Evans–Elbert Ranch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Evans–Elbert Ranch
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 Location in Colorado
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| Location | Upper Bear Creek Road, Idaho Springs, Colorado |
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| NRHP reference No. | 80000885 |
| Added to NRHP | September 11, 1980 |
The Evans–Elbert Ranch, also known as the Elbert-Austin Ranch, was once a large family getaway and working ranch. It covered about 300 acres in the beautiful Upper Bear Creek area, close to Evergreen in Clear Creek County, Colorado. This special place was created by John Evans, who was the second territorial governor of Colorado. A territorial governor is like a leader for an area that is not yet a state. The ranch was mostly a mountain cattle ranch, covering several valleys.
The Ranch's Beginnings
In 1868, Governor John Evans and his son-in-law, Samuel Hitt Elbert, bought over 300 acres of land. Samuel Elbert also became a territorial governor later on. They became interested in this area after a camping trip. They loved the amazing views, the tall trees, the green grass, and the wildlife.
A Family Retreat
The family called their new ranch the Kuhlborne Ranch. They built a large, cozy house there, which they called "the cottage." There was also another house on the property for the ranch foreman, who managed the daily work. Over time, the family bought more land, and the ranch grew to be several thousand acres!
During the hot summer months, the Evans family used the ranch to relax and enjoy the cool mountain air. It was a perfect escape from the heat of Denver.
New Leadership and Homes
After John Evans and Samuel Elbert passed away in the late 1890s, John Evans's youngest daughter, Anne Evans, took charge. She helped the ranch continue to grow and develop.
In 1908, Louise Elbert Everett, who was Samuel Elbert's niece, bought a large part of the ranch land. She had a beautiful rustic house built for herself that same year. It was made of stone and logs and designed by an architect named J. Christopher Jensen. A local builder, Jock Spence, constructed the house. A few years later, in 1911, Anne Evans built her own mountain home nearby, which is now known as the Anne Evans Mountain Home.
