Leadville Mining District
Year Listed: 1998
County: Lake County
Status: PROGRESS
Context: Mining
Date Constructed: 1800s
Significance:
The Leadville Mining District is an architectural testament to the silver boom in Colorado. Famous Coloradans such as Meyer Guggenheim and Horace Tabor made their fortunes here after the discovery of silver in 1877.
Threat When Listed:
Leveling to obliterate mine tailings
Since Listing: Major publicity challenged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider their methods of remediation. The EPA opted for the least intrusive method of remediation and the cleanup project is nearly complete; however, the site remains on the Superfund List. Many of the mines are under threat of vandalism with no security measures in place. There is also increasing pressure from 4-wheel ATVs and snowmobiles. Moreover, the structures that remain intact are reaching the end of their life span and the harsh winters along with neglect are causing serious deterioration. The EPA has reconstructed several tailing piles, authentic for the area, and have offered to fund interpretative signs throughout the district. The Mineral Belt Bike Path, a 12-mile path was built through and around the mining district and has been a tremendous success.
Related Links:
Enviornmental Protection Agency
Leadville/Lake County Chamber of Commerce
Last Updated:
January 2006