New Deal Survey

The New Deal in Eastern Colorado

The New Deal construction programs left a vast legacy of buildings and structures throughout the United States. Due to the high number of federal land holdings combined with the devastation wrought by the combination of the Great Depression, the regional drought, and the Dust Bowl, Colorado received more than its proportionate “fair share” of federal money from New Deal programs during the 1930s. Consequently, there are New Deal resources in every Colorado county, and virtually every community in the state.

WPA Culvert in Crowley County

The Survey

Colorado Preservation Inc.’s New Deal Survey Project has developed a history of the New Deal programs and projects active on Colorado’s Eastern Plains. Several counties have been surveyed, and New Deal projects identified. More counties are currently being surveyed. The project is partially funded by a grant from the State Historical Fund, a program of the Colorado Historical Society.

The Resources

New Deal Resources on the National Register of Historic Places
Researching New Deal Historic Resources
Surveyed New Deal Resources in Eastern Colorado – COMING SOON!
New Deal Architecture Styles in Colorado

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We hope you will extend your appreciation for Colorado's heritage by helping us take advantage of this $1 to $1 matching campaign. Learn more about our matching campaign and make your tax-deductible donation today!

Featured Project

Preservation for a Changing Colorado

Historic preservation has a direct economic benefit to communities and Colorado! Take a look at the 2017 study, which considered the ways adaption of historic places has a direct financial effect on the state.

This updated, most resent study, was the result of a partnership between Colorado Preservation, Inc and History Colorado, funded by a grant from History Colorado's State Historical Fund. Prepared by Clarion Associates, the new report document the economic benefits of rehabilitation projects, analyzes property values and neighborhood stability in local historic districts, and summarizes the increasing impact of heritage tourism, private preservation development and the success of Colorado’s Main Street program.

In a key finding, researchers determined that for every $1 million spent on historic preservation in Colorado it produced $1.03 million in additional spending, 14 new jobs, and $636,700 in increased household incomes across the state!

The 2017 report also considers the important role preservation plays in helping Coloradans provide new spaces for creative communities and co-working, create and sustain meaningful places, responds to the state’s changing demographics, and addresses climate concerns.

Click Here to see download and read the full report, "Preservation for a Changing Colorado".