Historical Markers in Montrose County, Colorado
All Aboard
Building a Dam
Building An Empire: The Spanish Frontier
Early Exploration
Early Freighting Ventures
Early Irrigation in the Uncompahgre Valley
Founding of Montrose
From Mountain to Table
Geography Sets the Stage
In Behalf of the Light
Instrument of Surrender
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Montrose County Jail
Narrow Path to Prosperity
Pageant in the Wilderness
Pegmatite Dikes
Preserving Our Heritage
Preserving Our Heritage
Preserving Our Heritage
Preserving Our Heritage
Preserving Our Heritage
Preserving Our Heritage
Preserving Our Heritage
So Bold, So Beautiful a Land
The Dominguez-Escalante Expedition / Dominguez-Escalante Country
The Gunnison Tunnel
The Hangin' Tree
The Methodist Episcopal Church
The Painted Wall
The Ute Way of Life
The Utes / Uncompahgre River Country / Ouray (1833-1880) / Chipeta (1843-1924)
The Winds of Change
Veterans Memorial
What's in a Name?
Working on the Railroad
The town of Leadville, Colorado, located at an elevation of over 10,000 feet, was once the second-largest city in Colorado and home to the richest silver mine in the world. It also has the distinction of having the highest airport in North America, at an elevation of 9,927 feet.
About Montrose County
Montrose County Timeline
Montrose County, located in southwestern Colorado, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Indigenous tribes such as the Ute, Apache, and Navajo peoples. The Ute tribe, in particular, has a strong connection to the region and their presence can be traced back as far as 1300 AD.
European settlement in the area began in the mid-1800s with the arrival of prospectors seeking gold and silver. Montrose County was officially established in 1883 after being carved out of neighboring Ouray County. The town of Montrose, named after Sir Walter Scott's novel "A Legend of Montrose," became the county seat. Agriculture and mining quickly became the driving forces behind the county's economy, with farmers and ranchers taking advantage of the fertile land and miners extracting valuable minerals.
In the early 20th century, the introduction of irrigation systems led to a significant growth in agriculture, particularly fruit orchards. Montrose County became known as the "Garden of Paradise" due to its thriving fruit industry. However, the Great Depression and drought in the 1930s brought challenges to the county, leading to some decline in the agricultural sector.
In recent decades, Montrose County has seen diversification in its economy, with a focus on tourism, outdoor recreation, and energy development. The county offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and hunting, attracting visitors from across the region. Additionally, the area has seen growth in the renewable energy sector, with wind and solar power projects being developed.
Overall, Montrose County's history showcases the resilience and adaptability of its residents as they have navigated through various economic changes. From its Indigenous roots to its development as an agricultural and mining hub, the county continues to evolve and thrive, embracing its natural beauty and resources to create a vibrant community.
European settlement in the area began in the mid-1800s with the arrival of prospectors seeking gold and silver. Montrose County was officially established in 1883 after being carved out of neighboring Ouray County. The town of Montrose, named after Sir Walter Scott's novel "A Legend of Montrose," became the county seat. Agriculture and mining quickly became the driving forces behind the county's economy, with farmers and ranchers taking advantage of the fertile land and miners extracting valuable minerals.
In the early 20th century, the introduction of irrigation systems led to a significant growth in agriculture, particularly fruit orchards. Montrose County became known as the "Garden of Paradise" due to its thriving fruit industry. However, the Great Depression and drought in the 1930s brought challenges to the county, leading to some decline in the agricultural sector.
In recent decades, Montrose County has seen diversification in its economy, with a focus on tourism, outdoor recreation, and energy development. The county offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and hunting, attracting visitors from across the region. Additionally, the area has seen growth in the renewable energy sector, with wind and solar power projects being developed.
Overall, Montrose County's history showcases the resilience and adaptability of its residents as they have navigated through various economic changes. From its Indigenous roots to its development as an agricultural and mining hub, the county continues to evolve and thrive, embracing its natural beauty and resources to create a vibrant community.
Montrose County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Montrose County, Colorado.
- 1881 - Montrose County is established.
- 1882 - Town of Montrose is founded.
- Late 1800s - Agriculture, mining, and ranching become major industries in the area.
- Early 1900s - Montrose experiences a population boom due to mining and irrigation projects.
- 1930s - Dust Bowl and Great Depression cause economic hardships in Montrose County.
- 1950s - Montrose County begins to develop tourism and outdoor recreation as main industries.
- 1970s - Montrose County becomes a popular destination for hunting, fishing, and skiing.
- 1996 - The Bureau of Land Management establishes the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
- 2000s - Montrose County continues to grow economically, attracting retirees and outdoor enthusiasts.