Historic Sites

Aspen Colorado Historic Sites

The history of Aspen began with the Ute Indians who lived in the area for more than 800 years before miners arrived in the Roaring Fork Valley in 1879. As such Aspen is home to a rich history and many historic sites. Here are a few historic sites worth visting. Also, consider a tour from the Aspen Historical Society.

Ashcroft Ghost Town

Once a prosperous silver mining town, Ashcroft is now a deserted town of 12 eerie, empty buildings. Located 10 miles from Aspen on Castle Creek Road, Ashcroft is accessible year round.

Ute Cemetery, Aspen

This cemetery has been in use since 1880.

Independence Ghost Town

Visitors can tour the remnants of this former mining town, deserted in the late 1800s after a severe storm knocked out supply routes. Located 13.5 miles east of Aspen along HWY 82, this mining town produced over $190,000 worth of golf between 1881 and 1882.

Smuggler Mine

One of the largest nuggets of native silver ever found was mined in 1894 in Aspen from the Smuggler mine, weighing in at 2350 pounds. At its peak the Smuggler Mine was home to two to three hundred residents. Today nobody lives at Smuggler, but there are still remnants of the town and mine worth visiting. Visit in summer only via a 4wd vehicle.

Wheeler Opera House

Historical theater dated back to the turn of the century and houses headliners of music and the arts. It was built in 1889 during the height of the Silver Boom and has survived two fires and subsequent makeovers.

Wheeler-Stallard House Museum

Exhibits describe Aspen's history from Ute culture through the mining rush, and from railroads and ranching to the founding of the skiing industry. Housed in the home of Jerome Wheeler which dates back to 1888. Located at 620 West Bleeker Street.

Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum

Exhibits describe Aspen's history from Ute culture through the mining rush, and from railroads and ranching to the founding of the skiing industry. Housed in the home of Jerome Wheeler which dates back to 1888. Located at 620 West Bleeker Street.