The Farm At Lee Martinez Park, North Sherwood Street, Fort Collins, CO
The Ross Proving-Up House was constructed by Scotsman James Ross in 1891 to meet the size qualifications for a domicile under the 1862 Homestead Act of 10 feet by 12 feet. The 1862 Homestead Act encouraged settlers claim 160 acres owned by the U.S. government. The stipulation was that they live on and improve the land. After a minimum of five years, they could pay a small fee, apply for a patent and thus receive title to the land. This is how much of the vast United States prairie was settled.
The Ross Proving-Up House has been stabilized, repaired, painted and moved to The Farm at Lee Martinez Park (600 N. Sherwood) in Fort Collins.
In September of 2019, the Poudre Heritage Alliance was honored with the “Friends of Preservation” Award from the City of Fort Collins for the historical preservation of this building.
Tourism Information
Hours:
- April-May and September-October
- Wednesday-Saturday : 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday : 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm; 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- June-August
- Tuesday-Saturday : 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Sunday : 12:00pm – 5:00pm
- November-March
- Wednesday-Saturday : 10:00am-4:00pm
- Sunday : 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Cost:
$3.25, ages 2 and up.
Under age 2 are free.
Accessibility
Visitors Welcome
Directions
In Fort Collins, head north on College Ave / Hwy 287 and turn left (west) on Cherry St. Turn right (north) onto Sherwood St. The parking lot will be on your left.
