Historical Sites and Monuments around Loveland, CO

Northern Colorado is booming with Fort Collins real estate for sale and new homes to buy in Loveland, but it’s also a region that’s rich with history. To take you back in time, we’ve compiled a list of three significant historical sites and monuments in Loveland.

Mariano Medina Cemetery

Although Loveland was established in 1881, many believe the first settlers arrived roughly two centuries earlier creating a town called Miraville. Mariano Medina was one of those settlers and played a huge role in establishing a stagecoach station for the Overland Stage Line, where he built a ferry service that safely transported travelers. This region was known as “Fort Namaqua,” but by the time Medina died in 1878, the name faded into history. Now, the Medina family graves can be found at Namaqua Park.

Ernest Place

Around the same time in 1873, a new flourmill owner named David Barnes arrived in Namaqua. Barnes and his family owned a 320-acre farm north of the Big Thompson River, where they grew wheat, and with the help of his dear friend, William Loveland, he extended the Colorado Central Railroad. After the railroad was completed in 1877, construction of the new town began. Many felt the town should be named Barnesville, but Barnes chose to name the town after his good friend, William Loveland. Adored by many, Barnes died in 1886, but his original home still stands and remains in use today on Ernest Place.

Loveland Train Station

In 1902 the Loveland Depot was built by the Colorado and Southern Railway Company. Because of its agricultural roots and need to transport both passengers and freight, Loveland was dependent on the railroad for its economical survival. The station is still in tact, but today it is the Sports Station American Grill. Revitalizing a historic downtown landmark, the Sports Station utilized the architecture and design of the building for bringing people together, just like the original train station did.

The city of Loveland is rich with history and notable monuments, but it also has much more to offer, including great schools, community events and a variety of shopping and dining. If you’re looking to buy a new home in Fort Collins or Loveland, The Lakes at Centerra is a regional destination for entertainment, healthcare, employment, culture, outdoor activities and more. If you’re looking to relocate, visit us for a tour of any one of our 13 beautifully crafted model homes, open daily for your convenience.