With the help of community volunteers, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and The Friends of Staunton State Park group, a piece of Colorado history will be preserved for the public to enjoy for years to come.

The groups will be working together to restore the historic Staunton Homestead Cabin, located in Staunton State Park.

According to CPW, The history of the cabin and surrounding park dates back to 1918, when the Staunton family homesteaded 80 acres in the Elk Creek Valley in Jefferson County.

Dr. Rachael Staunton and Dr. Archibald were both prominent physicians and philanthropists from Denver. The Staunton's medicinal work in the mountain community greatly impacted the area. Their rustic cabin is historically significant because it offers the opportunity for those living in the current times to get a glimpse of Rocky Mountain living in the 1900s.

The Staunton's expanded their ranch to 1,720 acres by 1930. Throughout that time, a logging operation was also added to the property. The Staunton's hosted children's summer camps on the ranch as well.

Archibald and Rachael's only child, Frances, resided on the ranch until 1986. At this point in time, Frances willed the entire ranch, including the family's cabin to the State of Colorado. She specified that the ranch would become a state park, so that all people could enjoy its beauty. She passed away three years later.

Staunton State Park opened to the public in 2013.

Phase 1 of the restoration project will begin in early April 2021 and will continue through to the end of June 2021.

Staunton State Park is looking for more volunteers to participate in the restoration work. Those wanting to volunteer should be aware that due to health restrictions, only eight individuals may participate during the week session and they are asked to work all five days of the work week. Each session will least roughly eight hours per day for a 40 hour work week.  Anyone interested in volunteering can find the project through Historicorp or by calling 720-287-0100.

Individuals who are interested in helping but are unable to participate physically can support the restoration project through financial donations by contacting kathrynb@friendsofstaunton.org.

This project is paid for in part by a History Colorado – State Historical Fund grant.

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