6 Towns in Colorado With Rich History

Colorado is not the oldest state in the United States by a long shot, being founded in 1876, an entire century after the country itself declared independence from Britain. Colorado does, however, hold a special place in both the economic and cultural history of the U.S. Whether it is mining, exploration, railroads, or Native American culture, this state is jam-packed with iconic examples of Western history.

Today, we will take a deeper look at six towns in Colorado that exemplify the rich history of the area. This is for the history buffs out there who may be traveling through Colorado or residents who would like to learn a little more about the state they currently live in.

Leadville

Leadville is a top town to visit if you are interested in the history of gold and silver mining in Colorado. With a population of 2633, Leadville also boasts the title of the highest incorporated town in the United States, sitting at a staggering elevation of 10158 feet!

Like many towns in the central mountains of Colorado, this one got its start with gold mining after a sizable deposit was discovered in the year 1859, about a decade after the original "gold rush" further west in California. Interestingly, gold is not what Leadville is famous for; It was actually the discovery of a massive silver deposit while prospectors were in search of gold. By 1877, huge discoveries like this led to an era that is commonly titled the "Silver Boom" of Colorado. You can learn more about Colorado's mining history in Leadville's National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. 

Today, Leadville is still a thriving community that is home to many well-preserved buildings dating back to its original founding, including a number of Victorian-style houses and the original Leadville Historic Colorado and Southern Railway Station. For adventurers looking for a trail, definitely check out the nearby Turquoise Lakes, a scenic reservoir just west of town. 

Durango

Durango is a town in the far southwest reaches of Colorado that has a population of 19071 residents. It has a long-standing history that is heavily associated with the development of American railways and ore smelting. Initially founded in 1880 and incorporated in 1881, Durango got its start in the midst of a boom in silver mining in Colorado.

Now, much of Durango's original economic infrastructure is still around for visitors to explore. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a worldwide known heritage railroad, originally established in 1882. Since 1981, it has operated as a scenic railroad that tourists can buy tickets for all year round. Main Avenue, the main downtown strip, is home to several nationally registered historic buildings, including hotels like General Palmer and an assortment of restaurants and shops.

Durango is also situated near the top-rated Purgatory Ski Resort, in case you were looking for somewhere to stay during your trip this winter.

Central City 

Central City is located a very short drive just west of Denver. While being so close to such a central metro area, you might be surprised to hear that Central City's population is made up of a mere 779 permanent residents. First settled by Americans in 1859, this town was at the center of Colorado's "Pike's Peak Gold Rush" after the discovery of a vast gold vein in the nearby mountain of Pike's Peak.

In the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the cozy downtown core of Central City still contains many old, yet well-preserved, buildings dating back to its incorporation in the 1880s. The Central City Opera House is a gorgeous example of such a building that still hosts events to this day! Be sure to catch a show inside this piece of history.

For a real taste of gold prospector life, be sure to book a tour at the Hidee Gold Mine, where you can tour the local mines and even pan for gold!

Amenities like hotels and restaurants are available for visitors, not to mention the abundance of hiking trails and camping opportunities in the nearby Golden Gate Canyon State Park for nature lovers.

Telluride

You may recognize the town from the popular Kia SUV model which shares the same name. Telluride is a ski town in the southern Colorado Rockies that has a history that stretches well beyond that popular winter sport. Although skiing and snowboarding are by far the biggest economic drivers here today, like many similar towns in Colorado, it was founded based on its mining potential.

Telluride is another of the towns that were first settled by Americans during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush in 1859. Today, some of the mining facilities are still open for visitors to view. Another interesting tidbit of history in Telluride is that it is the location of legendary Wild West outlaw Butch Cassidy's first recorded crime. What exactly was he doing deep in the mountains of Colorado? Well, in 1889, he robbed the San Miguel Valley Bank, located within the town, and got away with $24,580, cementing his reputation as a known bank robber for the rest of his life.

Fans of hiking are in luck, as there are dozens of hiking trails in the surrounding mountains that once helmed the minerals that made Telluride rich. Popular routes include Ajax Peak, Hope Lake, and more.

Georgetown

Georgetown, located high in the Northern Colorado Rockies, is home to a population of 1118 residents. It follows the trend of being first settled by Americans in the year 1859. As you can probably tell, 1859 was a very productive time for the mining industry in Colorado. A booming silver mining industry and railway industry (to transport the extracted ore, of course) popped up and still remain the main historical legacies of Georgetown. What sets Georgetown apart from the others on this list is the sheer amount of silver that it was producing in the late 1800s, being labeled the center of Colorado's silver mining boom and subsequently earning the nickname the "Silver Queen of Colorado."

Today, Georgetown's Downtown and surrounding areas still retain many of the remnants from its mining and railroad past. The wonderfully preserved amenities the town once used are also on display, including the Geroge Town Public School and the historic Alpine Hose Firehouse No. 2.

Many films were either set or filmed in Georgetown, too, including "Every Which Way But Loose" by Clint Eastwood and John Denver's "The Christmas Gift."

Looking to capture some of Georgetown on film for yourself? Georgetown Lake, located just north of town, is a picturesque and easy-to-access spot for that perfect sunset or sunrise photo in the mountains. 

Cortez

No list of historic towns in Colorado is complete without a mention of the pre-historic and native inhabitants of the state. One of the more well-known and recorded peoples is the Puebloan Culture, which made several settlements and structures that still last to this day, the most famous of which are located in Mesa Verde National Park near the town of Cortez.

Within Mesa Verde National Park, archeological sites from other ancient North American cultures, such as the Clovis culture and the Basketmaker culture, can be found. As far as Pueblo structures go, Cliff Palace is a breathtaking settlement carved into the side of a cliff that has to be seen to be believed on your visit. A bit of a drive west of Cortez in Arizona is the famed Monument Valley, which is another point of cultural significance for the local Navajo tribe.

In case you did not know this already, the town of Cortez is named after the infamous Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes.

Discover Colorado's History

Colorado is not just a ski destination in the winter and a hiking destination in the summer. This vast state has so much to offer in terms of history, both cultural and economic. Its diverse array of landscapes and people can give you a glimpse into the more significant legacy of the entire country if you know where to look.

Hopefully, these towns, along with many others, can be added to the itinerary for your next trip through the Centennial State.