Rico in Dolores County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Rico, Colorado
Photographed By David J Gaines, June 2, 2015
1. Rico, Colorado Marker
The Rico area was originally inhabited by natives including the Utes. In the 1700’s Spanish explorers were in the area. In 1833, trappers like W. Walton of the St. Louis Fur Co., came and reported remains of Spanish smelters. Mining began about 1860. In the mid 1870’s the Utes cede the area to the U.S. by treaty.
Frenzied activity began and many profitable claims were staked, including ten in 1877. D. Swickheimer opened the Enterprise Mine, the most successful mine in the area’s history. At its peak in 1892 Rico boasted 5000 residents, 23 saloons, 2 churches and 88 active mines. The railroad came in 1891 but the silver crash of 1893 ended Rico’s first boom.
Erected 2001 by Al Packer Chapter 100 Colorado E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.
Location. 37° 41.665′ N, 108° 1.906′ W. Marker is in Rico, Colorado, in Dolores County. Marker is on 145, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rico CO 81332, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. The Rico, Colorado historical marker is a bronze plaque mounted on a mine car at the Atlantic Cable
this page online
Photographed By David J Gaines, June 2, 2015
2. Rico, Colorado Marker
Photographed By Frank Gunshow Sanchez
3. Rico, Colorado Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2015, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. This page has been viewed 825 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on June 11, 2018, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2015, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. 3. submitted on June 28, 2018, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
