History of Aspen, Colorado

In the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado is the world-renowned mecca for skiing and culture, Aspen. Archeologists have found evidence that the region was inhabited for 8,000 years by natives, for the most part them being the Ute Indians. They called the area "Shining Mountains". In 1879, prospectors from Leadville mined silver in Aspen, making it one of the richest silver lodes in the world. Temporary mining settlements eventually were backed by wealthy capitalists, such as Jerome B. Wheeler and David Hyman. Aspen surpassed rival Leadville, becoming the nation's largest single silver producing mining district. By 1893, Aspen, Colorado, had a population of 12,000 people, six newspapers, two railroads, four schools, three banks, electric lights, a modern hospital, two theaters, an opera house, and a small red light district. With the repeal of the Sherman Silver Act of 1893 and the return to gold standard, Aspen was devastated. Ironically, the largest native silver nugget, weighing about 2,350 pounds, was discovered that same year. The years between then and 1935 were quiet, population dwindling to 700 residents. Snow became the main attraction from then on. Although the development of Aspen as a skiing resort halted during World War II, Freidl Pfeifer of the 10th Major Division returned with plans for the first chairlift. In 1946, Chicago industrialists, Walter and Elizabeth Paepecke joined with Pfeifer to create the Aspen Skiing Corporation. Four years later, Aspen hosted the FIS championship, introducing Aspen skiing to the world. Along with skiing, Aspen, Colorado began to attract artists from around the world to the Goethe Bicentennial Convocation. With the foundation cemented, Aspen grew into one of the wealthiest cities in the US. Property value is said to be so high that older residents are concerned about working class residents, their commutes, and general welfare of Aspen and the surrounding Pitkin County. Aspen's population as of 2006 is estimated to be 5,804.