Otero Museum

719-384-7500

The museum covers a time span of 1875 - 1945, and is dedicated to preserving the heritage of La Junta and the surrounding area.

The artifacts at the museum are imaginatively displayed to portray life and business during the early years of the lower Arkansas Valley. We feature displays focusing on railroads, military, postal, agricultural, business, transportation, schools, and all other aspects of pioneer life. Our extensive collection is both educational and entertaining, and is definitely worth a visit.

Our transportation collection includes an 1867 "Old Overland Stage", built in Concord, NH by the Abbott Downing Coach Company. It was one of thirteen ordered by the Fargo Company at a price of $1,100. It first operated from Leavenworth, KS to Denver over the Smoky Hills route, and later from Denver to Leadville, when it was known as the "Little Pittsburgh" (named after Horace Tabor's "Little Pittsburgh" mine). This collection also includes a 1903 Surrey that was purchased through the Montgomery Ward catalogue for $60.

Our railroad collection focuses on the A.T. & S. F. Railroad and the Kansas Pacific Railroad. It includes a 1939 Plymouth switch engine and boxcar, a cut-away view of engine parts and a telegraph station replica. We have an extensive collection of railroad implements including uniforms, lanterns, watches, a Santa Fe calendar collection spanning 1914 - 1993, a historical photograph collection and hundreds of other items. The kids (young and old) can push a button to "blow" the 1897 steam locomotive whistle.

The Sciumbato House/Grocery Store is on the National Historic Register. It was the home and business of Daniel and Mary Sciumbato from 1901 - 1974, and is furnished in the period of the early 1900's. It features a Murphy bed, complete dining room, living room, kitchen with a kerosene range and ice box and fully furnished bedrooms, complete with clothing (including an 1890s black wedding dress) and a fascinating toy collection. The grocery store was originally added to the home in 1916, and we have it stocked with old tins, a meat counter, scales, and all of the things you would expect to find in an old fashioned neighborhood grocery store.

Admission to the museum is free; donations are greatly appreciated. A knowledgeable, volunteer tour guide takes every visitor to the museum on a guided tour. Plan on 1 to 2 hours for your visit.

Hours: June 1 - September 30: Monday - Saturday - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Special and off-season tours can be arranged by calling the museum ahead of time.

Otero Museum: At the corner of Third and Anderson Streets, La Junta Colorado 81050; 719-384-7500.

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