El Corazon de Trinidad National Historic District, the Victorian jewel of Colorado's Santa Fe Trail, is the southernmost city of a line of cities that separates the Colorado Rockies and the Great Plains. It is the gateway to the Rockies and the southern gateway to the Mountain Route of the Santa Fe Trail. To the west is the beautiful Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) Mountain Range. Stretching along the north are the majestic Huajatollas (pronounced wa-ha-toy-yas), also know as the Spanish Peaks. Fisher's Peak, the unusual volcanic landmark with its stair step top, lies to the south, at an altitude of 9,600 feet. El Rio de Las Animas Perdidas en Purgatoire (the river of lost souls in Purgatory), better known as the Purgatoire River, flows through the center of Trinidad. Trinidad has a growing art and drama community and has quaint shops and offers recreational opportunities throughout the year for all ages. Each year they host the Santa Fe Trail Days Festival in June.
La Junta is the center of the famous Arkansas Valley and the county seat of Otero County. The altitude is 4,100 feet. The nights are notably pleasant, and it is always delightfully cool in the shade, even in the hottest weather. Winters are mild with sunny skies just about all the season. Fall like temperatures and a dry climate prevail in the winter with only two or three weeks of real winter. The region is rich in beauty and wealthy in attractions. Green, rolling hills flow alongside the Arkansas River and the route of the historic Santa Fe Trail. The trail epitomized the frontier spirit of exploration, trade, and settlement. Dozens of crystal blue lakes and reservoirs lure wildlife as well as recreationists. Preserved grasslands and canyon lands whisper of pioneers adventures as they traveled through and settled in the region. For 57 years La Junta has held a Kids Rodeo and Race the first weekend in August. Many special activities such as Arkansas Valley Fiesta Days and Hot Air Balloon Races provide fun in Otero County. The Colorado Invitational Dove Hunt brings in dove hunters from all over the United States. Seven, four-man teams compete each year over Labor Day weekend. Truly a year round playground for the adventurous nature in us all.
The Bent County Court House was built and furnished between 1886 and 1889. It is the longest continuously used courthouse in the state. The nearby jail was home to Sheriff Dan Gates, father of Ken Gates, known as Festus of the Gunsmoke TV series. He is credited with starting the Las Animas Santa Fe Trail Days and Parade in 1934, the longest running high school event in the U. S. It is in its 83rd year as of April 2017.
Lamar offers rural family living at its best. Solid family values still prevail in this community, with numerous events and activities scheduled throughout the year. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities, community concerts, or a relaxed shopping atmosphere, this friendly community welcomes you. Lamar is the County Seat of Prowers County with agriculture as its main industry.