Cañon City in Fremont County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
General Jos. H. Maupin
(1856-1929)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2025
1. General Jos. H. Maupin Marker
General Jos. H. Maupin (1856-1929) was responsible for construction of this building — done in two phases from 1903-1907. His name is inscribed at the northeast corner along with another inscription just above — “The Post Office Block.” The Post Office occupied the area below until 1931 — original floor tile can still be seen.
At the turn of the century Maupin was considered the best jury lawyer in Southern Colorado — sometimes compared with Abe Lincoln because of his stature and general characteristics. A Democrat and Attorney General, he lost in two tries for governor. Observers said he would have won if he had been a Republican. Others described him as Colorado’s best liked and most popular politician.
General Maupin and his wife, Lily, had a very active social life in their home across the street — now the Library Park.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 38° 26.463′ N, 105° 14.477′ W. Marker is in Cañon City, Colorado, in Fremont County. It is on North 5th Street just south of Macon Avenue, on the right when
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Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Arkansas River Valley and in Pikes Peak Region. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Comanchería and also the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Banana Belt of Colorado (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First People, Explorers & Settlers (about 400 feet away); 405 Main Street (about 400 feet away); Between the Bars (about 400 feet away); Raynolds-McGee Block (1883) / McClure/Strathmore Hotel (1874) (about 500 feet away); Raynolds Bank (about 500 feet away); Ward/Graves Hospital Building (about 500 feet away); W. C. Catlin (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cañon City.
Regarding General Jos. H. Maupin. Contributing property, Cañon City Downtown Historic District, National Register of Historic Places № 83003517.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by Sammy M. Wittmer & Bill Simpson, 3/1983:
Contributing building № 5FN567. The Post Office Block or the Maupin Building (both names are on the structure) is a two-story corner structure, constructed of cream brick. Distinguishing features include a wood cornice with modillions and a second story pattern of windows which includes bay windows, “regular” rectangular windows, and round headed openings.In the last instance, the curved portion of the window is filled with a decorative wood design. Various brickwork patterns provide additional detail.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 20252. General Jos. H. Maupin Marker
Also see . . .
1. Past Treasures: The Maupin Building (The Pueblo Chieftain).
(By Tracy Harmon, 7/6/1997) Excerpt: Former state Attorney General Joseph H. Maupin, who served from 1890-92, lives on through a historic building he built at Fifth and Macon in Canon City's downtown historic district. Maupin was a well-liked lawyer, took part in some of the most famous trials in the region and "won many notable victories at the bar through his great ability to sway a jury by his oratory and sound arguments," according to a newspaper account from the era.(Submitted on August 16, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Because of his popularity, Maupin was elected mayor of Canon City in 1888-89. By 1890, he was elected state attorney general — at the age of 36, the youngest person to hold that post — and the first Democrat as well. In 1892, he ran unsuccessfully for governor on the Democratic ticket, a gesture that was designed to help keep the flagging party together.
Maupin — often fondly referred to as "general" or "the Tall Cottonwood of the Arkansas," was not one to put on airs of superiority. Maupin lived in a common cottage house, although he could have afforded a mansion.
That house was in what is now the Canon City Public Library Park, across Fifth Street from the Maupin building. But while his own residence was humble, he oversaw construction of the Maupin building between 1903-1907. The Maupin Building was the grandest of several downtown structures he built. It housed the Canon City Post Office until 1931 and also was once home to the Canon City Chamber of Commerce, a bank and a state employment office.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 20253. Maupin Building (east entrance)The marker is visible inside the alcove.
2. Cañon City Downtown Historic District (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: The historic district listing was based on a 1981 survey by city staff; a 2004-05 survey has been completed which updates and expands upon it. The district includes historic structures, mostly two-story buildings, in the downtown commercial area of Cañon City. These are mostly on Main Street from 4th Street to 7th Street. They were built mostly during 1870-1920 of brick and stone and reflect Cañon City's success as a regional trade center.(Submitted on August 16, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Joseph Hickam Maupin (Find A Grave).
(Greenwood Cemetery, Cañon City, Fremont County, Colorado, USA) Excerpt: Colorado State(Submitted on August 16, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Attorney General from 1891 to 1892. Joseph Maupin married Lily J. McClure, (daughter of John McClure), on November 1, 1888.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 20254. Maupin Building (east elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2025
5. Maupin Building / Post Office Block (northeast elevation)
"Maupin" is inscribed below the cornice, along with “The Post Office Block” just above.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 16, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
