The Archive Ledger
Search historic stories, photographs, news, and original documents from across Southeast Colorado.
https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn01070_002/, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
18 archive records
Otero County1870s–1950scollection feature
A visual journey through Rocky Ford, Colorado's archival photographs, tracing the town from its founding along the Arkansas River through its melon-growing heyday and early 20th-century growth.
Otero County1965-01-01article
Explore the legacy of Len Stroud, a pioneer of professional rodeo, his wife Mayme, and their influence on early Colorado rodeo history.
Otero County2021-02-01article
A memorial tribute to Harry "JR" Harada, a cherished family man, dedicated professional, and active community member from Rocky Ford, Colorado.
Otero County1906–1950scollection feature
Photographs and memories from Rocky Ford’s celebrated Watermelon Days at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
FHSECO2026-03-04news update
Updates to the Library and navigation make Southeast Colorado history easier to find.
Otero County1870s–1900shistoric story
A history of Rocky Ford, the "Sweet Melon Capital of the World," from its founding along the Arkansas River to the labor conflicts of 1899.
Bent County1866–presenthistoric story
A history of Las Animas, the Bent County seat named for the Santa Fe Trail, from Bent’s Old Fort to the John W. Rawlings Heritage Museum.
Otero County2026-03-04article
Information kiosk panels at the west entrance to Rocky Ford, telling the town’s melon, theater, and George Swink stories.
Bent County1874–presenthistoric story
Profile of Bent County, Colorado, named for frontier trader William Bent, with Las Animas as its seat.
Otero County1937–1940historic story
WPA-built adobe stables at the Arkansas Valley Fairgrounds in Rocky Ford — a rare surviving example of exposed adobe construction.
Otero CountyLate 1800s–1913collection feature
Historic photographs and postcards document the Arkansas Valley Fair, its entrance, early attractions, and Watermelon Day traditions.
Pueblo County1800s–presenthistoric story
A profile of Pueblo’s history, landmarks, cultural institutions, parks, and enduring identity as Colorado’s Steel City.
historic story
The history of La Junta as a Santa Fe Trail junction, railroad center, agricultural community, and gateway to Bent’s Old Fort.
Baca County1889–presenthistoric story
A profile of Colorado’s southeasternmost county, founded in 1889 and named for pioneer and legislator Felipe Baca.
Otero CountyArchivecollection feature
First-person memories, letters, and creative traditions from Rocky Ford residents.
Otero CountyArchivedocument
Sally Jeanne Haines Saulmon reflects on quilts as records of family and community history.
Otero CountyArchivedocument
Robert W. Saulmon remembers a Rocky Ford community landmark.
Otero County1878-01-01article
The stories of Leona Belle Swink Daring (1878–1977) and Mattie Swink Lamon (1874–1973), daughters of George W. Swink and pioneering Rocky Ford residents. This article covers their individual accomplishments in business, community leadership, and art.
