Georgetown, Colorado and nearby Silver Plume are small mountain towns that offers a delightful escape into Colorado’s storied past and vibrant present. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, here’s your guide to enjoying all that Georgetown and Silver Plume have to offer.
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Originally established in the 1860s and 1870s as silver mining communities, Georgetown and Silver Plume thrived until 1893. Following World War II, the towns gained recognition for their mining heritage and were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966.
Georgetown is situated in the Clear Creek Valley approximately forty-five miles west of Denver. The Historic District of Georgetown and Silver Plume stands as one of Colorado’s most intact historic mining districts.
During the late nineteenth century, Georgetown flourished as the commercial and professional hub for the area, while Silver Plume grew into a town populated primarily by working-class miners. The region experienced a downturn in 1893 but saw a resurgence after World War II, fueled by increased ski traffic to nearby ski resorts, automobile tourism, and a focus on historic preservation.
Today, the area continues to attract visitors from the Front Range, eager to explore Georgetown’s well-maintained Victorian architecture and experience the restored Georgetown Loop Railroad that connects to Silver Plume.
Activities
Georgetown Loop Railroad
No visit to Georgetown is complete without a ride on this historic railroad. The loop, which connects Georgetown and Silver Plume, offers breathtaking views of the Rockies and a unique perspective on the area’s mining history. It’s particularly stunning in the fall when the aspen trees have the most color.
Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
For those looking to explore the natural beauty of Colorado, the nearby peaks of Mt. Bierstadt, Grays, and Torreys Peak offer challenging hikes and rewarding views. Less strenuous options include walking tours of Georgetown’s historic district or scenic drives along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway.
Lodging
Historic & Homey Hotels
Embrace the Victorian charm of Georgetown, Colorado by staying at the Hotel de Paris, or enjoy the cozy accommodations at the Hamill House Hotel. Both offer a glimpse into the 19th century with modern amenities for comfort.
Georgetown is also home to a Microtel by Wyndham that overlooks Georgetown lake for those who prefer modern accommodations. For another cozy option, check out the Georgetown Lodge (pictured below).
In nearby Idaho Springs, you can stay at the Club Hotel Colorado for a clean homelike atmosphere, near Clear Creek. This large home offers a charming retreat steeped in mining-era character and modern comfort.
Bed and Breakfasts
For a more personalized stay, Georgetown has several bed and breakfasts, such as the Georgetown Mountain Inn, the Rose Street Bed and Breakfast, or the Silver Queen Bed and Breakfast, which provide cozy settings and hearty breakfasts to start your day.
Festivals and Events
Georgetown Christmas Market
Held during the first two weekends in December, this market is a wonderful way to experience the holiday spirit. The streets come alive with festive decorations, carolers, and vendors selling unique crafts and foods. If you think that Georgetown seems as if it would be a great place for a Christmas movie, you’d be right – The Christmas Gift was a movie that came out in the 1980s with none other than John Denver as the star.
Mother’s Day Events and Railroad Days Festival
Celebrate Georgetown’s rich railroad history in May for Mother’s Day or head out for the festival in July with train rides, museum tours, and activities that highlight the golden age of railroads in the Rockies. Learn more at the Georgetown Loop Railroad event website.
Dining
While exploring, don’t miss out on local dining experiences. The Alpine Restaurant and Bar in Georgetown offers hearty meals with a German twist, perfect after a day of hiking or skiing. In Silver Plume, the Bread Bar serves up creative cocktails in a rustic setting, a fantastic spot for an evening relax.
Tips for Visiting Georgetown, Colorado
Weather Considerations
The weather in the mountains can often be unpredictable, making it important to prepare for sudden changes. Always pack layers to adapt easily to varying conditions and check local forecasts before heading out to be sure you’re aware of any impending weather changes in order to ensure your safety and comfort while exploring the beautiful but sometimes challenging mountain environment.
Book in Advance
Booking your plans in advance can really smooth out your trip, especially when it comes to popular spots like the Georgetown Loop Railroad or securing lodging during the bustling festival seasons. By reserving early, you’re not only guaranteed a spot, but you can also often snag the best views and deals.
Plus, it takes the stress out of last-minute scrambles, letting you focus on the excitement of your upcoming adventures. So, whether it’s a train ride through scenic landscapes or a cozy stay during the town’s festive highs, early booking is a smart move!
Local Etiquette
The towns are brimming with historical charm and sights. Remember, treating these spots with care and following the local rules keeps them beautiful and intact for the next wave of adventurers.
Georgetown and Silver Plume serve up a delightful mix of history, scenic wonders, and a friendly vibe that makes any visit a treat. Whether you’re hiking the craggy trails or immersing yourself in the local lore and culture, these towns are sure to provide a rich and enjoyable journey for everyone who stops by.
