5 minute read
A TOUCH OF HISTORY
In its heyday, Ouray and its surrounding mountain settlements included nearly 30 working mines producing minerals such as iron, silver and gold.
NATURAL WONDERS
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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.
TOWN SETTLEMENT
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.
Many businesses such as saloons, hotels, blacksmiths and others were established that summer. Ouray was very small, and there were no transportation routes, making it difficult to live there. By 1878, the town had grown to over 800 residents. Though the terrain still made the trek to Ouray dangerous, especially during the winter. This is where Otto Mears enters the story.
OTTO MEARS
Mears was called upon to build a road to link Ouray to the Red Mountain Mining District. This road was imperative to the future success of Ouray, because they were competing with Silverton to build the road first and gain access to the district. At the time, Mears was considered “the Pathfinder of the San Juans,” which is why he was called in for the task. After completing the road in 1883, he then offered the town of Silverton the same deal, then connected the two roads. He persuaded San Juan County to pay the expenses for building the roads, then greatly benefitted by charging his own toll prices to travelers. This is how the Million Dollar Highway came to be.
Ghost Towns
Gold and silver mining in Colorado brought an influx of prospectors and their families to the region in search of riches. Today, the remnants of the Gold Rush include abandoned mining communities nestled in the mountains. Explore these historical sites near Ouray.
In your exploration of these abandoned sites, be cautious of any unprotected shafts, and don’t allow children to wander unsupervised. Take only photos, and leave only footprints, don’t further the destruction of these sites by carrying away any pieces of history.
RAILROAD BRINGS GROWTH
By 1887, the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad made its arrival in Ouray, boosting the population even more. Only three years later, there were over 2,500 residents. But it looked like Ouray may have been hitting the peak of their heyday. >>
IRONTON
Ironton is easy to reach compared to most ghost towns. It is located on the San Juan Skyway between Silverton and Ouray, and is accessible by two-wheel drive year-round.
In 1893, Ironton was founded as part of the Red Mountain Mining District. It was an important transportation hub between Ouray and other mining camps of Red Mountain District. Travelers staged there before heading over the pass.
Due to its flatter landscape, building was easier. At its height, the population hovered around 1,000 residents. Ironton had its own mines, two daily trains from Silverton, chain stores from Ouray and Silverton, as well as hotels, saloons and other necessities. The last official resident, Milton Larson, passed away in the mid-1960s.
Walking Tour
Visit the Ouray County Historical Society website to access a document to assist in a selfguided walking tour of downtown or take private guided tours featuring 36 buildings in just under 2 hours. Tours cost $10 per person (12 years and older).
Call (970) 325-4576 to schedule a guided tour.
Animas Forks
coordinates: 37.932464° N, 107.571092° W
Built by prospectors in 1884, this town was once a bustling mining town, with a population of 450 people. There was a hotel, saloon, post office, a general store and even a local newspaper, the Animas Forks Pioneer. Because of its location, Animas Forks was plagued by avalanches as well as a record-breaking blizzard in 1884 that lasted 23 days. By 1910, mining operations had ceased, by 1920 Animas Forks was a ghost town. The town is located on a 65-mile system of roads known as the Alpine Loop. This loop connects the towns of Lake City, Ouray and Silverton. The road from Silverton to Animas Forks is passable by two-wheel drive vehicles during summer months, but the road beyond Animas Forks is four-wheel drive only.
The Ouray County Historical Society is a very valuable resource for both locals and visitors. It is a nonprofit organization responsible for keeping community heritage alive and well. The group manages the county museum which features interesting exhibits highlighting artifacts from Ouray’s earliest days, as well as mining, ranching and railroad exhibits.
Located in a three-story building constructed in 1887, the museum was originally the Ouray Miner’s Hospital. The museum has 29 rooms and a variety of exhibits. The hours of operation change with each season, so be sure to visit www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org.
The Ouray County Museum located at 420 Sixth Ave. houses a bookstore that features maps, posters, postcards, collectables as well as literature on history, geology and recreation in the region. See the website on www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org for more information.
SILVER CRASH
The Sherman Silver Purchase Act, which helped add a substantial amount to the local economy, was repealed in 1893. Many lost its jobs due to this and several mines closed down. Although, Ouray was not hit the hardest by the crash due to their proximity to rich gold mines. They still continued to thrive into the early 1900’s, but its population plateaued.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
By the 1920s the mines began to become overworked and the population shrank. If Ouray was to survive, it needed to attract tourists. The citizens rallied together and created a large geothermal community pool. After this, many other hot springs around Ouray opened up and kept the tourism thriving all the way until the present day.
GEM OF THE WEST
Although many other places like Ouray didn’t survive the mining bust and eventually became ghost towns, we are lucky to still have this spectacular town today. Well preserved and taken care of, “The Switzerland of America” remains a gem of the West.
