Basalt in Eagle County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Snell Building
Basalt History Tour
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 4, 2020
1. The Snell Building Marker
In the lower left corner of the large photo, you can see the edge of the roof of a house, which you are now facing. Constructed as a residence circa 1890, Frank Snell's home was destroyed in the fire of 1897 that devastated the western end of Basalt. Frank, an engineer for the Colorado Midland, rebuilt his new home of brick; little has changed today except for its use.The rest of that photo has great significance to Basalt's history. The photo shows the last passenger train departing Basalt in 1918, heading up the Frying Pan to Leadville. You can see the depot and the hotel. The train's smoke over the town seems to be signaling the start of the quiet years.
We hope you enjoyed the tour. Our goal was to give you a sense of what has made Basalt so special. If you have gotten a sense of the grit and determination that has been a part of the folks who have lived here all these years, you will understand why we care so much about our community and why no matter what comes down the tracks, our future is so bright.
Now join your predecessors in the picture who were celebrating circa 1890 and have a beverage!
This
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 4, 2020
2. The Snell Building Marker
this page online
[Caption:]
Right: The last passenger train leaving August 4, 1918
Erected by Basalt Regional Heritage Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Disasters • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 39° 22.148′ N, 107° 2.073′ W. Marker is in Basalt, Colorado, in Eagle County. Marker is on Midland Spur west of Midland Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 Midland Spur, Basalt CO 81621, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Colorado Midland Railway (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to the Basalt History Tour (within shouting distance of this marker); Colorado Midland Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Colorado Midland Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); The Splendid Spud (approx. 0.2 miles away); On the Way to Janeway (approx. 13 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 104 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 16, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
