For much of its history, Durango was considered a “cow town.” Many early city residents kept a stable with milk cows and horses. Livestock in town wasn’t always without controversy, however. As early as 1895, citizens approached City Council complaining of the smell, noise and the perceived health risks associated with farm animals in town. It was not unusual for livestock drives to be conducted through the city streets. This photo was taken just blocks from downtown and likely in the mid-1910s. It wasn’t until 1957 that Durango passed an ordinance against the keeping of almost every type of livestock including cows, horses, pigs, donkeys and chickens. A last-minute exception was made for rabbits. – Ed Horvat for Animas Museum, edhorvat@animasmuseum (Catalog Number: 04.29.45 from the La Plata County Historical Society Photo Collections)
For much of its history, Durango was considered a “cow town.” Many early city residents kept a stable with milk cows and horses. Livestock in town wasn’t always without controversy, however. As early as 1895, citizens approached City Council complaining of the smell, noise and the perceived health risks associated with farm animals in town. It was not unusual for livestock drives to be conducted through the city streets. This photo was taken just blocks from downtown and likely in the mid-1910s. It wasn’t until 1957 that Durango passed an ordinance against the keeping of almost every type of livestock including cows, horses, pigs, donkeys and chickens. A last-minute exception was made for rabbits. – Ed Horvat for Animas Museum, edhorvat@animasmuseum (Catalog Number: 04.29.45 from the La Plata County Historical Society Photo Collections)