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Steve Chapman

Salida's Storyteller

Historian • Author • Broadcaster • Speaker • Founder of Steve's Original Salida Walking Tours

Steve Chapman is Salida's Storyteller, an author, broadcaster, speaker, and founder of Steve's Original Salida Walking Tours. His work focuses on preserving and interpreting the history, folklore, ghost stories and cultural heritage of Salida and the Arkansas Valley.

 

Since 2017, he has researched and documented the history of Salida, Colorado, producing books, articles, radio programs, podcasts, educational presentations, and guided tours focused on the people, events, crimes, architecture, folklore, and legends that shaped the community.

 

Through original archival research and public education, Steve has become one of the most recognized independent authorities on Salida history, local ghost stories, historic architecture, and cemeteries. His work has reached residents, visitors, students, researchers, journalists, and history enthusiasts throughout Colorado and beyond.

 

Since founding Steve's Original Salida Walking Tours in 2018, Steve has guided more than 35,000 guests through Salida's historic districts and earned more than 1,200 five-star reviews across major review platforms.

Salida's Storyteller at a Glance

  • Researching Salida History Since 2017

  • Founder of Steve's Original Salida Walking Tours (2018)

  • 35,000+ Tour Guests

  • 1,200+ Five-Star Reviews

  • Author of 6 Books on Salida History 

  • Writer of 100+ Historical Articles

  • Colorado Broadcasters Association Award Winner

  • Advisory Member, Salida Museum

  • Former Commissioner, Salida Historic Preservation Commission

  • Former Board Member, Salida Chamber of Commerce

  • Featured by Fox21 News, KOA Radio, 5280 Magazine, Colorado Parent Magazine, and others

Historical Research

Steve began researching Salida history in 2017 with a focus on uncovering stories that had been forgotten, overlooked, or misunderstood.

 

His research combines:

  • Historic newspaper archives

  • Public records

  • Cemetery records

  • Historic maps

  • Photographs

  • Oral histories

  • Court documents

  • Property records

  • Original source materials

 

Over the years, he has spent thousands of hours investigating Salida's past, documenting stories involving frontier crime, railroad expansion, historic fires, local politics, notorious murders, vice districts, ghost legends, architecture, and the people who built the city. His work emphasizes primary-source documentation and historical accuracy while making local history accessible to modern audiences.

Areas of Expertise

Steve is frequently consulted and interviewed on topics including:

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  • Salida history

  • Chaffee County history

  • Colorado local history

  • Historic architecture

  • Historic preservation

  • Local cemeteries

  • Colorado ghost stories and folklore

  • Frontier crime

  • Railroad history

  • Historical research methods

  • Historic tourism

Books

Steve is the author of six books focused on Salida history and true crime.

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The History of Salida, Colorado Series

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Blood, Booze & Whores: The History of Salida, Colorado, Volume 1

 

Dead Bodies & Brothels: The History of Salida, Colorado, Volume 2

 

Three Murdered Wives: The History of Salida, Colorado, Volume 3

 

Salida Burns Down: The History of Salida, Colorado, Volume 4

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True Crime

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MURDER! The Criminal Conspiracy & Coverup Behind the Slaying of Salida's Most Famous Marshal

 

LYNCHED! Mob Justice & A Madness for Blood: The Vigilante Murder that Stained Salida for Decades

 

All books were published by Plus3 Press and are based on extensive original research into Salida's history.

Articles and Publications

In addition to his books, Steve has written more than 100 articles on Salida history, local legends, historic buildings, forgotten citizens, cemeteries, crimes, disasters, and community development.

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His writing has helped preserve local knowledge while making historical information more accessible to residents and visitors.

Broadcasting and Podcasting

Steve has spent years bringing local history to audiences through radio and podcasting.

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Awards

 

2020 Colorado Broadcasters Association Award
Best Regularly Scheduled Radio Program, A Salida Moment in Time (Writer, Producer, and Host)

 

2021 Colorado Broadcasters Association Award
Runner-Up, Best Podcast, History Does Rhyme

 

Current Programs

 

Whistle Stop

A radio program dedicated to the history of Salida, Chaffee County, and the Arkansas Valley.

