Silverton history silverton the mining town that wouldnt quit. Bancroft as the wildest and most inaccessible region of colorado, if not north america. The mineral creek gold mine was closed at the time of data entry with no known plans to reopen. The young town was a trading and banking center of prominence and ranked among the most progressive towns of western oregon. The ghost town of eureka, colorado is situated along the animas river in san juan county between silverton and animas forks. The document delineates four time periods relative to the development of colorados railroads, beginning in 1858 and ending in 1967. The history of the old hundred gold mine begins in the spring of 1872 when the first of the three neigold brothers arrived from germany and staked their claim on the number seven vein. Mining on the edge at the old one hundred high above silverton. A brief history of silverton mining gold silver book.
Historic mining resources of san juan county history colorado. Rich veins of silver were discovered that quickly allowed the town to take root. Silverton, colorado is located just under 50 miles north of durango. It devoured millions a mine is a hole in the ground with a liar for an owner mark twain. Swanees silverton colorado mining history book silver. The mine had worked its way under lake emma and the miners complained about the safety of the situation. To explore morerecent colorado history, hop on the shuttle to take the historic silverton mining tour. The history of mining in southwestern colorado during the last part of the nineteenth century and the first decade of the twentieth runs parallel to the development of hydro and steam power plants, and their application to the mines of the region.
Discover the beauty of colorados mountains and mining history as you venture high above silverton. Specific information tracing the history of the numerous railroads that operated in the state is provided. Its a true mining town tucked away in the san juan mountains that still holds all of the charm. Colorado jeep tour half day silvertons ghost towns mild. To the south, the same twolane highway rolls over 10,912foot molas pass and coal bank pass en route to durango. The boom started in 1879, with the discovery of the lode at leadville, in which made over 82 million dollars worth silver during the silver boom, was the second great mineral boom in the state, coming twenty years after the earlier and shorter colorado. Mines around silverton, colorado images of america series. This rare and out of print book is a greatly written book on the history of the sunnyside mine in silverton colorado. The 1920 valley view leasing and mining company mill, commonly known as the matterhorn mill, is listed on the national register of historic places under criterion a in the area of industry at the local level of significance for its contribution to the 20thcentury silver mining in colorado s san juan mountains where it related directly to mining within san bernardo mountain.
Silverton is linked to durango by the durango and silverton. Resources and mineral wealth of hinsdale county, colorado. Based on actual historical events and places but with a few liberties taken his fastmoving book details how hero johnny ogden builds what is now the million dollar highway to connect argent. Online shopping from a great selection at books store. Chamber of commerce and information about silverton, colorado including recreation, news, history. Silverton, colorado san juan county historical society. Economic geology of the silverton quadrangle, coloradobyfrederick leslie ransome1901this classic text is the most comprehensive paper published on the economic mineral deposits and mines of the silverton colorado area. The historical society operates the mining heritage center, the 1902 county jail museum in silverton, the mayflower mill tour, the allen nossaman memorial archive, the silverton power station and the silverton standard and the miner newspaper designated a national historic site in journalism. However, it was not the beautiful scenery but rather the highly mineralized veins that lay in the nearby mountains that attracted the early prospectors. In between you will have four hours exploring the historical mines and backroads of san juan county. Silverton, colorado mining claims and mines the diggings. Fetchs is your source for local information on hiking, jeeping, and mining history, this store has a little bit of everything. Your journey back in time to catch a glimpse of silvertons mining history begins the moment you step off the bus and meet your tour guide from san juan backcountry.
San juan county is one of the 64 counties of the u. Silverton is a former silver mining camp, most or all of which is now included in a federally designated national historic landmark district, the silverton historic district. The author took over as head mine manager in 1971 and turned the sunnyside into one of most profitable mines of the century. He has always been fascinated by silverton s geology and history and has written numerous articles on the subjects and also a book on the old hundred mine, ghosts and gold. To the north, highway 550 climbs 11,018foot red mountain pass toward the town of ouray. Like many of colorados mountain towns, silverton, which is perched in a lofty valley at 9,000 feet in the southern san juan mountains, began as a mining town, and found a second life as a recreation hub rich in heritage tourism. Sep 16, 2019 youll learn about the culture and history of ancestral puebloans as you explore this world heritage site with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. A firsttimers guide for visiting silverton, colorado. The region has a long and colorful mining history, dating back to the. Ouray pronounced yourray is in the heart of the san juan mountains, a mineralrich part of colorado s rocky mountain mining country. Jun 26, 2019 southwest colorado offers a variety of unique experiences to visitors.
One look at the old hundred mine bunkhouse and tramhouse nestled high amongst the rocky crags of galena mountain conjures up visions of tough, hardened men bound and determined to wrest from the mountain its golden treasures. The san juan county historical society provided the majority of the images for this book. From durango, youll ride along the million dollar highway, a scenic route built in the. Reinhard, gustave, and otto neigold spent the next 30 years prospecting and developing the veins on galena mountain. The mineral creek gold mine is near silverton, colorado.
