- Historic Sites
Colorado: America's Heart of Gold
Sharp snow-covered peaks, wide grassy plains, deep canyons, and cool mountain streams define the spectacular landscape of the Centennial State, which has enjoyed a rich history beginning with the Ute Indians who hunted the area's vast bison herds centuries before the arrival of Europeans. With its stunning cliff dwelling communities, Mesa Verde National Park embodies the rich, diverse, and complex heritage of the Puebloan and Navajo cultures.
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Ashcroft Ghost Town
In 1880, silver strikes by 23 prospectors turned the humble mining camp of Castle Creek Valley, in the Elk Mountains into a boomtown of 2,000 within three years. Within half a decade the deposits dried up and the citizens left. Summer ghost guides lead visitors on a 60-minute tour through the 12 original wood structures, including three hotels, a newspaper office, and a jail, as well as a reconstructed blacksmith shop and laundry.
(970) 925-3721 www.heritageaspen.org/ac.html
Miners established this town during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1859 and named it after Vice President John Breckinridge. Ninety-minute guided tours of the 249- building district begin at the welcome center and explore through a theatre, bar- bershop, courthouse, and churches. Seven additional sites, notably the Barney Ford Museum, home of an escaped slave and civil rights leader, and the Lomax Placer Mine, an 1860s hydraulic surface mine, offer guided tours as well.
(800) 980-1859 www.breckheritage.com
Independence Ghost Town
In 1879, gold drew 1,500 people to this town. By 1888 most prospectors had relo- cated to nearby Aspen, leaving Independ- ence a ghost town. Self-guided tours of the remaining six structures include a stamp mill, boarding houses, and stables.
(970) 925-3721 www.heritageaspen.org/indep.html
North Park Pioneer Museum
Exhibits inside this 1882 ranch-style home depict westward settlement from the early mining days. Self-guided tours through the 27 themed rooms include an antique toy room, a kitchen with a coal range, school- room with sewing cards, army room with World War II army and navy uniforms, and buggy shed with a 1936 Dodge.
(970) 723-3282 www.northparkvisitorsbureau.com
White River Museum
The 1880 U.S. army officers' quarters has been converted into a museum doc- umenting the history of Meeker and the Ute tribe. Unique artifacts on display include Chief Colorow’s peace pipe, the hand printing press that was used to produce the Meeker Herald, photos of Teddy Roosevelt with his handwritten comments on the importance of military service, and a Victorian wreath made of human hair.
(970) 878-9982 www.meekercolorado.com/museum.htm
Argo Gold Mill and Museum
This 1910 gold mine mill sits at the en- trance of the 4.16-mile Argo Tunnel lo- cated in the heart of Idaho Springs historic district. Visitors can view rock-drilling demonstrations in the mine tunnel during a 60-minute guided tour; a mining and milling museum displays grinding equip- ment and fire ore pieces.
(303) 567-2421 www.historicargotours.com
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody gained fame from his experience riding for the Pony Express, killing 4,860 buffalo in an eight-month period, and creating the popular traveling Wild West Show. A 5,000-square-foot museum displays his buckskin coats, shotguns, and costumes. A 17-minute video explores his controversial hero status and relationship with the plains Indians. His grave is located on Lookout Mountain, 200 yards from the museum.
(303) 526-0744 www.buffalobill.org
Clear Creek History Park
This late 19th-century mountain ranch features 10 original structures including two cabins, a blacksmith shop, school- house, and bee yard. Two blocks to the northwest is the Astor House Museum, an 1867 boarding house, and Golden History Center, a museum containing Golden area artifacts.
(303) 278-3557 www.goldenhistorymuseums.org
Colorado Railroad Museum
The 15-acre rail 