Marshal Baxter Stingley
Step onto the F Street Bridge in Salida, Colorado, and let the wild west of the 1880s unfold around you. Imagine sagebrush stretching for miles, a desert landscape transformed almost overnight by the arrival of the railroad. Salida’s story is one of grit, growth, and no shortage of colorful characters. On this self-guided history tour, we dive into the heart of this frontier town, from shootouts and saloons to scandals and resilience.
From Sagebrush to Salida: The Birth of a Boomtown
Before May 1880, Salida was nothing but sage desert. Then the railroad arrived, bringing industry and people. At its peak, the town saw up to 100 trains a day passing through, with a depot bustling with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of visitors. Legendary figures like Doc Holliday and President Grant walked these streets, and luxury hotels like the Monte Cristo stood at the edge of what is now a parking lot.
But Salida wasn’t just about trains and travelers. The town was sharply segregated: Mexicans lived along the foothills, Italians settled near the roundhouse, and the town’s fortunes were inextricably tied to the railroad’s power.
Wild West Shootouts and Saloons Galore
In the 1880s, Salida boasted 27 saloons, opium dens, and gambling halls—all below 2nd Street. One of the wildest tales took place at the Virginia Hotel, where a feud between two gamblers led to a shootout so fierce it left the furnace riddled with bullets. It’s no surprise the building later burned down.
Saloons weren’t just for drinking—they were the backdrop of the town’s wild west spirit. The Daniel Martin Saloon and Jeremiah Clifford Saloon are just two examples of the rowdy establishments that dotted F Street, catering to cowboys, gamblers, and outlaws.
The Fires That Nearly Erased Salida
Salida’s history is marked by two devastating fires. The first, in 1886, destroyed most of 1st Street but spared the Webb and Corbin grocery, thanks to its brick structure and a heroic firefighting effort. A second fire in 1888, sparked by an overloaded coal furnace, claimed even more lives and property. Despite the destruction, the town rebuilt, with many structures becoming the historic buildings we see today.
Prohibition, Prostitutes, and Miss Laura
Prostitution was a major part of Salida’s economy until 1949, with cribs, brothels, and parlor houses scattered across the town. The most famous madam, Miss Laura Evans, ran the town’s prostitution scene for over five decades. Known for her philanthropy, she funded church roofs, bought school uniforms, and even turned her establishments into overflow hospitals during the Spanish flu epidemic.
Miss Laura’s legacy is one of contradictions: a shrewd businesswoman who commanded respect and played an indispensable role in Salida’s development.
The Tragic Tale of Marshal Baxter Stingley
Marshal Baxter Stingley’s story is one of bravery and betrayal. In 1883, he survived a shootout thanks to a pocket watch that deflected a bullet. Tragically, later that year, he was ambushed and fatally shot in a conspiracy involving cattle thieves and corrupt council members. Stingley’s death marked the end of an era, leaving a town mourning its most effective lawman.
Ghost Signs and Hidden Gems
As you wander Salida, keep an eye out for ghost signs—faded advertisements painted on old buildings. From Coca-Cola’s early marketing as a medicinal cure to Patterson Hardware’s explosive offerings, these remnants of the past tell stories of a bygone era.
One quirky gem is the Adilas building, named by pranksters who spelled “Salida” backward. It’s a playful reminder of the town’s enduring sense of humor.
From Opera Houses to Murals: A Creative Legacy
The Salida Opera House once hosted world-class entertainment, from orchestras to vaudeville. Today, the town celebrates its artistic heritage as Colorado’s first Creative Arts District, with murals like the 1940s caricatures in the old Neil’s Café capturing the spirit of its residents.
Discover Salida’s History Your Way
So, lace up your boots and step back in time. Salida’s wild west days are waiting to be uncovered.
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