Picture this: A sturdy red brick house stands quietly. It’s the Gottlieb & Rose Egli House. This unassuming structure whispers tales of a bygone era. It is a poignant reminder of the families who once thrived on this land. Now part of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge the Gottlieb & Rose Egli House holds a significant place in Denver’s history.
Built in 1910 by Gottlieb Egli a Swiss immigrant the house represents a simpler time. The Egli family farmed hundreds of acres. They grew corn alfalfa wheat barley and millet. They also raised pigs and cattle. They were completely self-sufficient. Imagine the hustle and bustle of daily farm life within these walls. Lucille Egli McIntyre Gottlieb’s daughter fondly remembers her childhood here. She recalls meals of chicken and mashed potatoes shared on a glassed-in porch. The family played horseshoes and lit firecrackers on the front deck.
This peaceful setting was shattered in 1942. The federal government condemned the land. This was to make way for the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. The arsenal produced chemical weapons for forty years. The Egli family along with two hundred neighbors were forced to leave. They received $65000 for their 1000 acres. They were forced to move just before harvest. This was a devastating blow to Gottlieb who never forgave the government for bulldozing his crops. The Gottlieb & Rose Egli House remains the sole survivor from that time. It’s a testament to the resilience of both the structure and the human spirit.
Today the Gottlieb & Rose Egli House is undergoing restoration. It’s a project aimed at restoring it to its 1942 appearance. This is a tribute to the families displaced to create the arsenal. The house is now surrounded by the wildlife refuge. This is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with 330 species. This includes bald eagles burrowing owls deer and coyotes. The land is healing. So too is the memory of those forced from their homes.
Visiting the Gottlieb & Rose Egli House is more than just seeing a building. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past. It’s a chance to learn about the sacrifices made to build the arsenal. It is a celebration of the families who persevered through hardship. It is an appreciation of the return to nature that has healed this land. The Gottlieb & Rose Egli House reminds us of the complex tapestry of Denver’s history. It reminds us of the quiet strength of a family’s legacy. It continues to stand as a symbol of hope.