HISTORIC PRESERVATION

he Red Mountain area was one of Colorado’s richest and most productive mining districts. During its heyday, approximately 3000 people lived in the mining towns of Red Mountain, Ironton, Guston, Chattanooga and numerous cabins and dugouts scattered throughout. To service the numerous mines, a wagon road connecting the district to Ouray and Silverton was completed in 1885, and the Silverton Railroad traversed the rugged pass by 1889.

Although most of the physical features of the district have disappeared, the area contains several excellent examples of mining headframes, cabins, boarding houses and railroad features that represent a very important part of our heritage.

• Sample Photos of Stabilized Sites
• Sample Photos of Sites Still Needing Repair
• Recent Stabilization Projects
  • Silver Ledge Mine Outhouse
  • Pacific Mine Boardinghouse
• Mining History
• Ironton Park Work Day, June 2004