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In its heyday, Ouray and its surrounding mountain settlements included nearly 30 working mines producing minerals such as iron, silver and gold.
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O U RAY 2022
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NATURAL WONDERS
TOWN SETTLEMENT
Travel back in time to 1875, one year before the town of Ouray was officially settled. At the time, people were beginning to discover precious ores in the mountains and formed the first mining district, Uncompahgre. Uncompahgre is translated from Ute to mean “where water makes rock red.” This name was bestowed on the region due to the color the water turns due to heavy metals and minerals. The box canyon proved to be a stable site for mining, with the additional benefit of it having spectacular views.
The title Ouray became permanent in 1876, named after the highly respected Native American, Ute chief Ouray, who led the Tabeguache band. When white settlers arrived in the valley the Tabeguache had inhabited the area for many years prior. Chief Ouray was known for working with the white settlers who moved onto Ute land to keep peaceful relations, at the cost of his land. Later, he traveled to Washington, D.C. and was appointed “head chief of the Ute,” helping create new reservation lands in Colorado.
