Leadville
DERRY MINING SITE CAMP
Leadville vicinity
National Register 7/14/2000, 5LK.1341
Although a large rambling, log and wood frame building on the
approximately 8½-acre site dates from earlier ranching operations,
the property primarily reflects its association with the mining
activities occurring there from 1906 to 1923. Ditches, ponds, and
tailings piles continue to dot the landscape. The circa 1916 log
cabins were constructed to house workers hired in conjunction with
the operation of the Derry Dredge. This large "mountain boat" was
assembled at the site in 1915 to operate along Corske Creek. Circa
1923, it was relocated to Box Creek. The dredge was dismantled
in 1926 and subsequently shipped to South America.
DEXTER CABIN
912 Harrison Ave.
National Register 8/25/1970, 5LK.43
The log cabin was built in 1879 by Leadville banker and mining
magnate James V. Dexter for use as a hunting lodge. Although the
exterior appears ordinary, the inside is elegantly finished. The
cabin was moved to its present location adjacent to the Healy House.
HAYDEN RANCH HEADQUARTERS
West of US Hwy. 24 at Kobe, Leadville vicinity
State Register 9/10/2003, National Register 10/11/2003, 5LK.1340
 The building complex is an intact example of an early high
country agricultural operation. Noted for the cattle that supplied
the area miners with beef, hay and grain were also cultivated on the
ranch. The multiple agricultural buildings accurately reflect the
specialized function of each building during its operation from
1872–1947 and demonstrate the historic types and methods of
construction associated with high country farming and ranching.
(1999 photograph)
Colorado Mountain College purchased the ranch from Colorado
Preservation, Inc., in 2008 for use as a laboratory, woodworking shop,
and classroom space for students in its historic preservation trades
program. CPI purchased the property from the City of Aurora in 2005
after the city originally acquired the ranch and surrounding property
in 1998 to obtain water rights. The State Historical Fund provided
grants of over $240,000 to assist in planning, stabilization and
interpretive work.
HEALY HOUSE
912 Harrison Ave.
National Register 8/25/1970, 5LK.44
Originally built as a two-story residence in 1878, a third floor
was added in 1888. This architecturally significant wood frame
house has been restored and is operated as a museum by the Colorado
Historical Society.
LEADVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT
Roughly bounded by Hazel St., W. Second St., James St., & Tenth
St.
National Historic Landmark 7/04/1961, National Register 10/15/1966,
5LK.40
The district encompasses a scattered collection of architecturally
distinctive and historically important masonry buildings supported
by numerous residential and commercial buildings that contribute
to the overall appearance associated with late 19th century western
mining towns. The Leadville mining district ranks as one of the
country’s richest mineral regions. The first gold mining boom occurred
in 1860, bringing approximately 10,000 miners to the area. The
second boom began in 1878 with the discovery of extensive silver
deposits. By 1880, the population was estimated to be between 25,000
and 40,000. The fortunes of Leadville’s best known silver king,
H.A.W. Tabor, crashed along with silver prices in 1893.
LEADVILLE NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY
8 miles southwest of Mt. Massive Star Route
National Register 5/29/1980, 5LK.42
The hatchery was established in 1889 by Executive Order of U.S.
President Benjamin Harrison as the first national fish hatchery
in the Rockies. National fish hatcheries have played a leading
role in the conservation movement by endeavoring to stabilize and
increase the number of fresh water food fish in the nation’s inland
waterways. An 1890 one-story hatchery building of native red sandstone
with a steeply pitched gabled roof remains on the site.
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Twin Lakes
INTERLAKEN RESORT DISTRICT
Off Colo. Hwy. 82, east of Twin Lakes
National Register 8/7/1974, 5LK.153
Located on the smaller of the two lakes at the foot of Mt. Elbert,
the resort was developed between 1883 and 1890 by wealthy Leadville
miner James V. Dexter. The primary building, the Interlaken Hotel,
is a two-story log structure the facade of which is faced with
board and batten. Blue grass lawns and fountains made the resort
pleasant for summer vacations, and a variety of boats were available
for guests. Ice skating, skiing, and sleighing were popular winter
activities. Enlargement of the lakes in 1950 cut off access except
by boat, and the hotel closed.
TWIN LAKES DISTRICT
Both sides of Colo. Hwy. 82
National Register 7/30/1974, 5LK.41
The district is one of the best remaining examples of a mountain
village of the late 1800s. Nearly all of the buildings are of log
construction, have gabled roofs, and date from the last two decades
of the 19th century. Much of the village’s charm is derived from
its mountain setting near the foot of Mt. Elbert and the numerous
groves of aspen and fir trees.
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