Rural Schools in Rio Blanco County

​In 1920, Rio Blanco School, a frame structured sided with white clapboard, was built by Pete Cook and Orin T. Morrow. It was located at the SW corner of Piceance Road and Hwy 13. It later became jointly funded by Garfield County and Rio Blanco County. At times, Rio Blanco School and Petrolite School shared the school year (4 1/2 months at each school).
The school closed in 1941. Sometime after that the building was moved to a local ranch.

The Rio Blanco County Historical Society has had  the *3R’s Committee compiling information about our rural schools for the past few years. They have successfully accumulated photos and history, exact locations and stories from those who attended. With this information, they are compiling brochures for self-guided tours throughout the county and signage for each location. Recently, the Fairfield Trust and the Rio Blanco County donated funds to make these goals come to pass.
*Rio Blanco County Rural School Research Committee Members:
Martha Cole
Marge Rogers
Janet Clark
Artie Parr
Sally Eatherton
Ellen Reichert
The signage has been purchased and is in the process of being placed in all the correct locations. NEW brochures, including the Coal Creek School Loop is available at the White River Museum!