This is one of the historic hotels in Downtown Durango. It was built in a time when it was not known if Durango would remain a mining-camp or if it would prosper as a grand metropolis. Henry Strater had the belief and vision that Durango would indeed prosper and thought it would need a grand hotel. The cost to build at the time was $70,000, but with the help of Strater's brothers and father it became a reality. Over 376,000 hand-hewn local sandstone blocks and cornices were used in the construction. Construction was completed in 1887.
The hotel proved to be a success and was very popular with locals as well as travelers. During winters, many locals would move into the hotel, closing down their own homes in favor of the well furnished and wood-stove heated rooms.
This is the first post in a series I plan to do on this historic hotel.
Nice architecture.
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