Telluride, Colorado
From Wikinfo
Telluride is a town located in San Miguel County in southwestern Colorado on the San Miguel River on the west side of the San Juan Mountains. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 2,221. Originally a mining town; it is now a major ski resort. In the summer, there are festivals almost every weekend, including a film festival and a bluegrass festival. It is the county seat of San Miguel County6.
Telluride sits in a glacially formed U-shaped valley. Steep forested mountains and cliffs surround it. Spectacular Bridal Veil Falls is at the head of the canyon. Numerous weathered ruins of old mining operations dot the hillsides. It is generally considered to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Telluride, originally named Columbia, a name rejected by the post office, was named after a rare rich gold ore, Telluride.
In 1891, Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse set up the first commercial AC power plant in Telluride.
Shortly after the turn of the century there were very serious labor disputes in the mines near Telluride. The Colorado National Guard was called out and there were deaths on both sides.
Further reading
The Telluride Story by David Lavender, Photography by George H. H. Huey, Wayfinder Press, Ouray, CO, 1987, ISBN 0-9608764-6-4.
References
- Adapted from the Wikipedia article, "Telluride, Colorado" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telluride,_Colorado December 2, 2003