History of Georgetown and Silver Plume
Georgetown has a story that’s as rich as the veins of gold that run beneath it. The town owes its name to a lucky man named George F. Griffith. On a sunny day back on June 17, 1859, George struck gold, quite literally, setting the stage for what would soon be the bustling town of Georgetown.
He and his brother David, who were Kentucky natives, caught the gold fever and headed to Colorado in 1858. Their journey initially took them to Auraria, near today’s Denver, but the gold’s allure pulled them deeper into the mountains. Eventually, they set up their first camp in what’s now Georgetown, after missing out on previous gold finds. They built a simple cabin at the corner of Seventeenth and Main Streets, planting the seeds of the future town.
The spark from George’s discovery soon ignited a full-blown gold rush. By June 1860, the area was officially recognized as the Griffith Mining District, and by September, a full-fledged town had sprung up, officially taking on the name Georgetown.
Though the Civil War momentarily slowed its growth, the discovery of silver in 1864 on nearby Mt. McClellan breathed new life into the area. Georgetown was buzzing again by 1865 as newcomers poured in, seeking their fortunes. The town and its southern neighbor, Elizabethtown, quickly adapted, throwing up temporary homes to house the hopeful hearts flooding in.
Culture and Development
By the late 1860s, Georgetown was buzzing, quickly becoming the go-to commercial hub for Colorado’s top mining district. It joined forces with neighboring Elizabethtown, snagging the county seat title from Idaho Springs. By 1870, the town was teeming with 3,000 residents.
During this time, Georgetown saw some impressive builds. Grace Episcopal Church popped up in 1869, followed by the First United Presbyterian Church and a school in 1874, and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in 1877. In 1875, William Cushman crafted a two-story marvel for his Bank of Georgetown and even added a third story to house an opera house. That same year, Louis Dupuy launched the Hotel de Paris, a slice of luxury with indoor plumbing and French eats.
The town became a magnet for merchants, lawyers, doctors, and other professionals, all eager to bring a slice of Eastern flair to the mountains. They built fancy homes, like the Gothic Revival pad that Robert Roeschlaub designed for John Adams Church on Rose Street in 1876-77, and William Hamill’s transformation of an older house into a grand mansion complete with a glass solarium and extra wings.
A short hop southwest, Silver Plume was taking shape as a miner’s haven. Initially centered around mining in Brown Gulch in the 1860s, the action moved east to present-day Silver Plume by the 1870s. Incorporated in 1880, the town boasted a lively mix of over 1,000 miners and had a bustling commercial district to boot.
A Stable Economy
In 1877, Georgetown was at its prime, bustling with 5,000 residents and boasting amenities like two newspapers, a bank, a telegraph office, several hotels, and five churches. The arrival of the Colorado Central Railroad that August revolutionized the transportation of ores, making it faster and cheaper, and hinted at even more growth on the horizon.
Yet, Georgetown’s star began to dim when massive silver deposits were uncovered in Leadville between 1878 and 1879. Leadville’s explosive silver mining scene soon eclipsed Georgetown, attracting prospectors and investors from across the country.
Despite the shift, Georgetown managed to maintain steady production and developed a more resilient economy than many other mining towns, avoiding the severe boom-and-bust cycles. Throughout the 1880s and into the early 1890s, Georgetown flourished, adding grand residences and important commercial structures, installing electric streetlights by 1891, and completing City Park in 1892.
The Colorado Central Railroad had ambitious plans to extend its line from Georgetown across the Continental Divide to Leadville. However, the steep climb from Georgetown to Silver Plume posed a significant challenge, requiring some clever engineering. Robert Blickensderfer designed a route with broad curves and a large loop to tackle the steep gradient.
It wasn’t until March 1884 that trains started chugging into Silver Plume, although the line stopped short of extending beyond Graymont. Originally meant for hauling silver ore, the scenic route soon became a favorite with tourists, turning Georgetown into a sought-after destination with more than a dozen hotels to welcome them.
Population Decrease
Georgetown’s golden era of success hit a sudden snag in 1893 with the repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, plunging the nation into a silver mining slump. This led to mines shutting down, businesses folding, and a sharp drop in the population.
The Georgetown Loop Railroad, the charming connector between Georgetown and Silver Plume, kept chugging along on a thin stream of tourist traffic until it made its final journey in 1939. By then, the town’s population had dwindled to about 300 folks. While some mining continued into the early twentieth century, much of the region’s old mining gear was repurposed during the World War II metal drives.
Resurgence and Historical Preservation
After World War II, Georgetown’s economy got a new lease on life thanks to the rise of automobile tourism and a keen focus on preserving its historic charm. The preservation momentum had actually kicked off before the war with the construction of US 6 through Clear Creek Valley and gained traction over the years. By the late 1940s, Denver locals were snapping up and sprucing up Victorian houses in Georgetown as summer retreats, sparking a surge in second-home ownership.
