The Rosemount Museum
Pueblo, Colorado

John Thatcher moved from Pennsylvania to Colorado and became a successful merchant and banker, with other interests in cattle, mining and farming. Shortly after his arrival in Pueblo, he met and married Margaret Henry. The fortune he amassed allowed him to build Rosemount while most of Pueblo was still built of adobe and very few of the streets were paved.

Henry Hudson Holly, noted Victorian architect of New York City, designed the mansion. It was built between 1891 and 1893, and with appointments and furnishings, cost approximately $100,000, an enormous sum for those times. Nearly all of the furnishings, window and wall treatments, paintings and other decorative arts on display are original to the home. There are Tiffany chandeliers, a 9x13 foot stained glass window, ten gorgeously carved and accented fireplaces, many elaborately painted ceilings, and lots of fine oak, cherry, mahogany, and maple woodwork.

Rosemount offers guided tours that take about an hour, for a nominal admission fee (but forget bringing a camera: they are expressly forbidden). The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and is closed Sundays, Mondays, major holidays and all of January. Tours can be scheduled in advance by calling 719-545-5290.

Rosemount Museum is located at 419 West 14th Street, just north of downtown Pueblo. You can also enjoy lunch at the Carriage House Restaurant on Rosemount's grounds. In the building or on the patio, order from a full menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and daily plate specials. The restaurant is also known for its fine assortment of teas and desserts. Hours are 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Reservations for six or more are recommended, call 719-595-0098. For more information: rosemount.org