books by steve chapman
THE STORIES OF SALIDA, PRESERVED IN PRINT
Deeply researched. Locally written. Historically accurate.
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Steve Chapman has spent more than a decade researching and writing the true stories of Salida and the Arkansas Valley. His books bring the past to life through original research, historic records, newspaper archives, and the places where it all happened.
6
BOOKS
100+ HISTORICAL ARTICLES
10+ YEARS OF RESEARCH
SALIDA HISTORY SPECIALIST
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STEVE CHAPMAN BOOKS
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About the Book Before Salida became a picturesque Colorado mountain town, it was a raw, violent railroad boomtown built almost overnight. Blood, Booze & Whores takes you back to the beginning—May 1880 through 1881—when saloons flourished, whiskey flowed freely, outlaws and fortune-seekers poured into town, and violence, vice and ambition were part of everyday life. Told through the rough-hewn journal of fictional observer Salida Sam, every event is drawn from the historical record, allowing you to experience Salida’s earliest days as if you were there. Watch an empty stretch of dusty ground become a booming railroad and commercial center, and meet the real people who gambled their fortunes—and sometimes their lives—on the new town. This is Salida before the galleries, restaurants and tourists: messy, dangerous, colorful and completely true.
About the Book By 1886, Salida had survived its rough-and-rowdy beginnings and was becoming a substantial railroad town—but disaster was about to reshape it. Salida Burns Down follows Salida Sam through 1886 and 1887, years of continued growth, colorful characters, crime, commerce and catastrophe. In March 1886, fire erupted at the Windsor Hotel and raced through the business district, destroying 27 buildings as exhausted firefighters and townspeople desperately fought the flames. Yet Salida rebuilt and kept growing, even as the town wrestled with the hazards and growing pains of a community transforming from frontier boomtown into an established city. Told through the journal of fictional observer Salida Sam, the stories are drawn from the historical record. It’s the story of a town that watched much of its business district go up in flames—and then set about building Salida all over again.
About the Book By 1882, Salida was no longer a dusty little railroad village. Nearly 3,000 people crowded into a booming town with more than 100 businesses, 18 saloons, high-stakes gambling, sophisticated criminal gangs and brothels run by some of Salida’s most notorious madams. Dead Bodies & Brothels continues the story through 1882 and 1883, as civilization and new laws collide with an outlaw element determined to hold onto its power—culminating in one of the bloodiest years in Salida history. Told through the rough-hewn journal of fictional observer Salida Sam, the events themselves are true, drawn from the historical record. It’s the story of a town growing almost faster than it could control—and the violence, vice and chaos that came with it.
About the Book Marshal Baxter Stingley came to the booming railroad town of Salida determined to impose law and order—and made dangerous enemies doing it. Fearless, relentless and sometimes ruthless, Stingley drove criminals from town while using his badge to protect friends, intimidate adversaries and settle scores. Then a close friend was lynched, and Stingley swore revenge, setting in motion a chain of events that ended with a shocking crime that outraged the nation. MURDER! reconstructs Stingley’s remarkable life and violent death using rarely seen photographs, legal documents and contemporary newspaper accounts. The evidence points to a chilling conclusion: powerful rivals arranged the marshal’s murder, covered their tracks, and protected his killer from justice.
About the Book Volume 3 of the 'Salida Sam' historical book series continues the tale, which started in 1880. This edition focuses almost exclusively on happenings inside the city limits of Salida, Colorado, in the years 1884 and 1885. No longer a boomtown, Salida has become a regional economic force. But with success comes a great challenge--the original settlers of Salida now struggle for control of their town and their identity. Still recuperating from the murder of a beloved Marshal, Salidans face East coast power brokers who arrive, establishing a new newspaper and backing political candidates under their control. Amid the fight, Salida learns a serial killer is a significant member of high society. Although shared through the journal of a fictional character, 'Salida Sam' Hayes, the stories are 100% true. The narrator speaks with his era's rough-hewn voice—a harsh, racist, and sexist time. Follow the ongoing story of Salida as the founding citizens battle for control over their future.
About the Book In 1891, more than 150 vigilantes stormed the Salida jail, seized a prisoner and lynched him on a public street—one of the most brutal episodes in the town’s history. LYNCHED! reconstructs that terrifying night from beginning to end, revealing what led to the killing, who participated, the coverup that followed, and what ultimately became of those involved. Drawing on historical records and contemporary newspaper accounts, and illustrated with maps, photographs and original articles, the book follows a crime whose consequences haunted the community for years. It is the complete story of the night a mob took control of Salida—and what happened after the town tried to live with what it had done.
what readers are saying
"A must read for anyone who loves Salida or Colorado history. These books belong on every local bookshelf."
- David W., Bay Minette, AL
"Steve's books are incredibly well researched and engaging. He brings Salida's history to life like no one else."
- Casey L., Littleton, CO
"Fascinating stories back by real records and photographs. You can tell Steve lives and breaths history."
- Nathan P. Mobile, AL
why read steve chapman?
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
LOCAL EXPERTISE
Decades of research and exploration throughout Salida and the Arkansas Valley.
ACCURATE & ENGAGING
Well researched history told in a way that's engaging, informative, and an easy read.
PRESERVING OUR PAST
MADE FOR LOCALS & VISTORS
Every book is built on original research using newspapers, records, photographs, and first-hand sources.
Whether you live here or are just visiting, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for our remarkable history.
Documenting the stories, places, and people that shaped our community for future generations.
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WHERE TO BUY
AVAILABLE ONLINE
Order directly from our store and have it shipped to you.
LOCAL RETAILERS
Find Steve's books in Salida at:
SALIDA
Senor Murphy Candymakers
BUENA VISTA
The Book Nook