Salina, Colorado facts for kids
Salina is a small, historic place in Boulder County, Colorado, United States. It's about 7 miles (11 km) west of the city of Boulder. Salina used to be a busy mining town. It was started in 1874 by miners who came from Salina, Kansas. They were looking for gold after the first gold was found in Colorado in 1859.
Salina is located where Four Mile Canyon Road and Gold Run Road meet. Many of its original buildings are still standing today. These include the old one-room schoolhouse, called the Salina School, and the Little Church in the Pines. Even though there was a big wildfire in 2010 and floods in 2013, these historic buildings survived.
Contents
A Look Back: Salina's History
Salina became a town in 1874. This was about 15 years after gold was first discovered in Colorado. Miners from Kansas came to this area, hoping to find their fortune. They set up a mining camp in the mountains.
Getting Around: Early Travel
When Salina was first built, it was hard to reach. People could only get there by riding horses or using wagons pulled by strong mules. There were no easy roads for cars like we have today.
The Switzerland Trail Railroad
In the early 1880s, things changed for Salina. A special railroad was built called the Greeley, Salt Lake, & Pacific. This was a "narrow gauge" railroad, which means its tracks were closer together than regular train tracks. This railroad became part of Colorado's famous Switzerland Trail. It made it much easier for people and supplies to get to Salina.
Salina Today: Historic Buildings
Even though Salina is no longer a busy mining town, it still has many of its original buildings. These old structures help us imagine what life was like there long ago.
The Salina Schoolhouse
One of the most important buildings is the Salina School. This was a one-room schoolhouse built in 1875. Imagine all the children from the mining families learning together in just one room! It's a special building because it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important part of history.
The Little Church in the Pines
Another old building that still stands is the Little Church in the Pines. This small church was a central part of the community. It shows how people in mining towns built places for worship and gathering.
Facing Natural Challenges
Salina has faced some tough times. In 2010, the Fourmile Canyon wildfire caused damage in the area. Then, in 2013, there were big floods during the 2013 Colorado floods. Despite these natural disasters, many of Salina's historic buildings, including the school and church, are still standing. They are a reminder of the town's long history.
