John Thatcher (1836-1913) lured by the excitement of the West, moved from Pennsylvania to Colorado.He began his adult life as a school teacher and later worked as a store clerk and a tannery employee before opening his general store in Pueblo in 1863. He became a successful merchant and banker, with other interests in mining, railroads, cattle, and farming. At one time had controlling interest in 32 Colorado banks.

Margaret Henry (1859-1922) moved with her father and stepmother from Wisconsin to Pueblo in 1859. At the age of 16, she became Pueblo’s first public school teacher in 1864. In 1866, Margaret met the love of her life, John and they fell in love. She and John married when she was 18 years old. She traded the career of teaching school for motherhood and helping in John’s business efforts as a supportive partner. Margaret and John had 5 children. Their first, Lenore arrived in 1867. Her sister Lillian followed in 1870. Little brother John Jr. made his appearance in 1872. Albert R. appeared in 1874, but tragically died just three years later. The last of their brood, Raymond made his appearance 11 years later in 1885. Tragedy happened again when their eldest, Lenore died in 1890.
The fortune he amassed allowed him to build Rosemount while most of Pueblo was still built of adobe and very few of the streets were paved.

The Mansion, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, was built between 1891 and 1893. The appointments and furnishings, cost approximately $100,000, an enormous sum for those times. Nearly all of the furnishings, window and wall treatments, paintings and other decorative arts on display are original to the home. There are Tiffany chandeliers, a 9×13 foot stained glass window, ten gorgeously carved and accented fireplaces, many elaborately painted ceilings, and lots of fine oak, cherry, mahogany, and maple woodwork.
This photo, of the side of the home, was taken 11/28/09 – after most of the leaves have fallen and it was still a challenge to show this view in particular.