Salida's downtown grew quickly after 1880, when the Denver & Rio Grande railroad line was built from Pueblo along the Arkansas Valley on its way to the mining districts of Leadville.  Located just above the narrow canyons of the Royal Gorge, Salida was a division point for the railroad and quickly became a commercial hub serving the nearby mining and agricultural regions.  

Salida experienced devastating fires in its business district in 1886 and 1888, but rebounded to build a substantial commercial area consisting principally of two-story brick buildings.  Railroad activity began to decline in the 1950s and in 1971 Salida ceased to be a division point for the Denver & Rio Grande.  A complex of railroad-related structures, including a prominent depot, were once located just across the Arkansas River from downtown Salida.  Unfortunately, these buildings were demolished after the railroad closed its operations.

Despite the loss of railroad-related buildings and employment, Salida's downtown economy has rebounded.  Tourism, recreation, and arts-related enterprises have grown in importance in recent years and now make up the primary activities in the historic district.  Numerous historic buildings have been rehabilitated to serve these new enterprises.

Salida's downtown was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and includes many examples of turn-of-the-century brick commercial architecture, including some with original cast iron storefronts, elaborate tin roof cornices and interesting vintage signage.  The downtown area is clearly a major economic asset for the community.  The historic district is protected by a local preservation ordinance that ensures that any changes to the exterior of structures within the district are reviewed by the Salida Historic Preservation Commission maintaining the historic integrity of the district.  

Visitors to downtown Salida will find a wealth of activities to choose from.  The historic district is home to many events throughout the year, including America's longest running whitewater river festival, FibArk, as well as Art Walk, which attracts nationally renowned artists.  The Steam Plant Theater, located in a rehabilitated historic building on the Arkansas River, offers a full schedule of performances and events.  Thousands of people visit downtown Salida on summer weekends to enjoy the historic architecture, shop at independent businesses, launch fly fishing trips from the downtown boat ramp or start rides along the area mountain bike and cruiser routes.

Salida's local newspaper, The Mountain Mail, publishes an annual Heritage Guide that includes a walking tour of Salida's Downtown Historic District.  These guides are available at newsstands and brochure racks throughout town.  Visitors will also find attractive and historic residential blocks immediately adjacent to the downtown.

Salida's downtown is also a central feature of the newly designated Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway, Colorado's newest scenic byway.  State Highway 291 brings travelers on the Byway into the center of the historic downtown.

Fun Facts to Know and Tell:
Salida, the Spanish word for exit, refers to the town's position at the northwest end of the Arkansas River canyon that includes Royal Gorge.

Originally named South Arkansas, the Post Office ordered the name changed in 1881.  Governor Alexander C. Hunt, who also named the town of Durango, came up with Salida, inspired by his recent trip to Mexico.

In the 1920s and 30s, the valley around Salida and Buena Vista was known as the lettuce capital of the world.

Mt. Antero, one of the Fourteeners, is the only place in Colorado where the state gemstone, aquamarine, is mined.

Other Places to Visit:
St. Elmo
Buena Vista Heritage Museum

Other websites:
Salida Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information

Best Times to Visit:
Anytime

Byways:
Collegiate Peaks Scenic & Historic Byway
Top of the Rockies