Breckenridge Colorado History
Breckenridge history is rich with tales of pioneer life and adventure. It is a city of western culture, history, and residents keen on protecting their casual way of life. Breckenridge has grown from a prime Native American hunting ground to one of the most admired recreational areas of Colorado.
Origins of Breckenridge
Breckenridge, originally Breckinridge, was developed as one of the many boom towns during the rush to settle the great West and mine for gold. General George E. Spencer developed the town site, despite the presence of another town in his desired location, and is known as the father of the town, according to Breckenridge history. The General specifically named his new town Breckinridge after the current Vice President of the United States, and was rewarded for his patriotism with the first post office in the large stretch of land between Salt Lake City, Utah and the Continental Divide.
Breckenridge history would not be complete without a slight scandal, however. At the advent of the Civil War, Vice President Breckinridge, the namesake of the city, joined the Confederate Army and was expelled from the federal government for treason. When this news reached the small town, the mortified citizens of Breckinridge rapidly replaced an “i” with an “e” effectively changing the spelling of their town’s name to Breckenridge.
City Development
At the onset of city development in 1859, Breckenridge was divided into slats totaling 320 acres. Main Street ran parallel to the Blue River, and businesses sprang up quickly. Residences were then built surrounding the commercial center of town. Across the Blue River, West Breckenridge was comprised of industries and a red light district. Breckenridge history shows that by the middle of 1861, the center of town contained stores, hotels, saloons, and a post office.
Boom Town
At the peak of the Gold Rush, Breckenridge was a veritable boom town. Miners came to the area intent on finding riches, and many had success. Businesses supported by the miners soon followed, and Breckenridge became the hub of activities in Summit County. The city was also home to major shipping and freight companies which gave added life to the city. This period of time was one of the busiest in early Breckenridge history.
As the gold supply began to diminish, miners and the businesses that follow them moved on. Another period of mining was not introduced into Breckenridge history until after the resolution of the Civil War. However, unlike single prospectors seeking riches, this wave of mining involved hydraulic technology and was widespread. Mining companies and individual miners became organized and assisted in bringing a rail line to the city.
Breckenridge continued to grow. By 1882, Main Street was almost entirely comprised of saloons and dance halls, while Ridge Street held the grocery, dry goods, bank, and pharmacy. The city had also built churches, newspaper offices, and a school. Due to the simplicity and relative low cost of wooden structures, buildings in Breckenridge were almost entirely wooden. This, at times, has made it difficult to maintain certain aspects of Breckenridge history.
Breckenridge Booms Again
The lowest population in Breckenridge history occurred during the Great Depression. With the end of the mining era and advent of World War II, Breckenridge was reduced to a population of about 250 individuals. In fact, during 1936, it was discovered that Breckenridge was left off United States maps, and the city declared itself free and clear of sovereign rule with a festival entitled “No Man’s Land.” The festival is still held annually.
The biggest boom in Breckenridge history occurred with the construction of the Eisenhower Tunnel which was completed in 1973. The tunnel shorted the travel time between Denver and Breckenridge, and helped make the city a desired location for its newest recreation, skiing. Extraordinary numbers of visitor pass through the tunnel every year on their way to the fine winter recreation Breckenridge offers. Breckenridge residents have made it a point to plan for future development as a means to maintaining the culture and way of life that has made the city what it is today.
 
More Breckenridge photos
|
