James B. Orman was a self-made man. In 1890, he built one of the finest Victorian mansions at 102 East Orman Avenue in Pueblo. Designed by architect William Lang and built by Blackwell and Genest contractors, the house features unusual brickwork and wonderful gargoyles.

Orman, along with two other men also founded the Bessemer Irrigation Ditch.

Nellie Martin Orman represents the dream and reality of the gold rush. She was the daughter of real estate promoter 'William Martin and the wife of self-made railroad contactor James B. Orman. For fourteen years she lived in a simple frame house on the corning of Union and 'Evans avenues.

By 1890, the couple was able to replace the cottage with a mansion. Mr. Orman became mayor of Pueblo, state senator, and governor in 1901. In Denver, the Ormans rented Molly Brown's house. Financial panics and railroad losses wiped out the Orman empire.

The mansion was sold on the steps of the Pueblo County Courthouse for back taxes. No one would bid against James Orman, and he was able to re-buy his home.

Unable to manage the cost of the mansion, the Ormans sold it to their good friend, Alva Adams, and he and Nellie once again moved to a simple home.

Adams, meanwhile served three times as governor of Colorado and founded Pueblo bank and Trust Company.

By the end of the 20th century, the home had become a medical facility, headquarters for a school district, and now is only used for private parties of the owner.