So many other towns in colorado s mountains have lost their. Colorado jeep tour half day silvertons ghost towns. Mar, 2012 it was just such a case of bad luck that happened in the sunnyside mine at silverton,colorados mining disaster. The author a consulting mining geologist working in close association with the area shares his knowledge and history of the mines and towns in and around silverton colorado. San juan mountains, colorado, rare books, old maps, old. This 8day exploration of colorado includes breathtaking national parks, regional culture, history, and of course fresh, local craft beer. History of silverton silverton, or official website. Silverton gold colorado gold mining san juans geology. Tiny and nestled between two rugged san juan mountain passes, silverton has been a beloved destination since its mining days, especially for those pursuing new heights outdoors, from atv trails, whitewater rafting, wild west history and much more. Silverton mining museum and jail, silverton, colorado. Your journey back in time to catch a glimpse of silverton s mining history begins the moment you step off the motor coach. Mines around silverton arcadia publishing history books.
The county name is the spanish language name for saint john, the name spanish explorers gave to a river and the mountain range in the area. Is silverton colorados localsonly coronavirus policy legal. Of primary importance to durangos growth was the completion of the silverton branch, which traveled 45 miles from durango to silverton through the animas river valleys mountains and mining camps. Silverton is a historic mining town established in 1874 in bakers park in the heart of the san juan mountains. Discover the beauty of colorado s mountains and mining history as you venture high above silverton. Vendl are retired geologists with a lifelong interest in colorado history. Silverton colorado one of the worst mining disasters that. Sep 14, 2015 silverton is located in the heart of the san juan mountains, which have been described by h.
David lavenders classic novel of the rich silver strikes between ouray argent and silverton baker, colorado is back in print. Chamber of commerce and information about silverton, colorado including recreation, news, history, environmental, weather and businesses within silverton, colorado. The san juan mountains of southern colorado were one of. My book on gold prospecting across colorado is now available here and in stores everywhere. The san juan county historical society museum and mining heritage center interprets the local mining history and includes numerous artifacts from silverton s colorful past. May 30, 2012 a look at the history of silverton, colorado. The town of silverton is a statutory town that is the county seat of, and the only incorporated municipality in san juan county, colorado, united states.
Please add us to your list of favorite sellers and visit often. Dirk cussler remembers father clive and his colorado. Historically the site has been associated with the animas mining district which is now part of the san juan national forest. The colorado silver boom was a dramatic expansionist period of silver mining activity in the u. Unlike other mountain town hotels from this era, the grand imperial stayed open through the silver crash, the great depression, and both world wars. Silverton is linked to durango by the durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad, a. An adit to the prospect mine is just down the slope from the boarding house and the gold prince aerial tramway passes through this site. Sep 14, 2015 if you are a colorado mining history buff and the silverton area is of interest to you, then this is a must have book.
What this seems to mean is that, more than any other historic mining town in colorado, silverton still appears very much the way it was during the peak of its mining days, from 1874 to 1920. There are no winding paths between the graves and the plots are not laid out in neat and orderly rows. Aspen history silver mining town colorado geology book. The complaints were researched by the mining engineers and it was determined that the mine was well within the margin of safety. Ouray pronounced yourray is in the heart of the san juan mountains, a mineralrich part of colorados rocky mountain mining country. At the old one hundred mine on galena mountain above silverton, the seven. Combine a shuttle ride to silverton, a polaris rzr utv rental, and a ride on the historic durango and silverton train back to durango with this fullday, combo package. Mineral creek gold mine near silverton, colorado the. In 1860, charles baker and several prospectors entered the san juan mountains in search of wealth. In the summers ute indians hunted and lived in the silverton area before the first explorers, the spanish, arrived. This certificate was issued on a tollroad from silverton winding over the mountains into. For some great history on the san juans including some good specifics on the silverton area, i highly recommend the book summits to reach, which is franklin rhodas report from a.
San juan county historical society silverton 2020 all you. The region has a long and colorful mining history, dating back to the spanish exploration of the area in the 18th century. It is very well written and includes remarkable old photos of the the mines and locations around silverton. One that is unrivaled and quite literally one of a kind is the old hundred gold mine. The story of silverton, colorado s notorious red lig. Silverton is located in the heart of the san juan mountains, which have been described by h. White eyes gallery silverton 2020 all you need to know. Long out of print we have acquired a few of these old books for you enjoyment. Founded in 1982 in the small southwest colorado mining town of silverton. Looking for an awesome way to explore the majestic san juan mountain scenery and trails surrounding the historic mining town of silverton, colorado. Nestled high in colorados stunning san juan mountains at 9,318 feet and formally incorporated in 1885, silverton is a statutory colorado municipality serving approximately 600 fulltime residents along with dozens of unique businesses that cater to silvertons many thousands of annual visitors. Durango emerged as the center of industry and commerce for the durango and rio grandes san juan extension. Fetchs is your source for local information on hiking, jeeping, and.
