Silverton's red-brick City Hall with its bell tower on Greene Street

CC BY 4.0 • Photo by kennethaw88 via Wikimedia Commons

Silverton Historic District

Q: How can I best explore the historic buildings in the district?

The easiest way to experience the district is on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate the historic architecture. You can walk through the town to view the various preserved structures at your own pace.

Q: What are the main historic sites I should visit within the district?

Key sites include the San Juan County Historical Society, the Mining Heritage Center, and the 1902 Jail. These locations offer a deep dive into the area's rich mining heritage and history.

Q: How do I get to Silverton?

Silverton is accessible by car, making it a convenient destination for those driving to the area. The town is situated in the San Juan Mountains, providing a scenic route to the historic district.

Q: What should I wear or bring given the local climate?

Because of the high altitude, you should pack layers even in July, as the weather can be cool. It is important to be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially during the summer months.

Q: What is the general atmosphere and layout of the town center?

The town features a wide main street lined with historic wooden buildings, including the Grand Imperial Hotel. The area is designed to preserve its historic character, offering a unique glimpse into its past as a mining town.

Where: Silverton, Southwest Colorado
Directions: Directions

The Silverton Historic District covers nearly the whole of Silverton, a Victorian mining town at about 9,300 feet in the San Juan Mountains, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. The town grew up after the 1873 Brunot Agreement opened the area to mining, and for more than a century its fortunes rose and fell with the gold and silver mines in the surrounding peaks.

Greene Street, the wide main street, is lined with false-fronted wooden buildings and brick and stone blocks from the late 1800s and early 1900s, including the Grand Imperial Hotel and the town hall. One block east, Blair Street was once the town's notorious red-light district of saloons and dance halls; many of its buildings still stand. At the north end of town, the San Juan County Courthouse with its gold-coloured dome and the old county jail, now part of the San Juan County Historical Society museum, round out the picture.

The easiest way to see the district is on foot. In summer the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad trains pull in beside Blair Street and the town fills with day visitors for a few hours, so early mornings and late afternoons are much quieter. Silverton's altitude means cool summer days and long, snowy winters, so pack layers even in July.