Life began sometime in the early 1870's for Silverton which lies at 9700' elevation in a beautiful mountain setting. At this elevation, the old mining town certainly experienced severe winters. Don't know how the miners managed to work in the winter or the town kept in contact with its neighbors. The roads into Silverton crossed some high passes that were snowbound most of winter. Some of the time they did manage to keep the trains from Ouray and Durango running into Silverton. Coming from Ouray, you had to cross Red Mountain Pass at 11000' and that was no easy task in those days. You had to be a hardy to survive the rough and tumble life of a miner in those days.
Today, Silverton is a haven for ATV/jeep enthusiasts with its extensive off road trails through the mountains. Its fun to explore all the numerous old gold/silver mines in the area.
Still going through the photos from our July trip to southwest Colorado. Next, I will post some photos of store fronts from Silverton...probably tomorrow.
1. On the way from Ouray to Silverton
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2. Nice house in its day
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3. Still in good condition
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4. Some found religion along with gold!
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5. Nice to see kids visiting the library
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6. Sturdy, old structure
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7. Notice the mine tailings above the house
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8. Once a hotel
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9. City/county bldg.
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10. Old school house
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Very good series Jederick.
ebbote wrote:
Very good series Jederick.
Thanks Earnest...it was nice beating the heat and getting up where it was cool and photogenic!
Good information and pictures, thanks for the tour.
Thanks for sharing. Nice photos, nice tour of the town.
Jederick, I had hunted there a number of years ago. Like you found Silverton a very interesting place. I don't remember the buildings being in that good of shape. They have done a nice job in restoring these old buildings. Your photographs are a wonderful reminder of why I like that place so much even though I was there in late fall. I remember it being cold and I also remember feeling the altitude as a person who lives basically at sea level it was quite apparent. I wondered if the town has underground utilities or if your removed the wires as the photographs are wonderful without those distracting overhead wires.
Bob
BTW, Thank you for sharing these beautiful photographs.
We lived in Durango for 15 years and made many trips to Ouray. We first thought on retiring in Ouray but settled on Durango. Silverton sure improved over the time that we were in that area. Nice place. Not so great in the Winter.
Ched49 wrote:
Good information and pictures, thanks for the tour.
You're very welcome...thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
AzPicLady wrote:
Nicely done.
Thank You...glad you enjoyed.
Charlie157 wrote:
Thanks for sharing. Nice photos, nice tour of the town.
Thanks Charlie and I appreciate you stopping by.
angler wrote:
Good set Jederick.
Thanks Jim...this old western town is full of mining history and sights.
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