A GLIMPSE OF OUR PAST

Millions of years ago, the mountains surrounding Ouray began their formation when immense volcanic eruptions resulted in deep lava-formed craters. Within the last two million years, ice followed the fire and glacial activity created the rugged mountain topography of the San Juans. Glacial erosion of these faulted and fractured zones created valleys and gave birth to high country basins and gulches. These rock alterations created an ideal environment for the deposit of ore. The San Juan range is one of the most highly mineralized sections in Colorado.

Centuries before the white man arrived, the Tabeguache Ute, a nomadic band, traveled to this idyllic setting in the summer months to hunt the abundant forest game and to soak in what they called "sacred miracle waters". Even then, they knew the springs that simmer beneath much of Ouray were therapeutic. In fact, the town's original name was "Uncompahgre", the Ute word for "hot water springs". The Ute's served as guides for expeditions seeking passage through the southern Rockies in the 1700s. These Spanish explorers named this rugged range the San Juan Mountains. The Spaniards were not interested in settling such a harsh and unforgiving environment. It was the miners, flooding the region in the late 1800's in search of silver and gold, who would forever change the face of the San Juans. In fact, many of the high-country roads recreationists enjoy today are access routes that the miners developed over a hundred years ago. The century-old ghost towns of Sneffels, Red Mountain Town, Animas Forks, and Mineral Point, as well as abandoned mines along the way, are undeniable evidence of this area's roots.
In 1873, the famous Ute Chief, Ouray, reluctantly signed a government treaty releasing the Ute's treasured San Juan Mountains to encroaching settlers. The town, officially incorporated in 1876, was named in his honor. In its first year, 400 struggling inhabitants forged their way through the long frozen winter and eagerly greeted spring with its blooming alpine flowers, rushing brooks and gentle mountain rains. By 1880 with the frenzy for precious metals, Ouray had grown into a booming mining town with over 2,600 inhabitants. The town included a school, several churches, a hospital, restaurants, saloons and brothels, hardware, clothing and supply stores for the miners, hotels and boarding houses. By 1888, the town would celebrate the arrival of the Denver Rio Grande Railroad. Less than five years later, the value of silver fell drastically challenging the resolve of Ouray's residents. However, the town proved a survivor when Tom Walsh discovered one of the richest mines in Colorado-the Camp Bird gold mine located southwest of Ouray. He was known for compensating his miners well and before he died, he gave Ouray a fully stocked library and saved the community hospital, presently the Ouray Historical Museum, from financial ruin.

Visit the Ouray County Historical Museum, originally St. Joseph's Miners' Hospital built in 1886, and experience the incredible history of this intimate mountain community. This museum offers an impressive mineral collection, Ute Indian artifacts, mine exhibits, an operating suite and patient room, Victorian era displays, historical exhibits of all kinds, photographs, and books- just for starters! The museum is child-friendly with an activity finder book and exhibits for little visitors. In addition, while you're out on foot, be sure to make time for the Historical Walking Tour. Amazingly, almost all of Ouray's permanent buildings built between 1880 -1900 are still standing and have been skillfully restored. Visitors can experience the same spectacular beauty of towering snowcapped peaks, rushing rivers, healing springs, ravenous canyons, and majestic waterfalls that once inspired so many of the valley's earliest inhabitants.