The Museum

The Castle Rock Museum is housed in the historically significant Castle Rock Denver & Rio Grande Depot. In 1871, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad had just been built between Denver and Old Colorado City (Colorado Springs), the first narrow gauge line in the United States. It was built by General William Jackson Palmer.

In 1874, the Town of Castle Rock was designated the county seat for the newly realigned Douglas County. With the Town of Castle Rock newly designated the county seat, locals pushed for a railroad depot in Castle Rock. By 1875 asmall trim depot was erected on Third Street in the bustling village of Castle Rock. It was constructed of rhyolite building stone native to the area, designed in the style of the period with wide eaves supported by drop-pendant brackets. The stonework includes fine details on the corners and buildings’ edges, and around the sills and lintels.

The Depot was moved from trackside to its present location (420 Elbert St.) in 1970. It was carefully restored by the Castle Rock Historical Society in 1996 for use as a local history museum. In 1997 the Castle Rock Museum opened to the public in the historic depot. The depot retains original interior features such as the old ticket window and baggage area as well as 150 years of graffiti on its walls.

The Denver & Rio Grande Depot was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and the Castle Rock Register of Local Landmarks in 1994.

Museum Director

Angie DeLeo