This is the location of the former Great Western Sugar Beet Factory, one of the leading companies in the Fort Collins area for many decades. In addition to its role in the economy, the factory led to increased opportunities for German immigrants from Russia who worked at this Fort Collins establishment as well as area beet farms. Soon after, Hispanic immigrants migrated to the region. This factory closed in 1960 and was demolished soon after. The historic plume bridge that used to be attached to the factory still stands today.
In 1934, rail workers discovered a stray Collie and nursed her back to health. They named the dog Annie and she quickly became the unofficial mascot of the city as she greeted passengers arriving and departing Fort Collins for the next 15 years. This statue in front of the library pays tribute to a dog that was so beloved to the residents of Fort Collins that they often greeted her as they exited the train even before they reunited with family members.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
Get a QR Code for this tour
(Still in development, test tour) This tour will take you through many of the sites crucial to understanding the lives of communities based on immigration to Fort Collins.