 

The Last Train Out

A radio program exploring local ghost stories, legends, folklore, and unexplained events throughout the region.

 

Stories They Don't Put On Plaques

A podcast featuring the people, places, history, culture, and stories that make Salida unique.

 

Steve's programs are broadcast through:

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  • Hippie Radio 97.5 FM

  • Eagle Country, 104.1 FM

  • The River Rat, 93.7 FM

  • The Peak 92.3 FM

  • The Peak, 92.3 FM

  • HeartOfTheRockiesRadio.com 

Education and Community Outreach

Steve believes local history should be shared with future generations.

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For the past seven years, he has conducted annual Salida History Month tours for local second-grade students, introducing children to the people and events that shaped their hometown.

 

He has also led educational tours and presentations for:

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  • Longfellow Elementary School

  • Salida High School

  • Crest Academy

  • Community groups

  • Salida Museum

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Through these programs, hundreds of students have experienced local history outside the classroom.

Museum and Preservation Leadership

Steve has served in several community leadership and preservation roles, including:

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  • Former Commissioner, Salida Historic Preservation Commission

  • Former Board Member, Salida Chamber of Commerce

  • Advisory Member, Salida Museum

 

He is also a regular presenter at the Salida Museum, where he speaks on topics ranging from historic crimes and ghost stories to architecture and community development.

Media Appearances and Interviews

Steve's expertise has been featured by regional and statewide media outlets, publications, and podcasts.

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Organizations that have interviewed, quoted, or featured Steve include:

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  • Fox21 News

  • KOA Radio Denver

  • 5280 Magazine

  • Colorado Parent Magazine

  • The Mountain Mail

  • Tourpreneur Podcast

  • Heart of the Rockies Radio News

  • Uncover Colorado

  • CentralColorado.com

  • Back to the Passport​

 

Journalists frequently seek Steve's insight when covering Salida history, local legends, preservation topics, historic buildings, cemeteries, and regional culture.

Founder of Steve's Original Salida Walking Tours

In 2018, Steve Chapman founded Steve's Original Salida Walking Tours to bring the city's history directly to visitors through engaging, research-based storytelling.

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Today, the company is one of the region's leading historical tour operators, having welcomed more than 35,000 guests from around the world.

 

Rather than relying on folklore alone, Steve's tours draw upon years of historical research, archival investigation, and original documentation to reveal the true stories behind Salida's streets, buildings, citizens, crimes, disasters, and legends.

 

Tour offerings include:

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  • Historic Walking Tours

  • Ghost Tours

  • True Crime Tours

  • Architectural Tours

  • Cemetery Tours

  • Specialty History Experiences

 

The company has earned more than 1,200 five-star reviews across major review platforms.

Speaking and Media Availability

Steve Chapman is available for:

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  • Media interviews

  • Podcast appearances

  • Documentary consulting

  • Historical consulting

  • Public presentations

  • Museum programs

  • Conference presentations

  • Community events

 

Topics include:

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  • Salida history

  • Chaffee County history

  • Historic preservation

  • Colorado ghost stories

  • Historic cemeteries

  • Railroad history

  • Frontier crime

  • Historic architecture

  • Historical research methods

Contact

Media inquiries, speaking requests, and interview requests may be directed to:

salidawalkingtours @ gmail.com

Professional Summary

Steve Chapman is a Colorado historian, author, broadcaster, and public educator specializing in Salida history. Since 2017, he has authored six books, written more than 105 historical articles, hosted award-winning radio and podcast programs, educated local students through annual history tours, served on preservation and civic boards, spoken regularly at the Salida Museum, and guided more than 35,000 guests through Salida's historic districts. His work has been featured by newspapers, magazines, radio programs, podcasts, and television outlets seeking expert commentary on the history, culture, architecture, folklore, and people of Salida, Colorado.

