The San Luis Valley: Land of the Six-armed Cross, Second Edition

Spent time in the fascinating San Luis Valley long ago when I was in college. Did not have the ability or the time to properly explore the valley at that time. Years later I went back and was able to explore for a few days but still so much information on this remote location remained unknown to me.I can recall sitting in a crowded bar in Alamosa in the 60's and wondering how such a diverse group of people could all end up sitting here together. How did everyone get here?Luckily I came across Virginia Simmons book that tells the history of the valley. Virginia I thank you for writing this wonderful book. It is well written, for me one of the best books that I have ever read. It gave me a great history lesson and explains how different cultures converged on the valley at various times and ways.Although I live far from the Valley, I hope to one day return. After reading this great book there is so much more to see and explore.

I used this book to get the flavor of the land in my adopted home.

This is like reading a stereo manual of history. It's cold, unemotional, and it's accounts of facts offer no overall concept or thesis. Quotes and dates are tossed about without structure and the readers attention it quickly lost.

I purchased this book to compliment many others I have on the "Valley" I did not grow up there but my ancestors were a big part of this area. I was pleased at the depth of the reasearch on the keys families that established the basin and the references to each hamlet that was in flux throughout the mid-19th century. It was worth all the money I paid, just hope the author got some too.

Very cool

Very detailed and rich in local history. I will look at the valley in greater detail and depth when I return again. Thanks for this book.