National Register of Historic Places listings in Gunnison County, Colorado facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the cool old buildings and places that tell stories about the past? In Gunnison County, Colorado, there are many special spots that are officially recognized for their history! These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a special club for important historical sites across the United States.
Discovering History in Gunnison County
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is America's official list of places that are important to our history. It includes buildings, sites, structures, objects, and even whole neighborhoods. When a place is added to this list, it means it's worth saving and protecting for future generations. Think of it as a way to celebrate and remember the past!
In Gunnison County, there are 22 different places listed on the National Register. Each one has a unique story to tell about how people lived, worked, and built communities in this part of Colorado.
Amazing Historic Places in Gunnison County
Let's explore some of the fascinating historic places you can find in Gunnison County:
Alpine Tunnel Historic District
The Alpine Tunnel is a super cool part of railroad history! It was the first railroad tunnel ever built to cross the Continental Divide. This is a mountain range that separates rivers flowing to the Atlantic Ocean from those flowing to the Pacific. Imagine how hard it must have been to build a tunnel through such a huge mountain! The tunnel is now sealed, but the area around it is a historic district. It reminds us of the amazing engineering feats of the past.
Crested Butte Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Depot
This old train station in Crested Butte was once a busy place. It was part of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. Train depots like this were vital for towns in the past. They brought people, mail, and supplies. They also helped send out local goods like coal and ore. This depot is a reminder of the important role railroads played in connecting communities.
Crystal Mill
The Crystal Mill is one of the most famous and photographed spots in Colorado! It's an old wooden powerhouse built in 1893. It used a water turbine to power an air compressor. This compressor then powered tools for nearby silver mines. The mill is located in a beautiful, rugged area near Crystal. It shows how people used natural resources to power their industries long ago.
Curecanti Archeological District
The Curecanti Archeological District is a huge area, about 5,000 acres, within the Curecanti National Recreation Area. This district is important because it holds clues about ancient people who lived here thousands of years ago. Archeologists have found things like old campfires, called hearths, and tools. These discoveries help us understand how early Native Americans lived and used the land.
Edgerton House
The Edgerton House is a historic home located in Gunnison. It's a great example of the kind of houses people built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Preserving homes like this helps us see the architectural styles and daily lives of people from a different era.
Fisher-Zugelder House and Smith Cottage
Also in Gunnison, this property includes two historic buildings: the Fisher-Zugelder House and the Smith Cottage. These homes represent the early development of the town. They show us the different types of housing that were common as Gunnison grew.
Gunnison River Bridge I and II
These two bridges cross the Gunnison River near the city of Gunnison. They are important examples of early 20th-century bridge engineering. Bridges are crucial for transportation, allowing people and goods to move across rivers and valleys. These historic bridges remind us of the challenges and solutions involved in building infrastructure in the past.
Haxby House
The Haxby House is located in the town of Marble. Marble is famous for its beautiful, high-quality marble stone. Many of the buildings in Marble, including this house, were built using the local stone. It's a great example of how local materials shaped the look of a town.
Marble City State Bank Building
This building in Marble was once the Marble City State Bank. Banks were very important for the growth of mining towns like Marble. They helped businesses and individuals manage their money. This building shows the kind of architecture used for important community buildings.
Marble High School
The old Marble High School building tells us about education in the early 1900s. Schools are always at the heart of a community. This building served as a place where young people in Marble learned and grew. It's a reminder of the importance of education throughout history.
Marble Mill Site
The Marble Mill Site was where the famous Yule Marble was processed. This marble was used in many famous buildings, including the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. This site was a busy industrial area. It shows the hard work involved in quarrying and preparing the marble for use around the country.
Marble Town Hall
The Marble Town Hall is another important building in Marble. Town halls are where local governments operate. They are places where community decisions are made. This building represents the civic life and organization of the town of Marble.
Rimrock School
The Rimrock School is located near Sapinero. Like the Marble High School, this one-room schoolhouse is a symbol of early education in rural Colorado. These small schools were often the center of their communities, where children from different grades learned together.
St. Paul's Church (Marble, Colorado)
St. Paul's Church in Marble is a beautiful example of a historic church building. Churches often served as important community gathering places. They provided spiritual guidance and social support for the people living in the town.
Town of Crested Butte
The entire Town of Crested Butte is recognized as a historic district! This means that many of its buildings and the way the town is laid out are considered historically significant. Crested Butte is known for its well-preserved Victorian-era buildings. Walking through the town feels like stepping back in time. It's a great example of a historic mining town that has kept its unique character.
Vienna Bakery-Johnson Restaurant
This building in Gunnison once housed a bakery and a restaurant. These types of businesses were essential for daily life in a growing town. They provided food and places for people to gather. It gives us a glimpse into the commercial history of Gunnison.
Webster Building
The Webster Building is another historic structure in Gunnison. Like many old buildings, it likely served various purposes over the years. It adds to the historic feel of Gunnison's downtown area.
Images for kids
-
The east portal of the Alpine Tunnel.
-
The old railroad depot in Crested Butte.
-
The iconic Crystal Mill.
-
An ancient hearth found in the Curecanti Archeological District.
-
The historic Edgerton House in Gunnison.
-
The Fisher-Zugelder House and Smith Cottage.
-
Gunnison River Bridge I.
-
Gunnison River Bridge II.
-
The Haxby House in Marble.
-
The Marble City State Bank Building.
-
The old Marble High School.
-
The Marble Mill Site.
-
The Marble Town Hall.
-
The William D. Parry House in Marble.
-
The historic Rimrock School.
-
St. Paul's Church in Marble.
-
Crested Butte Town Hall, part of the historic district.
-
The Vienna Bakery-Johnson Restaurant building.
-
The Webster Building in Gunnison.
