Alamosa, Colorado

Alamosa is a city in Alamosa County, Colorado, United States. The city is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Alamosa County. The population was 8,780 at the 2010 census. Alamosa is on the banks of the Rio Grande in the San Luis Valley, home to many farms and ranches. The valley is also home to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Alamosa was established in May 1878 by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. It was named for the Spanish term for "cottonwood" trees which grow along the riverbanks nearby. Cottonwood trees were used as fuel for steam engines because they burned hot and long-lasting.

The town soon became an important supply center for miners working in the San Juan Mountains to the south. By 1890, Alamosa had grown to become one of Colorado's largest cities, with a population of over 5,000 people. However, after silver mining declined in 1893, Alamosa's growth slowed considerably; it would not regain its former size until after World War II when area farmers began growing potatoes as a cash crop. Today potatoes are still an important part of Alamosa's economy; however tourism has become increasingly important as well. Visitors come to see Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve just north of town as well as other attractions such as Zapata Falls southwest of town on Highway 150 near Mosca Pass.