National Register Listing

Smuggler Mine

Smuggler Mountain, Aspen, CO
Local significance of the site:
Industry; Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

industry engineering
Audiobooks about the history of Colorado.
The town of Telluride, located in the San Juan Mountains, was once a booming mining town that produced millions of dollars' worth of gold and silver. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
Colorado random facts
Pitkin County, located in the central part of the Colorado Rockies, has a rich history dating back to the early 1880s. Originally inhabited by the Ute Native Americans, the area was later explored by European settlers in search of mineral resources. In 1879, the first silver deposits were discovered in the Roaring Fork Valley, leading to a mining boom that would shape the future of the county.

With the influx of miners and prospectors, the town of Aspen was established as the county seat in 1881. Aspen quickly grew into a thriving mining town, attracting a diverse population and becoming one of the largest silver producers in the world. However, the mining industry faced significant challenges in the 1890s, including the price of silver dropping and the depletion of easily accessible ore veins, leading to a decline in mining operations.

Despite the silver bust, Pitkin County saw a revival in the early 20th century, as outdoor recreation and tourism began to replace mining as the economic drivers. The construction of the Independence Pass Highway in 1927 made the area more accessible, attracting visitors who enjoyed the stunning mountain views and outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing.

In the 1960s, Aspen experienced a surge of popularity as a winter destination. The development of ski resorts, such as Buttermilk and Snowmass, brought in tourists from around the world, making Pitkin County a premier ski destination. Today, Pitkin County continues to thrive as a year-round recreational hub, offering world-class skiing, outdoor activities, and a vibrant arts and culture scene in the historic town of Aspen.

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

  • 1879 - Pitkin County is established on February 23.
  • 1880 - Aspen, the county seat, is incorporated.
  • 1881 - First railroad line reaches Aspen.
  • 1884 - First ski club in the United States is formed in Aspen.
  • 1889 - Colorado Midland Railway extends its line to Aspen.
  • 1904 - First automobile arrives in Aspen.
  • 1925 - Silver mining industry in Aspen declines.
  • 1941 - Independence Pass road is opened for year-round travel.
  • 1948 - Aspen Skiing Corporation is founded.
  • 1977 - Pitkin County Historical Society is established.