Matchless Mine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Matchless Mine
|
|
Matchless mine and Baby Doe Tabor cabin
|
|
| Location | E 7th Rd., Leadville, Colorado |
|---|---|
| MPS | Mining Industry in Colorado, MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 10001088 |
| Added to NRHP | December 12, 2010 |
The Matchless Mine is a famous old mine located in Lake County, Colorado. It was a very important place for Horace Tabor, a well-known businessman, and his wife, Baby Doe Tabor. The mine helped Horace Tabor become very rich. Baby Doe Tabor spent her last years living in a small cabin right next to the mine.
Today, the Matchless Mine is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special place that is important to American history. It is also part of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, which teaches people all about mining history.
Contents
The Story of the Matchless Mine
The Matchless Mine is famous not just for its gold and silver, but also for the sad story of Baby Doe Tabor. The mine was once a huge success, making a lot of money for Horace Tabor.
Horace and Baby Doe Tabor
Horace Tabor was a very successful businessman in Colorado during the late 1800s. He made his fortune from mining. He married Baby Doe Tabor, and their story became a well-known part of Colorado history.
According to a popular story, when Horace Tabor was dying, he told his wife, Baby Doe, to "Hold onto the Matchless mine, it will make millions." He believed the mine would bring them wealth again.
Baby Doe's Later Years
After Horace Tabor passed away, Baby Doe Tabor faced many challenges. She tried to keep the Matchless Mine going, hoping it would once again become profitable. After living in Denver for some years, she moved into a small cabin right next to the Matchless Mine, near the town of Leadville.
She lived a very simple life there, watching over the mine. In 1927, Baby Doe lost ownership of the mine. It was sold because of money problems. However, the new owners kindly allowed her to continue living in her small cabin next to the mine.
A Cold Winter Day
Baby Doe Tabor lived in the cabin for many years, even through harsh Colorado winters. In the winter of 1935, after a big snowstorm, some neighbors became worried. They noticed that no smoke was coming from the chimney of Baby Doe's cabin.
When they went to check on her, they found Baby Doe. She had sadly passed away inside her cabin. Her story became a legend, showing the ups and downs of the mining boom in Colorado.
Images for kids
-
Matchless mine and Baby Doe Tabor cabin
