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Books by Steve Chapman

Stories of Salida's Past

Local History. True Stories.
Salida Through Time. 

Steve Chapman, Salida's Storyteller, is the author of six books chronicling the history, true crime, remarkable people, architecture, scandals, and defining events that shaped Salida and the Arkansas River Valley. Thoroughly researched and richly illustrated, they bring the town's forgotten stories back to life.

About the Author

Steve Chapman is Salida's Storyteller and the author of six books on Salida's history and true crime. He has written more than 100 historical articles and created award-winning radio and podcast programs celebrating the town's rich and colorful past.

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Steve Chapman's Books

Unlike traditional local histories, these books tell Salida's story through murders, scandals, disasters, frontier justice, forgotten citizens and hundreds of historic photographs drawn from original research.

The History of Salida Series

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Blood, Booze & Whores

The chaotic first two years of Salida—railroads, saloons, prostitutes, shootings and the rough frontier town that almost didn't survive.

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Dead Bodies & Brothels

As Salida explodes to nearly 3,000 residents, murder, vice, and lawlessness collide with the first attempts to bring civilization to a rough frontier town.

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Three Murdered Wives

Boomtown days are fading, but jealousy, betrayal, and shocking crimes reveal that Salida's most dangerous years were far from over.

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Salida Burns Down

Fire, growth, and resilience reshape Salida as one of the most devastating disasters in the town's history forever changes its future.

The Salida True Crime Series

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MURDER!

Unravel the conspiracy, cover-up, and courtroom drama behind the killing of Salida's most famous marshal in one of Colorado's most compelling true crime stories.

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LYNCHED!

Step inside the 1891 vigilante lynching that divided Salida, exposed the dangers of mob justice, and left a stain on the community for generations.

Hear Steve discuss stories from this era on Whistle Stop & The Last Train Out.
Experience in-depth versions on his podcast, The Stories They Don't Put on Plaques.
Follow on Facebook for announcement of launch dates.

Where to Buy Steve Chapman's Books

Salida Five & Dime
147 F Street
Salida, Colorado

Salida Pharmacy & Fountain
137 F Street
Salida, Colorado

Senor Murphy's Candymaker
140 North F Street
Salida, Colorado

Salida Museum
406 1/2 W. Rainbow Blvd. Salida, Colorado

Book Club Salida
129 W. Sackett Ave.
Salida, Colorado

The Book Nook
127 S. San Juan Ave. Buena Vista, Colorado

Please buy locally. Out of town? All of Steve's books are available on Amazon.

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