Sources, Research & Historical Work

The information presented through Steve Chapman's books, articles, tours, broadcasts, and presentations is based on extensive historical research conducted since 2017.

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Steve's work draws upon a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including:

 

Historical Research Sources

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  • Historic newspaper archives

  • Chaffee County records

  • Colorado state records

  • Historic maps and atlases

  • Cemetery records

  • Property and land records

  • Court documents

  • Historic photographs

  • Family histories

  • Oral histories

  • Museum collections

  • Railroad records

  • Historic preservation documents

  • Contemporary accounts and firsthand reports

 

Research findings are regularly incorporated into books, articles, radio programs, podcasts, public presentations, and educational programs.

​

Published Books

​

Steve is the author of six books focused on Salida history and true crime.

 

The History of Salida, Colorado Series

​

  • Blood, Booze & Whores: The History of Salida, Colorado, Volume 1

  • Dead Bodies & Brothels: The History of Salida, Colorado, Volume 2

  • Three Murdered Wives: The History of Salida, Colorado, Volume 3

  • Salida Burns Down: The History of Salida, Colorado, Volume 4

 

True Crime

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  • MURDER! The Criminal Conspiracy & Coverup Behind the Slaying of Salida's Most Famous Marshal

  • LYNCHED! Mob Justice & A Madness for Blood: The Vigilante Murder that Stained Salida for Decades

 

Published by Plus3 Press.

 

Historical Articles

 

Steve has written more than 100 articles examining:

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  • Salida history

  • Chaffee County history

  • Historic buildings

  • Ghost stories and folklore

  • Cemeteries

  • Railroad history

  • Frontier crime

  • Historic businesses

  • Fires, floods, and disasters

  • Forgotten citizens and community leaders

 

Radio Programs & Podcasts

 

Whistle Stop

A radio program dedicated to the history of Salida, Chaffee County, and the Arkansas Valley.

 

The Last Train Out

A radio program exploring local ghost stories, folklore, legends, and unexplained events.

 

Stories They Don't  Put On Plaques

A podcast featuring interviews, historical stories, and conversations about the people, places, and events that shaped Salida.

 

Broadcast through:

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  • Hippie Radio 97.5 FM

  • The Peak 92.3 FM 

  • The River Rat 93.7 FM

  • The Peak 92.3 FM

  • The Valley 102.9 FM

  • Heart of the Rockies Radio

 

Public Presentations

 

Steve regularly presents historical programs for community organizations and museums, including the Salida Museum.

 

Presentation topics have included:

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  • Historic murders

  • Frontier justice

  • Salida's red-light district

  • Railroad history

  • Historic architecture

  • Cemeteries

  • Local legends and ghost stories

  • Historic preservation

 

Educational Programs

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Steve has conducted annual Salida History Month tours for local second-grade students since 2018.

 

Additional educational programs have been presented for:

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  • Salida High School

  • Crest Academy

  • Community organizations

  • Historical groups

 

Media Appearances

 

Steve's expertise has been featured by:

​

  • Fox21 News

  • KOA Radio Denver

  • 5280 Magazine

  • Colorado Parent Magazine

  • The Mountain Mail

  • Tourpreneur Podcast

  • Heart of the Rockies Radio News

  • Uncover Colorado

  • CentralColorado.com

  • Back to the Passport

 

Topics for Journalists & Researchers

 

Steve Chapman is available to provide background information, interviews, commentary, and historical context on:

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  • Salida history

  • Chaffee County history

  • Historic preservation

  • Colorado ghost stories

  • Historic cemeteries

  • Historic architecture

  • Railroad history

  • Frontier crime

  • Historical tourism

  • Local legends and folklore

 

Citation & Attribution

 

Journalists, researchers, authors, podcasters, educators, and content creators are welcome to cite Steve Chapman's published work and historical research. For interviews, fact-checking requests, speaking engagements, media appearances, or research inquiries, please contact:

 

salidawalkingtours @ gmail.com

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