Created by Congress over a hundred years ago this week
Signed into law on January 26, 1915 by President Woodrow Wilson, Rocky Mountain National Park would forever protect the incredible resources found within its boundaries so that future generations might also benefit from its beauty and wildness. Over the years, Rocky Mountain National Park has continued to delight and inspire visitors from down (more…)
Two 1950’s Newspaper Stories about Pitchblende and a Radioactive Disc
By Mary Peery
Central City, Colo., August 14, 1952 – Golden Gilpin County Finds New Wealth – Pitchblende Was Opened in Pioneer Days; Gold, Silver and Lead Found by United Mining and Leasing Company
Gilpin County, with its hundred million dollar ore output and its vast mineral wealth has been called on many times to help our nation out of a tough spot, but never so important challenge made as is now coming from the head of the Atomic Energy Commission. Gilpin County is the original producer of pitchblende in the U.S. The (more…)
Checking out online classifieds for cool old Willys Jeeps
By Aaron Storms
It’s not like I need yet another automotive project with the current ‘60 Willys pickup and Ford F250 merger project, but is always fun to look and see what’s out there – the quest is half the fun! You never know, something that you didn’t know you needed yet might just be a phone call or email away, launching another road trip to pick up another treasure in the rough. Most ads tend to say, “Running when parked” or “Just needs a little paint” and some sad story that may tug at your heart strings. I mean really, how can you drive down the road and see an abandoned (more…)
Gilpin County Historic Preservation Commission
By Hon. Gary Jackson
Zephyr View, one of the first Colorado mountain resort cabins built and owned by a Black man, has been designated a Colorado (more…)
From the Gilpin Historical Society
by David Forsyth, PhD
The first recorded Christmas celebration in what would become Colorado was in 1806. Zebulon Pike and his group of fifteen men were camped about three miles north of Salida, near the mouth of Brown’s Canyon, and their last food had been a turkey and a hare shot on December 22. On Christmas Eve, though, they found and killed a total of (more…)
From the Gilpin Historical Society
By David Forsyth, PhD
Christmas celebrations in the early years of Gilpin County were elaborate affairs. Parades marched down Central City’s streets, parties took place at houses in all of the towns, stores were packed with people buying presents, and grudges were forgotten, even if only temporarily. This was especially important during the years of the Civil War, with Colorado’s newspapers hoping that the coming New Year would (more…)
Newly Designated Local Historic Landmark in Gilpin County
By Randy Beaudette
Gilpin County is knee deep in history. With the preservation of our rich mining past, historic towns and buildings, it is easy to imagine what life was like in the not so distant past. One often overlooked piece of our historical puzzle is the Lincoln Hills subdivision located in northern Gilpin County. (more…)
Three historic newspapers served Gilpin County residents long before social media
By Mary Peery
According to A Concise Social and Business Review of the Three Principal Towns in Gilpin County compiled by The Colorado Information and Advertising Bureau (in 1901): “By act of the Territorial Legislature, approved November 1, 1861, the county seat of Gilpin county was located at Central City. When the county was divided into precincts for (more…)
Zephyr View Cabin designated as a Local Landmark in Lincoln Hills
By Randy Beaudette
Gilpin Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) held a regular online meeting on November 17, 2020 that highlighted topics such as Exemplary Employee Recognition, Zephyr View Cabin Landmark Designation, and Supplemental appropriations to the 2020 budget. (more…)
A time to honor all who have served in our armed forces
By James Morrison
In its 244 years, the United States has been involved in a dozen major wars to defend our nation, preserve our freedom and democracy, and serve our national interests. The major conflicts include the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Wars against Terrorism, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our armed forces have gone into harm’s way many other times, too. (more…)
A rare holiday for miners reserved for ‘prayin and eatin’
By David Forsyth, PhD
The story of the first Thanksgiving is perhaps one of the best known and most mythical stories in American history, and while its importance is doubted by few, the holiday itself was slow to take hold. Between the time of the American Revolution and the Civil War, each state decided when to mark its own Thanksgiving. By the early 19th (more…)
Nevadaville History
By Mary Peery
Edith James was the city clerk and treasurer of Nevadaville until her and her children left for Denver, in 1917. Edith left Nevadaville as a widow and never remarried. This is the conclusion of the James family’s life in Nevadaville based on interviews of two of Edith’s children, Cora and Redvers. (more…)
From the Gilpin Historical Society
By David Forsyth, PhD
Sports always played an important role in the social life of Gilpin County’s residents during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Perhaps the best known sports stars in the county were the members of the Central City (more…)
Podcast of Gilpin Cemeteries
By Jenni Johnson
I just wanted to let you know that my podcast The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery is off the ground and running! Episodes 2 and 3 feature Central City and Gilpin County. (more…)
12 miles of trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking
By Aaron Storms
When driving to Black Hawk Sunday afternoon, I once again passed under the new bridge for the Hidden Treasure Trail Head, and thought to myself, “Self, how many times are you going to drive by this new trail system without stopping to check it out – it’s a beautiful day, you’re by yourself, you have no pressing engagements, so why not?” (more…)
Gilpin Historical Society
By Dave Forsyth, PhD
After the Central City Opera House’s grand opening on March 3 and 4, 1878, the Pueblo Democrat wrote that while the Opera House was grand, it would be more impressed when Central City and Black Hawk built equally grand schools and churches. With town rivalries alive and well, Central City’s Evening Call responded with the following editorial on March 11, 1878: …is it possible that a gentleman of your (more…)