Columbian School
Bent County
The Columbian School was associated with the educational development of several generations of Las Animas area children. Beginning in 1917 and continuing through 2003, the building served as one of the community’s two elementary schools. The school building was a good local example of the Mission style as adapted to a school. In addition to its use of such character-defining elements as the curvilinear gables and parapets, and the arcaded walkway, the school was particularly noteworthy for its use of an interior courtyard.
Columbian School
This classic Hispano building plan is rarely seen in school buildings, particularly in those built well into the 20th century. A 1936 addition expanded the school’s capacity and its educational mission with the inclusion of junior high classes. The Mission style addition was architecturally significant in its own right as an alternative interpretation of the style. The Columbian School was demolished in February 2006 following the construction of an adjacent replacement school building.