Red Mountain Mining District
Year Listed: 1999
County: Ouray and San Miguel Counties
Status: PROGRESS
Context: Mining
Date Constructed: c. 1874
Significance:
Dating back to 1874, this scenic, National Register designated mining district covers 10,000-plus acres and has more than two million visitors each year.
Threat When Listed:
Natural weathering; unsympathetic development
Since Listing:
After years of tireless effort on the part of the Red Mountain Task Force in partnership with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the U.S. Forest Service, more than 7,800 acres and 400 mining claims have been protected. The effort continues to secure and protect additional land and resources within the district. TPL spent $14 million to purchase the land and approximently $4.7 million in federal funds remains for future acquisitions. In addition, TPL spent $610,000 on an interpretive outlook for the site and raised $340,000 for the stabilization of fifteen structures.
The threat of demolition by unsympathetic owners has recently taken a turn for the better through the purchase of the Yankee Girl Mine Headframe by a sympathetic owner who intends to place easements on the property for public enjoyment.
Related Links:
Red Mountain Project The Trust for Public Land
Last Updated:
July 2006