History
During the summer of 1881, when the railroad was extended from Alamosa to Del Norte, a watering tank was established on a siding where Monte Vista now stands. This was known as the Lariat siding, and it was here that Lillian Fassett opened the first store in what was to become Monte Vista.

In July of 1882 the original townsite was platted and called Lariat. On May 1, 1884, the town was renamed Henry in honor of its promoter, T.C. Henry. The town was renamed Monte Vista (Spanish for "mountain view") in 1886 when it was incorporated.

The first meeting of the town board was on October 2, 1886 with its first mayor, Charles S. Fassett, presiding. In February of 1913 Monte Vista was organized as a city of the second class. In April of 1922 Monte Vistans adopted a city home-rule charter and the city manager form of government under which the municipality still operates today.

For more information on the city or the services provided, contact Monte Vista City Hall, 4 Chico Camino, Monte Vista, CO 81144, 719-852-2692.