The town’s allure was boosted by its pristine Victorian architecture, which had luckily dodged destruction by fire. In 1954, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Colorado turned the Hotel de Paris into a museum. In the 1950s, Denver resident and part-time Georgetown mayor, James Grafton Rogers, championed preservation efforts, culminating in the designation of Georgetown and Silver Plume as a National Historic Landmark District in 1966.
The 1960s brought their own set of challenges, notably the proposed path of Interstate 70, which threatened to carve through Georgetown and disrupt the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad. The Colorado Department of Highways eventually decided to reroute the interstate to protect these areas, although Silver Plume faced hardships due to the split of its commercial and residential zones.
In response, and with an eye on the upcoming 1976 Winter Olympics, local advocates formed Historic Georgetown Inc. in 1970. They fought for preservation, successfully passing Colorado’s first town-wide historic preservation ordinance and restoring the Hamill House for public tours.
At the same time, under the leadership of James Grafton Rogers, the Colorado Historical Society started snapping up land in the late 1950s with a plan to bring back the Georgetown Loop Railroad. The wheels really started turning in the early 1970s, and thanks to a hefty boost from the Boettcher Foundation in 1982, the project chugged to completion by 1984. The revamped Georgetown Loop made its grand comeback in August 1984, and by 1986, the Silver Plume Depot was polished up and restored to its original glory.
Modern-day Georgetown and Silver Plume
Today, Georgetown, Colorado is still a hot spot for travelers zipping up Interstate 70 from Denver. Tourists flock here to dive into the town’s storied past at places like the Hotel de Paris Museum, the Hamill House Museum, and the Georgetown Heritage Center, which is neatly tucked away in the old 1874 school building.
The town also boasts a collection of beautifully preserved historic churches, commercial buildings, and homes that pull in crowds keen on architectural gems. Plus, Georgetown serves as a perfect launching pad for adventures like a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a scenic drive along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, or hiking local giants like Mt. Bierstadt, Grays Peak, and Torreys Peak.
Meanwhile, Silver Plume has a quieter vibe. Historically home to working-class miners rather than wealthy traders, it hasn’t seen as much restoration or development, attracting a smaller tourist crowd. Still, it holds its own charm with spots like the old schoolhouse, now a community center and the George Rowe Museum, showcasing the town’s rugged history.
FAQ
Top attractions in Georgetown and Silver Plume include the scenic Georgetown Loop Railroad, Hotel de Paris Museum with historical artifacts, Hamill House Museum, Georgetown Energy Museum, and hiking at Guanella Pass.
Outdoor activities around Georgetown and Silver Plume include Georgetown Loop Railroad rides, hiking, fishing in Clear Creek, and winter sports like snowshoeing and skiing. Warmer months offer mountain biking and bird watching.
The best time to visit Georgetown and Silver Plume is in the fall for the stunning foliage and mild weather, ideal for outdoor activities. Summer is also popular for hiking and festivals, while winter attracts those interested in snow-related activities.
Georgetown and Silver Plume offer yearly events such as the Georgetown Christmas Market with European-style festivities, the Railroad Days Festival highlighting railway history, a Fourth of July celebration, and the Pack Burro Race.
Georgetown and Silver Plume feature diverse dining options from cozy cafes and classic American diners to unique eateries. Options range from casual meals and bakery treats to upscale dining with local and international flavors, catering to all tastes and preferences.
In Georgetown and Silver Plume, accommodations range from charming bed and breakfasts and historic inns to modern hotels and vacation rentals. These options provide a comfortable stay whether you prefer quaint, historic charm or more contemporary lodgings.
Georgetown and Silver Plume are easily navigable on foot due to their small sizes. For longer distances, such as between towns or to trails, a car is recommended. Public transport is limited, so using your own vehicle or taxi is advised.
The Georgetown Loop Railroad, built in the 1880s, connected Georgetown and Silver Plume, overcoming a 600-foot elevation. Known for its corkscrew route, it was crucial for transporting silver ore during Colorado’s mining boom.
Georgetown offers a range of shopping options, including unique boutiques, antique stores, and artisan shops. You can find handcrafted goods, souvenirs, outdoor gear, and homemade confections reflecting the town’s rich heritage.
Mining history significantly impacted Georgetown and Silver Plume, fueling their development during the silver boom and shaping their cultural and architectural heritage, which today enhances their appeal as historical tourist destinations.
Georgetown and Silver Plume, Colorado, encapsulate a rich tapestry of historical and natural beauty, making them ideal destinations for both history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. From the scenic Georgetown Loop Railroad to the architectural charm of Victorian buildings, these towns offer a perfect blend of past and present. Whether you’re looking to delve into the history of the mining era or explore the serene landscapes, Georgetown and Silver Plume provide a unique and enriching experience for all visitors.