Shawnee Historic District
Park County
The Shawnee Historic District is locally significant for its historic association with transportation, entertainment/recreation, and community planning and development. Included in this historic district is a small cemetery. The town of Shawnee played a significant role in the history of Colorado. The community is associated with the history of transportation in the Rocky Mountain region, sitting along the route of the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railway construction line, later the Colorado and Southern Railway.
Shawnee Historic District (2006 photograph, Fairview Hotel.)
In addition to facilitating local timber and ice industries, the railroad also enabled the town's growth as a recreational community. From its founding, Shawnee was significant as the site of summer and tourist facilities, including a large lodge and hotel in addition to the many private seasonal homes, some of which remain seasonal today. The town is further significant as a site for its early Post Office; numerous early homes and settlers; rail stop for both passengers and freight, including ice, timber, livestock and hay; and as a day-trip for recreation along the South Platte River.