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Holden 20Marolt

History & Heritage

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A varied past

DISCOVER ASPEN’S RICH HISTORY

From a Ute Indian summer hunting camp, to a silver mining town, to a ski resort, Aspen’s rich history sets the foundation for it to become an international destination. Discover the intriguing history that has shaped Aspen and its character.

Originally a summer hunting camp for the Ute Indians, Aspen's first white settlers, mostly miners, arrived by 1870 in search of silver. Mining was a fruitful venture for Aspen's early settlers but did not come without hard work. Soon, town "boomed" and rapidly became home to over 12,000 residents. However, as soon as the wealth was ushered in, the repeal of the Sherman Silver Act of 1893 caused Aspen to "bust" and town entered what is known as "The Quiet Years" with the population dropping to less than 1,000.

By the late 1940's, both skiing and Aspen's modern-day founders, Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke, arrived in town. The Paepcke's had a vision for a community that embodied mind, body and spirit, which helped Aspen begin a civic and cultural renaissance now known as "The Aspen Idea."

 
Wheeler Stallard

Historical Locations

Make your Aspen experience unforgettable by discovering the rich and varied history that has shaped the town and its character. Check out our list of places that speak to Aspen's compelling past and can give you some insight as to what makes Aspen so ... Aspen!

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Cabin

HISTORY BUFF

One of the biggest differences that sets us apart from many mountain resorts is our rich history. Want to know a bit about the mining days? Or the wild west? Or how World War II was influential in making Aspen, Aspen? Follow our tips below and find out!

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Ashcroft Ghost Town

GHOST TOWNS

Aspen’s ghost towns of Ashcroft and Independence offer a glimpse into the area's rich mining history, where booming mining camps once thrived before being abandoned. Step back in time and explore these ghost towns while you are Aspen.

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Summer

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

At the heart of Aspen’s history is an unwavering commitment to mind, body and
spirit, known as The Aspen Idea.

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Grottos
Land Acknowledgement
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Grottos
Aspen Pledge
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Plan Your Trip
Travel
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Guides
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  • Event Calendar
  • Submit Event
  • Event Planning Toolkit
Signature Events
  • FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen
  • Wintersköl™
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Corporate
  • Meetings & Incentives
Leisure
  • Social Groups
Tie the knot
  • Weddings
Book Now
Hotels, B&Bs, and Condos
  • Book Lodging
Maroon Bells
  • Maroon Bells Reservations

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Aspen Chamber Resort Association
130 S Galena Street
Aspen, CO 81611

Local Phone: 970.925.1940
Toll-Free Phone: 877.702.7736
Email: [email protected]

ASPEN - Defy Ordinary The Official Online Guide to Aspen