Exhibits

Tipi vignette in gallery

Permanent Exhibits

The Place (The Crossroads)- The main entrance to the galleries sets the physical environment of the region. Maps, photographs and graphics are used to create a sense of the arid landscape.

First Peoples- The lifestyles of the early American Indian communities who first inhabited the region are explored through a rich collection of materials including maps, images and objects. Beaded garments, pouches, baskets and stonework are among the items featured.

Exploring the New Land- Spanish, French and American exploration of the area dominates this section. Artifacts include French and Spanish armor, weapons and maps of exploration, journal excerpts from Zebulon Pike’s exploration, and a survey compass from the American initiatives in the region.

Traders and Early Settlement- Artifacts and images of the fur trade era and the founding of El Pueblo are featured, including furs, hides, and the carved wooden grain chest owned by William Bent, founder of Bent’s Fort.

A City Grows- The founding of the City of Pueblo and its early industries of farming, ranching, and the beginning of the steel and mining operations are highlighted. 

Steel City of the West- Pueblo is known as both the "Pittsburgh of the West" and the "Smelting Capital of the World." This section covers smelting and steel-making in Pueblo as the industry took off after 1881.  Labor issues such as the 1914 Ludlow Massacre where Colorado National Guard troops opened fire on a tent camp of striking miners and their families are also highlighted.

Crossroads of Cultures- This section portrays the influx of tens of thousands of people to Pueblo in the first half of the 20^th century, as a result of CF&I operations in the region. Many of these workers and their families immigrated from other countries and settled with people from their home nations, creating various ethnic neighborhoods, many of which remain visible and active in Pueblo today. 

Seeking Respite in the Outdoors- Developed in collaboration with three partnering Scenic and Historic Byways, this gallery features graphics, images and artifacts related to the San Isabel National Forest and its evolving reputation as a model for outdoor development.

The City at the Crossroads- This segment contains images, manuscripts and materials related to Pueblo’s history from 1921 to present. It will tie the City’s present to its past by highlighting recent historic preservation initiatives. Some of the significant events covered include the Flood of 1921 which devastated major portions of the city; the droughts of the early 1930s; and the economic growth as a result of World War II.