A Quick History of Idaho Springs

by Beth Simmons

AS a casual observer whizzes by on Interstate 70 in Colorado, it is hard to imagine Idaho Springs and Clear Creek County as the place in the wilderness where the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859 began. However, tales of men who made millions in the golden era of mining around Idaho Springs are as abundant as the remains of gold mines that liberally dot the landscape around this historic town. Beth Simmons captures this great era with the liberal use of historical photographs and reports. Her story makes it obvious why the area has often been referred to as "The Buckle of Colorado's Mineral Belt."

86 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

Reviews

[Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely history - if terse - about Idaho Springs. I have relatives who live there so I have a slightly more vested interested than most, but it's a nice and readable account of a mountain town right in the foothills. Most folks know the place for its iconic water wheel and sub-par pizza (sorry Beaujeau's!) but there's a rich history of mining, and not just the Argo. Local histories aren't too hard to come by, but those written well enough to read are a little more rare. A great work if you live nearby!