From the Vault
Breckenridge
Postcard of Dredge Piles c. 1917
A postcard of dredge piles with the Ten Mile Range in the background, Breckenridge, Colorado, circa 1917.
Photograph Courtesy of the Summit Historical Society Collections; The Nora Phillips Collection.
Breckenridge was a Gold Mining town founded in 1859 by General George Spencer, who led miners to the area once gold was discovered in the Blue River. By 1860, Breckenridge had a post office and a population of 75-100 people. By 1880 the town was in full gold mining bloom, with a population of about 2,000 people, established businesses, and even a fire department.
Dredge Operating on the Blue River in Breckenridge, 1930
A photograph of Breckenridge, Colorado with the Tiger No. 1 Dredge operating on the Blue River in 1930.
Photograph Courtesy of the Summit Historical Society Collections; The Traylor Collection Films.
Town of Breckenridge from Boreas Pass c. 1980
This image shows a view of the town of Breckenridge from Boreas Pass road c. 1980.
Photograph Courtesy of the Summit Historical Society Collections.
In 1943 the Dredging Industry was halted because of World War II, and like many towns, the population decreased. In 1961, Breckenridge Ski Area opened Peak 8, beginning the tourism industry of skiing in the town. Peak 9 opened in 1971, and Peak 10 opened in 1985. Today, Breckenridge is now a thriving ski town.
View of the Town of Breckenridge, West of the Railroad Yards, c. 1880s
This image shows a view of Breckenridge, Colorado, west of the railroad yards, 1880s.
Photograph Courtesy of the Summit Historical Society Collections.
General View of Breckenridge c. 1910
This image shows a general view of Breckenridge, Colorado circa 1910. The Gold Pan Mining Company buildings and pit are to the left foreground and the Colorado and Southern Railroad tracks are in the foreground as well. The water ditch from Shock Hill is visible. The Ten Mile Range is in the backdrop.
Photograph Courtesy of the Summit Historical Society; The Frances Long Collection.
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