Part of a series of articles titled National Register and National Historic Landmarks Celebrate Jewish Heritage Month.
Previous: Saint Thomas Synagogue
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A true “frontier town,” Trinidad grew in response to trade along the Santa Fe Trail Mountain Branch. The town was previously part of the Las Animas Mexican land grant, a heritage that can be seen in its adobe plazas and commercial streets. Coal, coke, iron, brick, stone quarrying, smelting industries, and cattle ranching quickly followed, all supported by the development of railroads. In 1867, Jewish merchant Abraham Jacobs extended the Denver-Pueblo stage route to Trinidad, and Richard Lacey “Uncle Dick” Wootton created the Raton Pass Toll Gate, spurring Trinidad’s development.
By the late 1860s, Trinidad was home to approximately 1,200 people of diverse ethnic and geographic origins. Between 1860 and 1871, approximately eight young Jewish men from Hanover, Bavaria, Bohemia, and Alsace-Lorraine settled in Trinidad. Trinidad’s Jewish settlers benefited from religious tolerance and had the foresight and business acumen to capitalize on the need for suppliers and investment, emerging as pillars in the community. Temple Aaron’s construction in 1889 demonstrated the acceptance, integration, and economic and civic leadership of Trinidad’s Jews.
Temple Aaron’s founders played important leadership roles in the civic and social life of the region, in addition to its spiritual or religious life. Maurice Wise is believed to be the first permanent Jewish resident of Trinidad, arriving in 1867 and opening a small general store on Main Street. Merchant Samuel Jaffa was elected as the first mayor in 1876. Solomon Jaffa served as city alderman. Together, the Jaffa brothers constructed the opera house, one of Trinidad’s preeminent cultural institutions. The Jaffas and other temple founders also held leadership roles in a variety of fraternal organizations.
Part of a series of articles titled National Register and National Historic Landmarks Celebrate Jewish Heritage Month.
Previous: Saint Thomas Synagogue
Last updated: May 1, 2024