Las Animas County is located in southeastern Colorado with a population of 14,816 people. It was established February 1st, 1866 and derives its name from the Mexican name for “The Souls” given by Spanish explorers who first came across it in 1594. This refers to the large number of Indian tribes living in the area at that time. The county covers an area of 4,776 square miles - much of which remains sparsely populated ranchland due to difficulty accessing parts of the land through lack of roads and public transportation routes. Despite this the county still maintains a deep connection with its aboriginal roots where Southwestern-style culture and traditions are firmly maintained through festivals, rodeos and other activities organized throughout the year commemorating historical events honored by all those inhabitant it today.