Park County

by Park County Local History Archives

Overview

Created in 1861, Park County is one of Colorado's original 17 territorial counties. It is named after South Park, which is the vast, high alpine valley at the county's center. By the time the first fur trappers and explorers arrived in the early 1800s, Ute Indians had long visited the area to hunt the mountain valleys and fish the trout-filled streams. In 1859, prospectors discovered gold along Tarryall Creek, ushering in a mining boom that gave rise to dozens of boisterous mining camps. Ranchers soon followed, taking advantage of the nutritious native grasses and raising cattle to feed hungry miners, often under harsh conditions. By the 1880s, the Denver, South Park & Pacific and Colorado Midland Railroads arrived, spurring the growth of new towns and opening new markets for Park County's minerals, hay, ice, lumber, and cattle. As mining waned, tourism emerged as a major economic force attracting visitors eager to experience Park County's authentic character and stunning natural beauty.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467132459
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	06/01/2015
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

In an effort to illustrate the unparalleled richness and breadth of Park County's history, the Park County Local History Archives has drawn upon the research of its board members to provide context for these compelling images, each culled from its collection of more than 3,000 historical photographs. The Park County Local History Archives is dedicated to the preservation of Park County's history.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 6

Introduction 7

1 Mining 11

2 Ranching 27

3 Transportation 41

4 Timbering 59

5 Towns and Settlements 69

6 Schools and Churches 89

7 Water 103

8 Recreation and Tourism 115