1886 – Benedictine monks from the St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania traveled to Breckenridge, Colorado to perform missionary work.
Early 1920’s – an expanded group of monks settled in Cañon City after traveling to Pueblo and Boulder.
May 10, 1923 – 90 acres of land (previously called Fruitmere Orchards) was purchased by the Roman Catholic Church.
February 25, 1924 – The Holy Cross Monastery, designed by Joseph Dillon and L.A. Des Jardins, was constructed.
1925 – Construction of the Holy Cross Monastery was completed, at a cost of $600,000.
DID YOU KNOW? The original architectural plans for Holy Cross Monastery included a grand cathedral, electrical plant, football stadium, and many other additional buildings. These plans never saw reality due to The Great Depression and World War II.
1926 – Holy Cross Monastery was elevated to the status of Abbey (Abbey of the Holy Cross). Father Cyprian Bradley was appointed as the first abbot. The Abbey School (An all-boys’ high school) begins operation.
1928 – Ullathorne Hall is built as lodging for 150 students. A gymnasium is also built.
1933 – Father Cyprian retires; Father Leonard Schwinn assumes the role of administrator.
1935-1936 – Stansbeck Hall and Sheeby Hall (small science buildings) were constructed.
June 18, 1937 – Father Schwinn named second abbot; served for the next 26 years.
1949 – A new field house is constructed.
1953 – Expansion begins on St. Joseph’s Hall, adding an administration and classroom building.
1956 – A classroom building was added to St. Mary’s Hall.
1963 – Hedley Hall is constructed as a residence building.
1967 – Enrollment at the school grows to 250, including students from across the world of various religions, races, and cultures.
DID YOU KNOW? Students began their day at 7:30AM. They were required to take classes such as English, theology, math, foreign languages, computer science, social sciences, and physical education. Electives could also be taken, such as art, photography, typing, career counseling, or geology. “Lights Out” was generally 10:30PM (sometimes 11:00PM). In 1972, tuition (including room and board) totaled $2,200, which did not include books or laundry.
1973 – The student dining/union hall (later the event center) was constructed.
1985 – The Abbey Boy’s School closes due to declining enrollment.
2005 – The small, elderly group of monks voted to dissolve the monastic community. Holy Cross Abbey is vacated and closed.
2007 – The former campus was sold to a private investment company, which opened for different types of events such as weddings, meetings, and various other types of gathering.
2025 – The Holy Cross Abbey is sold to a a private company, and plans are forthcoming. The Monastery building is available for private paranormal investigation rentals and Night Shift Paranormal hosts public events.
DID YOU KNOW? There is an active winery on the grounds that has been open to the public since July 2002. Sold in 2005, The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey attracts visitors from all over the world and has a tasting room that is open daily.