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Abstract

Outside of Crestone, Colorado, a group of stone huts have been the subject of local lore for many years. Despite the speculation surrounding the structures, there has been no conclusive determination of their function or origin. Theories as to the huts’ purpose have ranged from ovens to storage units to ceremonial structures. Thoughts on who constructed the stone huts are just as varied. While some local community members believe the huts to be of Native American origin, others have suggested that they are associated with the mining or railroad industry boom that occurred in the San Luis Valley. Examination of historical documents, associated artifacts, analysis of the huts’ architecture, and interviews with local community members aided in evaluating the evidence in support of these various interpretations. Ultimately, the interpretation with the most supporting evidence is that the Crestone huts were associated with the 1901 railroad line running from Moffat to Cottonwood that passes through Crestone and by the Crestone huts.

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