Holly

Most of the Communities in eastern Colorado owe their birth and initial development to the railroads.  In 1881, the "Holleys" station first appeared in the Santa Fe employee timetables. Not too far south from this depot stands the ranch headquarters established by Hiram S. Holly (also spelled Holleys or Holley).  By 1882, the ranch had blossomed into a community that provided services and shopping for its employees and area neighbors. 

Lured by open grassland, abundant game, business opportunities, and land for homesteading, the railroad signaled settlement and town formation.  In 1894, "Holly" first appeared in the Santa Fe employee timetables and a 24 by 62 foot, wood framed depot is erected in 1897 indicating the town’s progress. In 1901, the Santa Fe constructed loading chutes and pens for cattle, sheep and hogs.  Acknowledging the growing number of farms coming to the area, a mill, elevator, and warehouse were constructed in 1902 on the railroad right of way.  The following year, in 1903, the town of Holly was incorporated.

The sugar beet industry began in 1906 with Articles of Incorporation drawn up for the Holly Sugar Company. It was the start of a boom period for Holly. The depot continued to be an important element in Holly’s history until 1949-1950, when rail traffic began to decline.  The depot stopped operating as a passenger stop in 1972 and freight services ceased in 1983.  The period of significance arbitrarily ended in 1945 to comply with the National Register’s fifty-year rule.