SUMMIT COUNTY COLORADO 150
50 + 50 + 50 = 150
Summit Historical Society
Summit County Colorado 150
In 2026, Colorado marks 150 years of statehood, and the Summit Historical Society is celebrating with a yearlong series of history-focused publications, programs, and events that are educational, engaging, and accessible.
This milestone year connects to key moments in our shared past:
- 1776 – The signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary
- 1861 – Formation of the Colorado Territory, with Summit County among its original 17 counties
- 1876 – Colorado’s admission to the Union on August 1 as the 38th state, earning the name The Centennial State
Our 50 + 50 + 50 = 150 initiative highlights Summit County people and their contributions across three 50-year time periods, 1876–1926, 1926–1976, and 1976–2026, with one individual featured each week from each era. We will also periodically highlight individuals from before Colorado became a state in 1876.
Each month will have a theme, such as skiing, starting in January.
Beginning January 5, join us here, on Facebook, and through our weekly newsletter, Happenings, and return often as the Summit Historical Society celebrates 150 years of Colorado statehood and the people who made a difference.
Please consider supporting the preservation of Summit’s past by making a donation today.
Thank you to our generous sponsor!
This project was made possible through a generous grant from the Summit Foundation.
PRE-STATEHOOD
Photo Courtesy: Summit Historical Society Collection
1859 – Gold is discovered in Breckenridge
1860 – Silver and other minerals are discovered in Montezuma
1861, February 28 – Colorado was established as a US Territory to protect minerals for Northern states in Civil War.
Summit County was established as one of the original 17 counties of this newly created Colorado Territory.
50 YEARS: 1876-1926
Photo Courtesy: Summit Historical Society Collection
1876 – Colorado admitted to United States as the 38th state. Summit County people are miners, assayers, shop keepers, and saloon owners. Railroads arrived in 1883 and opened up access. Miners turned to homesteaders as the land developed.
50 YEARS: 1926-1976
Photo Courtesy: Summit Historical Society Collection
Ranching sustained the county as mining waned. The landscape and people changed after World War II. Arapaho Basin Ski Area opened in 1946 and the emphasis shifted to ski areas.
50 YEARS: 1976-2026
Photo Courtesy: Summit Historical Society: Jim and Maureen Nicholls Collection
Colorado celebrated it’s centennial and the landscape shifted to year round outdoor activities from cross country skiing to mountain biking and hiking. Highway system improved access to Summit County as population increased with first and second home owners and increased tourism.
January - Skiing
Today, Summit County is famous for its abundant “white gold” and world-class ski resorts. Summit County skiing began in the 19th century, when mining communities used skis for travel, mail delivery, recreation and sport competition.
After World War II, as mining waned, improved transportation and growing recreational interest spurred ski-area development, shaping its economy, culture, and establishing it as a premier U.S. skiing destination.
The County’s first ski area was Chalk Mountain Ski Area, open from 1934–1962. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area opened in 1946, followed by Breckenridge Ski Resort in 1961, Keystone Resort in 1970, and Copper Mountain Resort in 1972.
February - Keystone & Montezuma
Visit us next month to learn more!
Photo Courtesy: Bill Bergman Collection
Your support makes a difference!
With your support, you help preserve the stories of Summit County’s rich history.
Support local history by becoming a member, visiting the Summit Historical Society online bookstore, or making a donation through the link below. Thank you!
