Historic Resources

Summit County Design Historic and Cultural Resources

Historic and Cultural Resources Element


Summit County’s history has included several different “waves” of settlement and activity. The first wave, of which little is recorded, is the use of the County by Native Americans. Because of the County’s high elevations, the land was primarily visited by Native Americans during the summertime for hunting. Signs of these visitations can be found in areas such as Vail Pass, where archaeologists have uncovered an historic Ute hunting camp.

The second wave occurred with the arrival of settlers from the east and the gold rush. In 1859 gold was found in the Blue River just north of present-day Breckenridge and the gold rush was on. The Town of Breckenridge was founded, and it became the first permanent town on Colorado’s western slope. Soon, other areas of the County were prospected and dozens of town settlements sprung up to feed the gold rush frenzy. The towns of Frisco and Dillon were established during this mining boom era. But for every town that endured, numerous others eventually disappeared as the mining claims were played out. Once-thriving mining towns such as Parkville, Chihuahua, Wheeler, and Robinson eventually became only memories. However, there are still numerous remnants of the area’s history scattered throughout the County. These remnants include mining shafts, old mine buildings, and tailings associated with the area’s mining legacy. Old settler’s cabins can also be found in numerous locations.

While mining was the dominant employment activity in most of the County during the late 1800s and early 1900s, another source of income came from ranching. Ranching occurred throughout the valley areas of the County, but was most prevalent in the Lower Blue River valley. Because of the high elevation, ranching in the County has been mostly limited to raising cattle and growing hay. Some of the ranches in the County have been handed down through the family for generations, and continue to be actively ranched.

By the 1960s, mining was mainly a memory of the past (with the exception of the Climax Molybdenum Mine at Fremont Pass). Population had dwindled from the mining boom years. In its place, “white” gold began to be harvested at Arapahoe Basin and Breckenridge ski areas. As skiing increased in popularity, the Keystone and Copper Mountain ski areas were created in the early 1970s and the County was experiencing its third wave of settlement and growth. Today’s economy is based primarily on the County’s recreational amenities.

The rich history of the County can serve as a benchmark for our community to reflect on as it contemplates its future. Historic buildings that are found serve as reminders of the area’s past and an industry that, with the major exception of the Climax Mine, has disappeared. These historic structures and sites also provide an attraction for locals and visitors that adds to the appeal of the area and contributes to the local economy. Given the significance of the historic and cultural resources, it is the intent of this Plan to promote the protection of these resources and encourage efforts to educate visitors and residents about the area’s history.

Regulatory Framework

Protection of historic resources is primarily accomplished on a voluntary basis by landowners. Colorado statutes allow the Board of County Commissioners

“to provide for the preservation of the cultural, historic, and architectural history within the county by ordinance or resolution; to delegate the power to designate historic landmarks and historic districts to an historic preservation advisory board; to accept dedicated or deeded easements or other historic property and to expend moneys for the maintenance of such deeded historic land, facilities, and structures; and to receive contributions, gifts, or other support from public and private entities to defray the maintenance costs of such historic land, facilities, and structures” (Colorado Revised Statutes 30-11-107 (1 )(bb)).

Based on this statutory authority, the County established the Summit County Historic Preservation Advisory Board and regulations for the designation of historical landmarks and structures. Although this designation is intended to protect a site or structure’s character, there are limitations to its use:

1) the designation of a historic structure may only occur with the consent of the landowner; and 2) the County cannot require the preservation of a designated historic structure. Several structures have been designated by the County for their historic significance (e.g., the Rice Barns, Slate Creek Hall, and Old County Courthouse).

In summary, existing statutes limit the ability of counties to prevent historic structures from being destroyed, but statutes do allow counties to work cooperatively with landowners to achieve historic preservation. There are tax benefits available for protecting historic structures that may entice a landowner to preserve the structure.

In addition, a historic theme can be mandated in architectural design standards. For example, a building that is altered or rehabilitated could be required to be rebuilt with a similar historic architectural style. The Town of Breckenridge employs this approach in its historic district.

Goals, Policies/Actions

Goal A. Identify, protect, and enhance the important historical and cultural resources of the County, recognizing that the historic structures, archeological sites, and cultural resources are links to the County’s past and should continue to define the future.

Policy/Action 1. Develop a comprehensive inventory of the County’s historical and cultural resources (structures and sites of local, state, and national historical significance). In conjunction with property owners, the Summit Historical Society, and Colorado Historical Society, this inventory should be assessed to determine which historical and cultural resources are important to preserve.

Policy/Action 2. Work cooperatively with property owners to avoid development impacts to historic and cultural resources. Where impacts cannot be entirely avoided, these should be mitigated whenever possible by use of one or more of the following:

2.1 Incorporate historic structures into new development, including the planning and design of trails, parks and open areas.

2.2 Design new development to fit with historical architectural themes.

2.3 Preserve historic structures and sites in their existing location when possible and practical. Where it is not practical to retain historic structures in their original location, relocation should occur to another site within the development or within the Basin.

Policy/Action 3. Develop incentives to encourage the preservation of historic and cultural resources.

Policy/Action 4. Wherever possible and appropriate, promote educational and interpretive efforts to provide property owners, residents, and visitors information about the County’s rich local heritage.

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