Building a Courthouse from Borrowed Bones:
Although Buena Vista had rightfully won the county seat, they lacked a courthouse of their own. The stolen records found temporary refuge in local businesses and even a stable, carefully guarded against any Granite counter-strikes.
It wasn't until 1882 that Buena Vista's courthouse dream materialized. On June 8th, with Masonic fanfare and dignitaries like Governor Pitkin and Denver Mayor Morris in attendance, the cornerstone of the new courthouse was laid.
Our story begins in 1879, when Chaffee County split from Lake County. Granite was a natural contender for the county seat and even boasted a courthouse of its own. However, Buena Vista had ambitions of its own. A vote was held, and Buena Vista emerged victorious. But Granite wasn't ready to relinquish its grip on power.
Then came the night of November 12, 1880. Under the cloak of darkness, a daring raid unfolded. Led by Ernest Wilbur, a group of determined Buena Vista men "borrowed" a locomotive and flatcar and set off for the Granite Courthouse.
A Stolen Seat of Power
They built a temporary track spur to reach the courthouse grounds, and then, with a thunderous kick, they breached the doors. Sheriff John Mear and his wife found themselves held at gunpoint, helpless witnesses to the pillaging of their courthouse.
Fueled by determination and a touch of frontier pragmatism, the Buena Vista raiders took more than just paperwork. They stripped the courthouse bare, carting away furniture, railings, and even a still-warm stove!