Idaho Springs

Some Facts About Idaho Springs:

Idaho Springs is located just 30 miles (50km) west of Denver in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and is easily accessible from Interstate 70. It has a population of 2,451 people (1998) and is .9 square miles in size with a population density of 2,714. Located in Clear Creek County with county population at 9,172 in 1998.  Expected county growth at 2015 will be 12,100.  Tourism is the main source of revenue.  Idaho Springs was started as a result of Colorado's first major gold discovery in 1859 by George Jackson, and was incorporated in 1885.  The downtown area is listed in the National Historic District Registry.  It is one of the best preserved towns in Colorado due to the fact that it has not lost its' buildings to a major fire like many other historic towns.

The History of Idaho Springs:

When the Colorado mountain Ute and Arapahoe tribes visited this scenic valley, they used the hot springs in the area for their healing properties and called this place "Edauhoe", meaning "Gem of the Mountains". In January of 1859, George Jackson found Idaho Springs while on a hunting trip.  He was working his way up the Clear Creek when he spotted a mist rising from a nearby canyon.  Believing he had come across an Indian encampment, he crept up the slope through waist-deep snow and peered over the ridge.  He had found the hot springs!  The following day, he pushed farther west to the junction of Chicago Creek and Clear Creek to do some prospecting.  Using his drinking cup, he had quickly panned nine dollars worth of gold!  Shortly thereafter, Idaho Springs and surrounding Clear Creek County became a booming center for mining and milling, with a population of nearly 40,000 when the mining operations were in full production.

Idaho Springs Activities:

Idaho Springs has a wealth of sightseeing and activities - shopping and sightseeing, mine and mill tours, gold panning, Clear Creek river rafting, a revitalizing soak in the hot mineral springs, hiking and mountain biking, excellent restaurants, a microbrewery and much more!

Links:

• Idaho Springs Chamber of Commerce - www.idahospringschamber.com
• Georgetown Loop Railroad - www.gtownloop.com/realcolorado.htm