Your headquarters for 4wheeling, offroading, jeeping, and dirtbiking. Eureka, colorado and the sunnyside mine legends of america. Growth by 1921, silverton industries were producing exports for other areas and even some foreign countries. Lunch is provided at the mine, followed by panning for gold and silver.
Gladstone, eureka, animas forks, howardsville, red mountain, chattanooga and others. View all hotels near san juan county historical society on tripadvisor. A national historic landmark, this wonderful piece of mining history is open to the public. Details about colorado history the silverton story, by. Discover cascading waterfalls, colorado s wildflowers, high elevation wildlife and on a lucky day a bear or moose. In addition to housing guests, the hotel also served as the county courthouse, city hall, post office, and home of the silverton standard newspaper. The tenth annual mining history association conference was held in ouray, colorado, june 36, 1999. Scott fetch fetchenhier came to silverton in 1980 in a 1969 gto and thirty five dollars in his pocket and worked for a couple of small mining companies as a geologist and surveyor.
Silverton and neighboring ghost towns colorado mining. Clive cussler and his son, dirk, had a system for writing books together. As of the 2010 census, the population was 699, making it the least populous county in colorado. Silverton, colorado history tour san juan backcountry. He also worked at the sunnyside mine as a nipper, trammer, and slusherman in the early 1980s. Publications by state colorado page 1 mining books. O ne treacherous highway snakes over the mountains to reach silverton, colorado, once a mining settlement and now a rugged, unfussy skiers town. Hillside cemetery lies a little north of silverton, past the courthouse, on the steep lower slope of boulder mountain. Mining the hard rock in the silverton san juans marshall, john on.
One important exception is the mayflower mill, or the shenandoahdives mill located two miles northeast of silverton. Local historical literature, maps, and regional guidebooks. Discover cascading waterfalls, colorados wildflowers, high elevation wildlife and on a lucky day a bear or moose. Silverton history silverton the mining town that wouldnt quit in 1860, charles baker and several prospectors entered the san juan mountains in search of wealth. The area was first explored for minerals when captain charles baker lead a. Silverton mining museum and jail silverton, colorado. American experiences small group, multiday tours provide you with authentic, indepth experiences not found elsewhere. The american west once had hundreds of precious metal mills. Come join san juan backcountry with a most fascinating historical tour of silverton. Colorado old hundred gold mine tour in silverton, colorado.
Silverton history in the summers ute indians hunted and lived in the silverton area before the first explorers, the spanish, arrived. The first permanent white settlers came for diverse reasons, but gold and silver served as magnets to the region. They soon found deposits of gold and silver along the animas river, in an area that was later called bakers park. The region has a long and colorful mining history, dating back to the spanish exploration of the area in the. San juan county historical society silverton 2020 all. Your journey back in time to catch a glimpse of silverton s mining history begins the moment you step off the bus and meet your tour guide from san juan backcountry. During the early years of mining silverton was the hub for the many small towns accumulating around the biggest mines. Silverton historic downtown 2020 all you need to know. Then dirk would write in colorado, where the cusslers have long had a foothold.
This mountain town is rich in history, big on adventure, and appealingly rough around the edges. The utes remained until 1873 when the brunot treaty opened the san juans to settlement. The county seat and the only incorporated municipality in the county is silverton. After world war ii, tourism took hold as people visited the town for its scenery and history. The historic mining town of silverton, colorado, founded in 1874, lies in bakers park and is ringed by 12,000 and,000foot peaks of the san juan mountains. Its longevity was primarily due to the nearby sunnyside mine.
A onehour guided gold mine tour takes you mile into the heart of,000 foot galena mountain where you can see real mining equipment in action. Silverton, colorado, has recently been dubbed colorado s last mountain town. Utv rentals are available to rent as soon as the trails are free from snow. This area holds some of the most beautiful atving and 4x4 trails in the state. The museum is housed in the 1902 san juan county jail. If you are a colorado mining history buff and the silverton area is of interest to you, then this is a must have book. Welcome to the town of silvertons official website. This hidden gem is located just a short drive from silverton, colorado and offers visitors a chance to experience mining in action.
A firsthand account of silverton, colorado, from the 1930s to the millennium by gerald swanson 2003, paperback at the best online prices at ebay. The town of silverton is a statutory town that is the county seat of and the only incorporated municipality in san juan county colorado united states. When it opened in 1882, the grand imperial hotel was silverton s largest building. Witness first hand how the miners were able to extract gold, silver and base metals from the hard rock ores in this complete processing mill. Very close to the oregon gardens, a must to see in any season, the downtown area is diverse and has unique shops to find special gifts for yourself or others. Publications by state colorado page 7 mining books.