Colorado's Historic Sites
Colorado's historic sites offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the state's cultural and industrial heritage, particularly influenced by its mining past. Key locations include the Central City/Black Hawk National Historic Landmark, which marks the epicenter of the 1859 Pikes Peak gold rush and features a collection of historic wooden structures and the renowned Opera House. The Durango-Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad, completed in 1882, remains a vital piece of transportation history, originally serving to transport ore from remote mines. Similarly, the Georgetown-Silver Plume Historic District reflects the mid-nineteenth century boomtown atmosphere rooted in gold and silver mining.
The Lowry Ruin provides insight into American Indian history, showcasing a unique pueblo with a great kiva dating back to around 1100 C.E. Furthermore, Pike's Stockade is significant for its connection to western expansion, marking a pivotal moment when Zebulon Pike raised the American flag over Spanish territory in 1807. Lastly, the Silverton Historic District highlights the economic significance of mining towns in the late nineteenth century and their role in shaping the Rocky Mountain region. Together, these sites reveal the diverse historical narratives and cultural developments that have shaped Colorado.
Colorado's Historic Sites
Central City/Blackhawk Historic District
Location: Central City and Blackhawk, Gilpin County
Relevant issues: Business and industry
Statement of significance: The Central City/Black Hawk National Historic Landmark is at the heart of one of the richest mining areas of the Rocky Mountain West. It was the discovery of gold here, in 1859, that triggered the great Pikes Peak gold rush. The district encompasses hundreds of buildings, including rare examples of mining camp-era wooden structures and the famed Opera House.
Durango-Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad
Location: Durango, La Plata County
Relevant issues: Business and industry
Statement of significance: Completed in 1882, this railroad was built to haul ores from isolated areas to smelters. It was also the main source of transportation and support for the mining community of Silverton. It is one of the few passenger railroads of its kind still in operation in the United States.
Georgetown-Silver Plume Historic District
Location: Georgetown and Silver Plume, Clear Creek County
Relevant issues: Business and industry
Statement of significance: This area flourished originally because of gold and silver production. The two communities have retained much of their mid-nineteenth century boomtown atmosphere.
Lowry Ruin
Location: Pleasant View, Montezuma County
Relevant issues: American Indian history
Statement of significance: This pueblo (c. 1100 C.E.) of fifty rooms is unusual in that it has a great kiva, a large ceremonial structure more commonly found in Arizona and New Mexico.
Pike’s Stockade
Location: Sanford, Conejos County
Relevant issues: Western expansion
Statement of significance:Zebulon Pike (1779-1813) raised the American flag over Spanish soil at the stockade after leading the second official U.S. expedition into the Louisiana Territory in 1807.
Silverton Historic District
Location: Silverton, San Juan County
Relevant issues: Business and industry
Statement of significance: This was one of the two principal mining towns in southwestern Colorado. It was important in the economic development of the Rocky Mountain area in the late nineteenth century.
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Pattiz, Tony. "Fifteen Must-See Historic Sites in Colorado." More Than Just Parks, 11 Dec. 2023, morethanjustparks.com/historic-sites-in-colorado/. Accessed 27 May 2024.
"Silver Plume, Colorado: Worth the U-Turn." Georgetown-Colorado, 9 Mar. 2020, georgetown-colorado.org/silver-plume-colorado/. Accessed 27 May 2024.