A TOUCH OF HISTORY

Marmots are the heaviest of the squirrel family. They are social animals who live above the tree line and whistle or chirp loudly to warn each other of predators.

NATURAL WONDERS

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.

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.

Red Mountain Town

Just 4.5 miles from Ironton, Red Mountain town is located between Silverton and Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.

Red Mountain Town was once the largest mining town on Red Mountain Pass. Gold ore was discovered here in the 1870s. However, harsh winters and primitive roads delayed the boom. When it developed a few years later, it did so quickly.

In its heyday, the population was projected as high as 10,000 residents. The town’s decline followed that of the mining decline in the region. Ouray and Silverton are the only towns on either side of Red Mountain Pass to remain populated today.

SILVER CRASH

The Sherman Silver Purchase Act, which helped add a substantial amount to the local economy, was repealed in 1893. Many lost their 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 their population plateaued.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

By the 1920s the mines began to become overworked and the population shrank. If Ouray was to survive, they needed to pull tourists in. 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.

Ouray County Historical Society & Museum

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.