Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

My interest in Ludlow is spawned from hearing about the Ludlow Massacre.

Thomas G. Andrews (an American historian) described it as the "deadliest strike in the history of the United States.”

On the morning of April 20, 1914 (the day after the Orthodox Easter was celebrated in the tent colony) three Guardsmen appeared at the camp ordering the release of a man being held against his will. That request prompted the camp leader, Louis Tikas, to meet with a local militia commander at the train station in Ludlow village, a half mile from the colony. While the meeting was progressing, two companies of militia installed a machine gun on a ridge near the camp and took a position along a rail route about half a mile south of Ludlow. Anticipating trouble, Tikas ran back to the camp. The miners set out to flank the militia positions and a gunfight broke out.

The fighting raged for the entire day. During the battle, four women and eleven children were trapped in a pit when the tent above them was set on fire. Two of the women and all of the children suffocated. These deaths became a rallying cry for the UMWA, who called the incident the "Ludlow Massacre."

In the end between 69 and 199 lives were lost.

Ludlow (a ghost town) is 18 miles northwest of Trinidad, Colorado.

Ludlow Jail

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rocket111

Nice picture Sad story

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

Thanks! I agree, very tragic.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

A great shot, and story. I do indeed like your treatment. It's only a couple of hundred miles from me, so I just may have to take a day trip down there. Are there other photo opportunities besides the jail?
Thanks; Michael

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

Yes! I found several old builds around both Aguilar and Ludlow. I also did the Highway of Legends. If you are interested in old missions, then that would be something to consider. There are tons of photo opportunities in that area including Walsenburg, La Veta, and Trinidad. Lots of history. Lots of natural sites.

Here's another shot from that area.

Abandoned House

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Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I glanced at your first shot earlier, but very glad I saw this one in "newest photos." Terrific impact for me with those fascinating trees against a mostly white sky. PP is wonderfully eye-catching. I also appreciate and enjoy that you left in the telephone wires as part of the scene.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

Thanks for the info. I have it on my bucket list for this summer.

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

Thank you very much! I appreciate the encouragement!

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

My pleasure! Have a great trip!

roder10 Loc: Colorado Springs

Thanks so much for posting your pics of Ludlow. Been down I-25 so many times - know the story. But, didn't realize you could drive out to the site. That is a must for sometime this year. Probably better photo opportunities when leaves are off trees or anytime good?

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

I'm with you. Leafless trees and bushes seem to add to the composition of old buildings and such. The gnarlier and the scrubbier the better.

About a 1/4 mile south of the Ludluw monument is the (I assume) remnants of the Colony which includes a group of buildings that were the old school. Further south down that same road take the cut that goes under the railroad tracks to get to the old mine site. That's where I found the old jail. Everything is marked private property and no trespassing. I shot from the road. The road follows a dry wash, and at one point you drop down to cross the creek bed. There is an interesting use of old pickups along that spot. Check both sides of the road.

If you go, don't forget Aguliar. I got there real early in the morning, and got some shots of some older downtown buildings.

Have fun!

And thanks for the comment!

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

I agree that this is a high impact shot. Love it! However, I would like to see what it looks like without the wires.

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

Thanks for the comment!

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good Crichmond.

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

Thank you!