Schools in Las Animas: Bent County High School
Year Listed: 2004
County: Bent County
Status: PROGRESS
Context: Education
Date Constructed: 1913
Significance:
U.S. Ambassador Llewellyn Thompson, an expert on Soviet affairs who served under President John F. Kennedy during the 1962 Cuban missile crisis; Ken Curtis (born Curtis Gates), “Festus” of the long-running television series Gunsmoke; and author James Michener’s wife, Mari (Sabusawa) Michener are former students of the old Bent County High School. In addition to its association with significant persons, the school is known for its imposing, three-story, massive-columned architecture. Believed eligible for the National State Register of Historic Places, the now empty school was designed by Swedish architect James Larson in the neoclassical style with construction completed by Nels T. Nelson in 1913.
Threat When Listed:
Demolition
Since Listing: Colorado Preservation, Inc. has been working with the local school board to develop future uses for the building.