National Register of Historic Places listings in Hinsdale County, Colorado facts for kids
Welcome to Hinsdale County, Colorado! This page is all about the amazing historic places found here. These special spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is like a national hall of fame for important buildings, sites, and objects in the United States.
Hinsdale County is home to 12 of these incredible historic places. They tell stories about the past, from old mining camps to historic schoolhouses. Let's explore some of these cool locations!
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to this list, it means it's important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
Why are places listed?
Places are listed for many reasons. Maybe a famous person lived there, or an important event happened there. Sometimes, a building is a great example of a certain type of architecture. Listing a place helps protect it and makes people more aware of its value.
Historic Places in Hinsdale County
Hinsdale County has a rich history, especially linked to mining and early settlements. Many of its listed places are reminders of the brave people who lived and worked here long ago.
Mining Camps and Mills
Many of Hinsdale County's historic sites are related to its mining past. People came here hoping to find valuable metals like silver and gold.
Argentum Mining Camp
The Argentum Mining Camp was a busy place where miners lived and worked. It's located in Burrows Park, along the scenic Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway. Imagine what life was like for the miners who called this remote camp home!
Capitol City Charcoal Kilns
The Capitol City Charcoal Kilns are old structures used to make charcoal. Charcoal was very important for smelting, which is the process of melting ore to get metals. These kilns show us how mining operations worked back in the day.
Empire Chief Mine and Mill
The Empire Chief Mine and Mill was another key mining site. Mines like this were where the ore was dug out of the ground, and mills were where it was processed. Sadly, the last standing building here collapsed in 2007 or 2008, but its history remains.
Golconda Mine
The Golconda Mine is another historic mining site in the area. These mines were often dangerous places to work, but they were vital to the economy of early Colorado.
Little Rome
Little Rome was also a mining camp. Many small communities sprang up around mines, providing homes and services for the miners and their families.
Tellurium-White Cross Mining Camp
The Tellurium-White Cross Mining Camp is another example of the many mining settlements that dotted the landscape of Hinsdale County. These camps were often isolated and self-sufficient.
Tobasco Mine and Mill
The Tobasco Mine and Mill played a role in the metal mining industry of the region. It's part of a larger group of listed mining sites in Hinsdale County.
Historic Buildings and Districts
Not all historic places are mines! Some are buildings or entire areas that show us how people lived and built their towns.
Debs School
The Debs School is a historic school building. Schools were essential for educating the children of settlers and miners. This building gives us a glimpse into what education was like over a hundred years ago.
Lake City Historic District
The Lake City Historic District is a large area in Lake City that includes many historic buildings. Walking through this district is like stepping back in time. You can see beautiful old homes and businesses, like the May-Bardwell-Heath house built in 1891. This district helps preserve the unique character of Lake City.
Lost Trail Station
The Lost Trail Station is another interesting historic site. Its purpose might have been related to transportation or communication in the early days, helping people travel or send messages across the rugged landscape.
Rose Lime Kiln
The Rose Lime Kiln is a unique structure located southwest of Lake City. Lime kilns were used to produce lime, which was important for construction, agriculture, and even purifying water. This kiln is a great example of industrial history.
Images for kids
-
Argentum Mining Camp
-
Debs School
-
Empire Chief Mine and Mill
-
May-Bardwell-Heath house in the Lake City Historic District
-
Rose Lime Kiln
