COSTELLO HISTORY

Coming in search of gold, Charles Castello left Florissant, Missouri, travelling by ox team to Central City, Colorado in 1859.   A year later, his father, James followed Charles to Fairplay  Colorado,  followed  four years later by  Jame’s  wife, Catherine Hughes Castello, and their five  living  children.  Over the next seven years they built and operated the Castello Hotel. Due to Jame’s  experience as a sheriff in Missouri, the locals appointed him  as a  Park County judge and territorial governor appointed him as the region's Indian Agent - a position, coupled with his reputation for honest dealings with the Ute's, earned him the friendship of the Ute chiefs Ouray and Colorow.  In 1865, he was elected to the first Colorado Territory Senate.   You  can  find  streets  in  Fairplay  and  Colorado  Springs  named  after  the  judge,  the  only  problem  is  the  spelling  -  Costello  rather  than  Coastello.

In June of 1870,  as the placer mines petered out, they moved from Fairplay to where our restaurant sits today, at the base of “Fortification Hill“  (the  rock  outcropping  immediately  north  of  our  building).  Fortification Hill  earned  it  name  because the Ute's literally used it as a  stronghold with food and weapons stores. The Utes used this 'fort' to protect junction of the Ute  Pass  (US  24)  and  Denver  (Wildhorn  Rd)  trails  and to protect the rich hunting grounds of the Florissant Valley.   By the  time  the  Costello’s  arrived,  the Ute trail to Manitou Springs was upgraded to a Wagon road.    Taking  advantage  of  the  traffic,  James  opened a trading post and a hotel.  He  also  started a ranch.  Because the Castello's were friends of the Utes from James  Indian  Agent   days, they would often have Ute guests in their home.   Catherine Castello typically  baked for the visiting Utes, who in return give her the nickname 'biscuits.'  It is in this tradition, we carry on providing today!   

Judge James Castello died in 1878. He is buried with other members of his family in the Florissant Cemetery.  In 1885, the McLaughlin's purchased the this corner lot and built the current building. Additionally, the built a general store across the street.  While not the original building, this store site now houses our sister restaurant, the Iron Tree and the Funky Town Brewery.  If your tastes run to beer and savory snacks, stop by our beer garden.