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Behind the Scenes Look at Cross Orchards Historic Site

by KREX News Room
by John Dias

Story Created: Mar 12, 2013 at 7:24 AM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 12, 2013 at 7:31 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- If you’re a history fanatic, get ready to mark your calendars.

What once was one of the largest apple orchards in western Colorado is now a historical site full of artifacts, just waiting to be viewed.

The Museum of Western Colorado is offering one of their seldom open houses to the public at the Cross Orchards Historic Site before they open for the season.

“Today we have saved the core buildings, a lot of them are over 100 years old and this tells the historic side of the boom and bust cycle of Grand Junction,” said Zebulon Miracle, curator of Museum of Western Colorado. "It also tells us the history of our agricultural industry.”

But from its wooden ceilings down to its squeaking floors, this historic building wouldn't be standing here without the help form the museum.

Miracle says that after Cross Orchards couldn't make profit back in 1920, the land was auctioned off piece by piece. This left the buildings to go through 50 years of neglect and about to be torn down until the Museum of Western Colorado stepped in.

“We have gone from the chop block to being on the national register and being open for tours,” said Miracle. “So it’s really a success story for the museum.”

If you want to learn more about the site, the behind the scenes tour will be Friday, March 22 and will cost you $5.

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