7 Oldest Towns In Colorado Worth Visiting:- Mountains, canyons, high plains, rivers, forests, historic towns from the Old West of Colorado, and an abundance of animals are just some of the things that may be said to depict the splendor of the state of Colorado, which is a mountainous state.
7 Oldest Towns In Colorado Worth Visiting
There are sand dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park, high peaks in the Rocky Mountains, and red rock formations in Colorado, all of which contribute to the state’s distinctive and varied natural landscape. In addition, a number of the National Park sites in Colorado are actually peculiar and for which there is no explanation, and they have fascinating histories.
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In addition to being extremely well-liked by a wide variety of tourists, Colorado’s breathtaking terrain is home to some of the most hip desert towns and high-up mountain cities in the United States, where there is an abundance of options for hiking. Those who are not interested in spending time outdoors and would rather have a more peaceful getaway might choose cities and towns in Colorado.
In addition to that, the history of the state is just as fascinating! Colorado has a lengthy and interesting history that is notably obvious in its oldest cities. The state was initially inhabited by Native Americans, then conquered by the Spanish, then invaded by the Mexicans, and eventually acquired by the United States by the United States. These are some of the oldest communities in Colorado, and each one is worth visiting because of the historical experience it offers.
Silver Plume, Clear Creek County
The Georgetown Loop line is one of the most well-known and historically significant narrow gauge railroads in Colorado. Silver Plume, which was a former silver mining settlement, is located on one end of the line and is surrounded by the formidable Rocky Mountains. Silver Plume is also a place that is worth visiting on its own due to the Victorian Downtown area and the architecture that dates back to the late 19th century.
A free slide presentation and displays about the history of the railroad may be seen in the Silver Plume Depot, which was renovated in 1884 and is located in the town. In the neighboring railyard, there are additional steam engines and automobiles that can be seen.
A comprehensive display of Silver Plume’s history may be found in the George Rowe Museum, which is housed in the town’s first schoolhouse. Overlooking the Silver Plume Valley and the hamlet that sits at its base, the 7:30 Mine Trail provides a breathtaking panorama.
Como, Park County
It was the coal miners who came from Italy who gave the name “Como” to the small railroad village that is now located in Colorado. Como was named after the lake and city in Italy. In the beginning, it was the depot for the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad, which connected travelers traveling from Denver to Como.
Como is a bustling town that has the overall appearance of a ghost town due to the presence of numerous historic weathered structures, such as the well-known roundhouse, hotel, and depot. When the Annual Boreas Pass Railway Day event takes place in August (August 17, 2024, from 9 am to 3:30 pm), it is a wonderful opportunity to gain an understanding of the history of Como.
The original boxcars that were utilized at the train station, the old Section House that is located along the Boreas Pass, and “Ken’s Cabin,” which is one of the oldest buildings in the county, are some of the other cultural attractions that are worth visiting. Boreas Pass is a road that is 22 miles long and offers a variety of chances for cross-country skiing in the winter and hiking and bicycling in the summer.
Ward, Boulder County
Ward was established in 1860, following the discovery of gold at Gold Hill, which was located nearby. It was the location of the state’s oldest and longest-lasting mining camps, and at one point in time, it was the wealthiest town in the state during the Colorado Gold Rush.
Within an hour’s drive of Denver, Ward is located along the Peak to Peak Byway, which is a gorgeous 55-mile route. The Rocky Mountain National Park, the Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area are all accessible by this route as well.
Numerous historical structures are still standing today, and they can be explored on your own as part of an intriguing self-guided tour. The Ward School is a historic school building that was constructed in 1898 and later served as the town hall, public library, and post office until its demolition. At Brainard Lake, which is located just west of the rustic Ward, there are numerous route networks that lead travelers to trails. Brainard Lake is a popular spot for snowshoeing, camping, and trekking.
Ward is yet another town that can be added to the list of magnificent hiking towns in Colorado, which are located in close proximity to a variety of breathtaking hiking trails.
Fairplay, Park County
The town of Fairplay was established in 1859, at an elevation of 9,953 feet, during the early days of the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush. After being named by settlers who were dissatisfied with the rich mining claims that were granted to previous prospectors, Fairplay remained to be a source of gold and silver ore production for many decades, all the way up until the middle of the year 20.
Located in the middle of fifty miles of Gold Medal trout streams, this tranquil hamlet is well recognized as the official Trout Fishing Capital of Colorado. Another popular destination is the South Park City Museum, which is a reconstructed frontier town made up of structures that were relocated from other locations in the county that were in risk of being destroyed.
Due to its easily accessible location, Fairplay is frequently used as a resting place by travelers who are traveling through the Central Rockies. This historic tiny town in Colorado is home to a plethora of events and festivals that take place throughout the entire year, ensuring that there is always something going on.
Gold Hill, Boulder County
Gold Hill was the first permanent mining camp in the Colorado mountains, and it was located at an elevation of 8,300 feet. Beginning in the twentieth century, the town went through a series of economic ups and downs until finally settling into a tourism-based economy on a smaller scale.
Gold Hill, which is located 11 miles on the northwest side of Boulder and is perched on a mountaintop, was the location of the first substantial discovery of gold during the Colorado Gold Rush in the year 1859. It is a peaceful and secluded village that has a large number of old wooden structures, some of which have been renovated in recent years, as well as deteriorating ruins from the time when it was a mining town. Although it does not have any paved streets, dirt roads to get there are very convenient.
As the population of adjacent Boulder increased at a rapid rate, numerous old structures have been repaired and maintained, and measures have been put in place to curb expansion. As a result, the town has managed to maintain its wild-west character.
Even now, the Wentworth House, which was constructed in 1872 at the beginning of the mining boom, continues to function as the Gold Hill Inn. Having been in continuous operation since the year 1873, the Gold Hill School is the oldest public school in the state of Colorado.
Fort Garland, Costilla County
At a height of 7,936 feet, Fort Garland was abandoned in 1883 after it had been established by the United States Army in June of 1858 with the purpose of protecting settlers against Native American tribes. Fort Garland Museum is responsible for the preservation of a number of the fort’s historical structures.
Additionally, the town is widely referred to as the “Gateway to the San Luis Valley” due to the fact that it is home to artists, painters, craftspeople, and singers who are known all over the world. At the annual Fort Garland Band Jam Music Festival, artists from the surrounding area and the surrounding region, as well as musicians from nationally and internationally recognized musical talent, perform.
Fort Garland is located approximately 25 miles east of Alamosa and is home to a Catholic Church that is designed in the style of a mission, a few of restaurants, and the Fort and Museum. Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Shrine of the Stations of the Cross in San Luis are two of the regions’ most popular tourist destinations, and they are both located in close proximity to one another.
San Luis, Costilla County
The town of San Luis, which hails from the year 1851 and is predominantly comprised of Hispanic families, takes great pride in the fact that it is the oldest and most continuously occupied municipality in the state of Colorado. It was formerly known as San Luis de la Culebra, and its rich history and cultural heritage are visible in the well-known Stations of the Cross, which are located on the local mesa that is close to the church.
In addition, San Luis is home to the oldest church in Colorado, which is located not too far from the border with New Mexico. There is a bed and breakfast called El Convento that is located in a building that was formerly a convent. The alarm clock in each room is set to sound like church bells.
The adobe architecture and traditional Spanish town plan of San Luis, which was once a part of land concessions declared by the King of Spain, have preserved the historical and cultural influences that were responsible for shaping the development of the early towns in Southern Colorado. The Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center, located in the neighboring town of Alamosa, provides visitors with a glimpse into the history of the region and highlights the talents of local artists and craftspeople.