PRESS CONTACT:
Jeannie McFarland Johnson, Director of Marketing & Communications
303-866-5786 | Jeannie.McFarlandJohnson@state.co.us

“The Manzanola Methodist Church was the spiritual home for the families of the Black homestead The Dry, and it endures as a strong symbol of the aspirations and ideals of this country,” said Dawn DiPrince, president/CEO of History Colorado and state historic preservation officer. “History Colorado is proud to invest in the preservation of this historic Black church so it can remain a living testament to the power of community, a place of mutual aid during economic challenges, and a demonstration of humanity and resilience in the face of adversity.” 

Located at the northeast corner of South Park Street and East 2nd Street, the Manzanola United Methodist Church was constructed in 1908 to serve as a place of faith and provide essential services to surrounding communities. To this day, the church continues to serve its community by providing support to both religious and community groups, and serving as a gathering place for the town of Manzanola.

A well-preserved example of Gothic Revival style, this historic church also has the unique distinction of being the only remaining structure connected to the history of The Dry. 

One of only two Black homesteading communities founded in Colorado, The Dry is part of the long and often overlooked history of Black accomplishments in the Centennial State. Founded by Josephine and Lenora Rucker, along with George Swink, The Dry attracted families from across the nation looking to claim land under the Enlarged Homestead Act of 1909. 

Founded on land that was challenging to farm, this predominantly Black community showed determination and adaptation over the years and was an illustration of Black agricultural excellence. Despite their perseverance, residents of The Dry were eventually forced to head for greener pastures by the combination of environmental and ecological disasters in the 1920s and 30s.

Prior to the migration out of The Dry, many of its families developed a deep connection to the nearby Manzanola United Methodist Church, which served as the spiritual home for the community. To this day, descendants of The Dry — such as the Craig Family whose matriarch Alice McDonald is the last living resident of The Dry — continue to return to the Manzanola United Methodist Church.

“The Craig family, the city of Manzanola and the members of the Manzanola United Methodist Church are honored to have received this recognition,” said Jay Alexander, niece of Alice McDonald and a member of the Manzanola United Methodist Church congregation. “The church has been a central gathering place for members of the Craig family since their early days of homesteading on the Dry, just south of the town of Manzanola. Receiving this acknowledgment highlights the historical significance of Black homesteaders, their ties to their community and their commitment to their faith on a national level, and collectively we are very grateful and proud recipients.”

Thanks to the dedication of the people of Manzanola and the surrounding area, the Manzanola United Methodist Church maintains excellent historical and physical integrity. This has been aided by a number of historic preservation grants from the State Historical Fund that have amounted to more than $1 million.

This funding has helped to rehabilitate the character-defining features of the church and preserve it for residents of Otero County for generations to come.  

In honor of this recognition the Manzanola United Methodist Church will be hosting a plaque presentation ceremony on June 8 at 1 p.m. The Manzanola United Methodist Church is located at 116 S Park St, Manzanola.

About Colorado Heritage for All
Colorado Heritage for All is an intentional effort by History Colorado to address the lack of representation of all Colorado's diverse communities in the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Colorado Heritage for All supports nominations and the listing of 150 currently unrecognized historic resources that tell the stories of marginalized communities by the end of 2026.

As part of Colorado Heritage for All, History Colorado is seeking community suggestions for properties that are vital to understanding the history of the Centennial State. Coloradans are encouraged to submit suggestions for sites that should be added to the State and National Registers of Historic Places through this online submission form or by contacting the State Historic Preservation Office via Email at hc_oahp@state.co.us. 

About History Colorado
History Colorado is a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education and a 501(c)3 non-profit that has served more than 75,000 students and 500,000 people in Colorado each year. It is a 146-year-old institution that operates eleven museums and historic sites, a free public research center, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation which provides technical assistance, educational opportunities, and other access to archaeology and historic preservation, and the History Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), which is one of the nation’s largest state funded preservation programs of its kind. More than 70% of SHF grants are allocated in rural areas of the state. Additionally, the offices of the State Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Officer are part of History Colorado. 

History Colorado’s mission is to create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. We serve as the state’s memory, preserving and sharing the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through educational programs, historic preservation grants, collecting, outreach to Colorado communities, the History Colorado Center and Stephen H. Hart Research Center in Denver, and 10 other museums and historic attractions statewide. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado