Hugo, Colorado
East of Denver, on Highway 287 going north and south en route to Texas, Hugo was once a flourishing railroad town.
It is now a quiet settlement amid farming spreads along a bustling Interstate Highway.
It's hard to say what may have been THE highlight of this spectacular journey, but being in Hugo was
certainly a highlight. It was here that Vern Parker painted the famous Butterfield Stagecoach mural,
so historical and dominating in its very size and subject.
In 1954, Vern Parker was commissioned to capture the Old Butterfield Stagecoach Trail that went from
Hugo to Denver in the 1800's. The immense project was four 4x8 panels, the entire mural resulting 8 feet
by 16 feet in size. Following its completion, it remained on display in the Hotel Greymont lobby. Shortly after,
the hotel suffered fire damage but was not destroyed. However, in the 60's the hotel was razed, and the mural
disappeared. Its whereabouts was unknown until 2004, when providence would have it that I discovered it on
the Internet in an antique store in Carbondale, a small tourist town west of Denver. Through negotiations,
the mural was purchased by the town of Hugo. It is now proudly displayed in the Town Community Center
for the townspeople to enjoy. It has made its final journey and is now at rest in a place of honor, thanks to
Terry Blevins, Town Historian, and Gary Ensign, Town Manager. And for me, I take no little credit for
having discovered it in the first place!
For more information on the Hugo Mural
Hugo Town Community Center, Permanent Home of the Vern Parker Old Butterfield Stage Mural
The mural has been permanently mounted on a singular wall of the community hall and can be seen even as
one enters the door, and high enough not to tempt curious hands. It is so lighted as to set off the detail and vivid color.
It is remarkably preserved. Evidently in its obscure years, it had not been exposed to weather, smoke-filled rooms or abuse.
The varnish is yellowed in places, and there is some flaking, but for its years, it has stood up with amazing courage.
The mural appears to be painted on canvas mounted on plywood, or a thin wood. The panel lines are plainly visible and increases
the charm and antiquity of the painting.
Title as Painted by Artist, Vern Parker
The signatures on the mural create a curiosity. The one on the left appears to be painted over, but not completely erased, thus showing the date,
'54, establishing the year of the painting. The one on the right is the signature characteristic of all of Parker's paintings.
Joanna & Friends
The depth of this experience and feeling of completion cannot be described.
Hugo Town Scenes
Lincoln County Historical Museum Lincoln Manor Bed & Breakfast
And Adjacent Historical Homes Across the Street from the Community Center
Business Building Built During the Railroad Period VFW Building Just Off Main Highway
Hugo Lutheran Church Lincoln County Court House
Main Street, Hugo West Hwy. 5
Mr. B's Lumber & Grain Elevator Homer's Garage
Leo's & VFW Colorado East Plainsman
Roundhouse Railroad Park
