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Page Title: A History of Telluride, Colorado
Page Synopsis: The History of Telluride, Colorado.
A History of Telluride, Colorado
A long time ago, a fortune seeker discovered precious metals hidden deep within the San Juan MountainsFounded in 1878, Telluride's history is as colorful as the Victorian homes lining the streets. Originally named Columbia, the fledgling town was forced to change its name in 1887 due to post office confusion with Columbia, California. From 1887 on, Telluride began to earn its place on the map as a budding mining town.
Most say Telluride is named after tellurium, a nonmetallic element associated with rich mineral deposits of gold and silver. Others say it originated from the castaway call "To-Hell-You-Ride" shouted by loved ones who knew of the town's boisterousness. Either way, folks were attracted to the young town full of promise and opportunity.
At the height of the gold rush, nearly 5,000 people inhabited Telluride, referred to as the "town without a bellyache." In fact, at the turn of the century, more millionaires (per capita) lived in Telluride than in New York City. The Tomboy Mine was one of the world's greatest gold producers and contributed to more than $360 million dollars of gold pulled out of the area.
The wealth of Telluride attracted the likes of Butch Cassidy, who began his illustrious bank robbing career in town. In 1889, Butch walked away from his first heist at the San Miguel Valley Bank with $24,580, never to be recovered.
Telluride boasted all the amenities of a thriving community, including an Opera House, a hotel (the New Sheridan), saloons, gambling and a much heralded red light district. "Professional ladies" worked out of run-down houses called "cribs" on Pacific Street, selling their wares to the work-weary, lonely miners. Popcorn Alley (appropriately named due to the nonstop opening and closing of doors during the night) bustled with business until the Silver Bell mine shut its doors in 1959.
All good things came to an end when Telluride's boom days started moving toward bust. The final blow came when many of the area's mines shut down in 1953. Families left town in droves and those who stayed realized Telluride's heyday was a thing of the past. For the next 20 years, Telluride resembled a ghost town.
Telluride was put back on the map with the opening of the ski area in 1972.
Today, the population teeters at around 2,200 and skis, boots and snowboards have replaced the pick, shovel and hammer. Few predicted the incredible impact snow would have on this once sleepy town. Telluride again is a desirable, energetic community. Mention Telluride and those who know this authentic mountain gem grin in appreciation of its sheer beauty and charm.
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