Construction of a school building reflected the importance of universal education and a community's desire to establish permanence in the ever-expanding Western frontier. Since 1859 when Colorado's first one-room schoolhouse was established in Denver City, over six hundred school buildings have been built across the Centennial State. These schools were often the social centers of the community. Civic town meetings were held in them, as well as other political events. Some of these schoolhouses were still operating in rural communities through the 1950s. Today, these schools are the touchstones to Colorado's pioneering past. Colorado's Historic Schools is part-regional history, and part-travel guide featuring over 140 of the most significant schools across the state, all recognized as historic landmarks. Along with interesting school stories and building descriptions, there are historic photos and sidebars featuring stories of legendary teachers, tragedies, and even murder over the 150-year history of Colorado's schools.