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Palisade Historical Society
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Palisade Historical Society

The Palisade Historical Society is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit and was incorporated in March 2010. Our mission is to collect, preserve, and communicate the unique history of Palisade, Colorado, and to foster, encourage, stimulate, and develop public appreciation of this history.

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Tours

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Downtown Highlights TourWalking Tour

Downtown Highlights Tour

This tour is a shorter route with the highlights of the Historic Walking Tour.

19 stops0.6 mi13m
Historic Downtown PalisadeWalking Tour

Historic Downtown Palisade

Established in 1904, Palisade has a unique and interesting history which we are glad to share. We invite you to enjoy a walk as you experience a few "…

42 stops2.8 mi1h 6m
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Historical Sites

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101 E. 8th Street

In 1903, Charles Whisler erected the River Cliff Bath House on this property. It was open to the public andincluded a swimming pool with cement floors…

101 W. 3rd Street - The Blue Pig

Occupying what was originally Palisade's first dry goods store, The Blue Pig Art Gallery moved into the largest and most visible store-front in town i…

103 W. 5th Street - Harvest Chapel

103 W. 5th Street - Harvest Chapel

This Victorian style church was constructed in 1902. It was later moved to its current location where additions and a belfry were added to the small o…

105 W. 3rd Street

Home to Slice O Life Bakery since 1980, this establishment is famous for pastries using Palisade ingredients. After the Palisade National Bank and The…

107 W. 3rd Street

Since the early 1950s this location was a barber shop. Gordon Stewart was the last to cut hair here from 1966 until April 2013. Before then, Kermit Ha…

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Additional Pages

Early Development

Before September 1881, Palisade was part of the Ute Indian Reservation. After the Utes were moved to the Utah reservation, white settlers began to dev…

Coal Mining Was Also Economically Important to Palisade's Development

Coal Mining Was Also Economically Important to Palisade's Development

Coal was mined around Palisade beginning in the 1890s. The railroad was completed to Palisade in 1890, which allowed fruit growers to ship commerciall…

Irrigation is the Key to Life in the Grand Valley

Orchards were planted close to natural water supplies - especially along Rapid Creek east of Palisade and near Kannah Creek in Whitewater. Until the i…

Ideal Peach Growing Climate

Ideal Peach Growing Climate

The first fruit orchards were planted in Whitewater and then near Grand Junction and Fruita. Because of the frost protection from the palisades - the …