Central City Colorado

Central City, Colorado is famous as a historic mining settlement during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush of 1859. The success of the town was reflected in the nickname it was given “the Richest Square Mile on Earth”. When gold was discovered in a gulch between Black Hawk and Central City, it started a rush that took the population of the little town from almost no residents to a modest 598. Over the next few years, that number would blossom 295% to 2,360 residents and by the turn of the century the peak residents would number 3,114. The first gold vein was discovered by John H. Gregory on May 6, 1859 and was named the Gregory Lode. It was only weeks before many other veins were located. The Bates, Gunnell, Kansas and Burroughs were among those gold veins.

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Region: Front Range	County: Gilpin
Latitude: 39.802631	Longitude: -105.516782	Elevation: 8,510 ft.

The gold mining work continued from the surface to underground and literally took mining to a different level. There was great danger associated with the underground operations, and so union efforts were attempted on behalf of the miners. Even though well over 120 men wanted the union protection, it ended in a gun fight and rowdy brawl, and the non-union faction won out. Because of the efforts of miners brought in from other countries, such as China – the gold made some opportunistic men very rich. After 1900, however, the mining operations started slowing down and as the gold veins were exhausted and the market started shifting, the population of Central City began to decline. Over the years, attempts were made to mine other minerals and veins but they proved to be unsuccessful in reviving the glory days of the Pike’s Peak Rush.

In the early 1990′s both Central City and the sister town of Black Hawk began to draw a new generation of visitors by offering the same gaming establishments as before the turn of the century. Familiar historic names such as Doc Holliday were used to draw people into the historic district. The Tabor Opera House which was constructed in 1877 and the grand opening of 1878 which hosted musical and theatrical events is still wonderful to visit. Some original famous attractions included Buffalo Bill and P.T. Barnum’s Circus. In 1932, the legendary actress Lillian Gish opened the newly restored opera house with Camille, launching an annual tradition of summer festivals in Central City that continues to this day. It still proves to be a favorite tourist attraction along with the Teller House, built in 1872. The Teller House has the famous “Face on the Barroom Floor”, a painting on the wooden floor done in 1936 by a local artist Herndon Davis. Locals will be glad to tell you that story. When visiting Central City, all the stories of the Gold Rush era come to life while strolling up and down the once bustling streets. Although the city revenue is now primarily drawn from the casinos, you can see and appreciate original architecture of the 1800′s to get an idea of what life might have been like in the old west.

If you are interested in the history of the area, and the people who came here in the 1860′s, the Central City Cemetery is a wonderful location to walk through. It’s located only a mile or so outside the town to the northwest. Within the gates you will see headstones and monuments of residents both notable and obscure – from the wealthy landowners to the poor infants and children that died during the harsh winter months in the high mountain region. You can walk through the area, trace family names and see many touching stories within the scattered tombstones of well over a century ago.

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Central City Local Attractions

If you’re interested in casino gambling, Central City has many options for you. There are beautiful historic buildings that are home to gaming establishments, some with the Turn of the Century theme inside and out. Try your luck at Doc Holliday’s Casino, The Century Casino, and many more. Black Hawk is just a couple miles down the way, and also offers newly designed full scale casinos with entertainment, buffets, and many interesting features. If you enjoy scenic drives, the area through Boulder Canyon is beautiful, and the town of Nederland is fun and trendy. Central City is also not far from Denver, and the surrounding Metro area, with all it has to offer.