Las Animas County was one of the original counties in the State of Colorado. It is still the largest county in the state at 4,749 square miles, and the third largest in the United States. Trinidad, the County seat, was one of the main stops along the Santa Fe trail. Famous and infamous historic legends such as Al Capone, Bat Masterson, and Wyatt Earp all had a place in Trinidad’s history.

The mostly rural county still relies heavily on farming and ranching as its main economic engine. Rural living is one of the attractions that have drawn many newcomers to the county in recent years. The rich history of mining is experiencing a resurgence in coal bed methane and coal mining and exploration.

The nearly century year old courthouse is constructed of marble and buff Indiana Limestone embellished with glazed terra cotta detailing. Currently, the County is remodeling the old jail portion of the courthouse complex that when completed, will be used to house the Department of Human Services.