Historical Markers in
San Juan County, Colorado

1060 Reese 1069 Greene 1129 Greene 1157 Greene 1200 Greene 1219 Greene 1227 Greene 1249 Greene 1257 Greene 1269 Greene 1303 Greene 1304 Greene 1309 Greene 1323 Greene 1327 Greene 1335 Greene 1338 Greene 1345 Greene 1371 Greene Animas Forks Arrastra Gulch Chattanooga County Jail Court House Hard Rock Resiliency Historic Site in Journalism Howardsville Liberty Bell? Mayflower Mill Mayflower Mill Tailing Ponds Rails Into the San Juans S.R.R. Caboose San Juan County Historical Society Museum San Juan County Memorial Shady Lady Saloon Shaft "Can" Skip Silver By The Ton Silverton Silverton Northern Caboose 1005 Silverton Standard Silverton, Colorado Silverton's Railroads Silverton's Railroads Swivel End-Dump Car Tailings Ponds Reclamation The Slaying of Town Marshal Clate Ogsbury The William Duncan House Town Hall Trails to Rails Wealth of Mining History
The Four Corners Monument, located in the southwest corner of Colorado, is the only place in the United States where four states meet at a single point. Visitors can stand in all four states at once by standing on the monument's center point. The monument is a popular tourist attraction and photo opportunity.
Colorado random facts
San Juan County, Colorado, has a rich and fascinating history that can be traced back to the early Native American tribes who inhabited the region. These tribes, including the Ute and Navajo, relied on the area's natural resources such as water, wildlife, and forests for their sustenance and cultural practices.

The arrival of European settlers in the mid-1800s brought significant changes to the region. Explorers and prospectors flocked to San Juan County in search of gold and silver, leading to a mining boom that transformed the area. Towns like Silverton and Animas Forks sprang up to support the growing mining industry, attracting thousands of miners and entrepreneurs from all over the country.

The mining operations in San Juan County were not without their challenges. Harsh weather conditions, rugged terrain, and isolation made life difficult for the miners and their families. Despite these challenges, the mining industry thrived, and San Juan County became one of the leading producers of silver and gold in Colorado.

However, by the early 20th century, the mining industry declined due to a combination of economic factors and the depletion of easily accessible ore deposits. Many mines closed down, and the population of San Juan County dwindled. Today, the county's economy is largely based on tourism, with visitors attracted to its beautiful scenery, historic architecture, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

San Juan County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its inhabitants. From its Native American roots to its mining heyday and the transition to a tourism-based economy, the county has undergone significant changes, but its unique heritage continues to be cherished and celebrated by locals and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of San Juan County, Colorado.

  • 1880: San Juan County is established.
  • 1860s-1880s: Population boom due to mining activities, mainly silver mining.
  • 1883: The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad reaches Silverton, leading to further growth.
  • Late 1880s-1890s: The silver crash leads to a decline in mining and population.
  • Early 20th century: Limited mining activities and a small population remain.
  • 1980s-present: The county experiences a revival in tourism and outdoor recreation.
  • 2002: The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve expands into San Juan County.