Battlement Mesa School House

This cache is located at the newly restored, old Battlement Mesa School House, 7201 County Road 300 on Battlement Mesa. The cache is easily accesible, except to wheelchairs. There is handicap parking, but just a dirt path to the front side of the school house. Enjoy your stay, say "Hi" to any of the staff that may be there and enjoy the other places/caches in Parachute and Battlement Mesa.

This building was originally constructed in 1897 as a one-room schoolhouse. It replaced the original log built school house built in 1889. In 1907, the school house was expanded into its present day two room configuration. The school was built from native red stones from a quarry about two miles away. The school’s first teacher was Ms. Mary Shutt. Other teachers included: Olive Brown, June Brown, Vera Foster, Mary Luellan, Albert Gardner and Mr. Poplin. The school was Garfield County District #18 until the Wallace Creek School was constructed in the 1920’s. The Battlement School became District #45 and the Wallace Creek School became District #18. Enrollment sometimes required two teachers and the use of both rooms. More often the school housed 12 to 20 children and only one teacher. The older front room was often used as a sort of gymnasium. Baskets were tacked up for basketball.
The Grand Valley Historical Society has taken on the task of saving this outstanding building. Through the use of donations, grants and hard work, the GVHS has restored this fine school house to its former glory. It now serves as a meeting place, museum and community treasure. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse, #83001295. It was added to the list in 1983. Please
When you’re here, visit the Glover Cabin as well. This cabin was moved to the site and has been restored to resemble an 1890’s schoolmarm’s residence.
Information regarding this fine schoolhouse was obtained from the Grand Valley Historical Society, National Register of Historic Places and the web site, historic-structures.com