Highway of Legends
Cordova Plaza, CO

Felipe Baca and a group of 12 families that were drawn to the area by Baca’s success in raising crops, such as melons, established Cordova Plaza in 1861. As the families settled along the Purgatoire River, they developed family-oriented villages, which they called plazas. These plazas served as protection from Indian attacks. The Cordova Chapel sits on the south side of Highway 12, which was built in 1871. The chapel was an important part of the settlement and development of this area and other areas that were explored initially by the Spanish Conquistadors. The Conquistadors would generally leave a few people from their group, including a priest, to settle the area.

Some people say that the Spanish-American Brotherhood of the Penitentes live in the Purgatoire Valley and the surrounding mountains. The Penitente Brotherhood was in charge of maintaining the faith of the people and protecting the community when the Spanish priests were called back to Spain after Mexico gained her freedom. The Penitentes had many rituals, including penance and self-flagellation, focus on the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, and a Passion Play during the week before Easter. Only a few members of the Penitente Brotherhood and their rituals remain in the area today.