South Platte ValleyHistorical Society
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Donelson House

The Donelson Homestead House was the home of Thomas and Laura Aiken Donelson. Thomas came to Colorado in 1859 with the gold rush to the rockies.

Plan your visit
A tall windmill against a deep blue sky beside the Donelson House

At a glance

Built
1860s, on higher ground after the large flooding in 1864
The family
Thomas and Laura Aiken Donelson and their children Mary Maria, Eleanor, Thomas, John and James
Restored to
The house as it stood in 1893, with the furnishings of that time
At the park
Donated and moved to the site in 1996. Restoration completed in 2004.
Open
The Historic Park is open the first & third weekend of each month from May to October.
Book a group tour

1860's Era Farm House

Thomas Donelson was from Wisconsin and staked a claim along the Platte River in an area that was near what is now the town of Brighton. Returning to Wisconsin, Thomas brought his family, which included his wife Laura and their children Mary Maria, Eleanor, Thomas, John and James. At first the family lived in a cabin along the river. However, after large flooding in 1864, Thomas began building the current house on higher ground.

Then and now

The Donelson family in period dress posed in front of the house and picket fence with white horses, 1893
1893. Standing in front by the gate is Thomas' third wife Mary Ann. Thomas is leaning on the fence. His daughter Mary is leaning on the hitching post and his son Tommy is sitting on the hitching post.
The Donelson House today: white clapboard with green shutters behind a picket fence and flowering trees
Today. The house as you will see it in the historic park.

The Donelson House in the historic park has been restored to what you see in the 1893 photo.

A visit to the Donelson House will transport you back to the 1890's, to a farmstead home with the furnishings of that time. Below are some images of the things you will see up close.

  • The parlor with a floral settee, a bentwood hat stand, a yarn swift and red curtains
  • Oak china cabinets full of dishes beside a pressed-back chair with a granny-square afghan
  • An upstairs bedroom under a sloped ceiling with an iron crib, a christening gown on a rocker and quilts
  • The kitchen's nickel-trimmed cast-iron cook stove with kettles and shelves of vintage tins
  • A red hand pump and wooden trough at the base of the windmill in a field of dandelions
Next stop on the pathNewestHistoric Post & Beam Barn