Telluride in San Miguel County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
New Sheridan Hotel
| | Telluride Local History Series | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 18, 2025
1. New Sheridan Hotel Marker
Telluride's grand New Sheridan Hotel and bar was built in 1897 by Brickson and Kippler. The hotel was famous for its elaborate decor and gourmet cuisine. The original hotel had only two floors and a west side annex. In 1899 a third floor was added. The annex was eventually destroyed.
The New Sheridan hosted many important Telluride visitors. Of the more noteworthy was presidential candidate, William Jenninngs Bryan. On July 4, 1903, Bryan made his immortal Cross of Gold speech from a platform in front of the hotel.
In 1914, a cloudburst caused Cornet Creek to flood. Large portions of the town were devastated by the high waters and mud flow, particularly in the New Sheridan's lobby and bar.
With the downturn of Telluride's mining economy in the 1920's, the New Sheridan fell into disrepair. In 1977, a major project was begun to restore the appearance and character of the original structure.
Erected 1983 by Town of Telluride.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Disasters • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in
this page online
Location. 37° 56.252′ N, 107° 48.771′ W. Marker is in Telluride, Colorado, in San Miguel County. It is at the intersection of West Colorado Avenue and Oak Street (now a pedestrian walkway), on the right when traveling east on West Colorado Avenue. The marker is located near the sidewalk, on the north side of Elks Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 236 West Colorado Avenue, Telluride CO 81435, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Western Slope. It is also in the American Mountain West, in Colorado Plateau, and at the Four Corners. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Milestone in the History of Alternating Current (here, next to this marker); Transportation (here, next to this marker); Telluride's Founding
Arlene Reid Collection
2. Marker detail: William Jennings Bryan making his Cross of Gold speech
Regarding New Sheridan Hotel. Contributing property, Telluride National Historic Landmark District, National Register of Historic Places № 66000256.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by Christine Whitacre, 11/1985:
The Telluride National Historic Landmark District is nationally significant for its founding as a new settlement on America's western frontier; for its importance as a precious metal mining district; and for its architecture which, as a whole, represents a 19th century mining frontier boom town. The Telluride NHL district's period of national significance is 1878-1913. Telluride's inception in 1878 was a direct result of silver discoveries made in the area in 1875. With the arrival of the railroad in1890, the town gained prominence as the center of a major mining district.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 18, 20253. New Sheridan Hotel MarkerLooking southwest from West Colorado Avenue; Elks Park is in the left background.The district's contributing buildings include the New Sheridan Hotel, where William Jennings Bryan gave one of his Cross of Gold speeches.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. New Sheridan Hotel
Also see . . .
1. The New Sheridan Hotel in Telluride (Library of Congress).
Excerpt: The hotel name is accurate but not exactly what you'd think: the new reference dates all the way back to 1895, when the old, wooden Sheridan in the adjacent lot burned to the ground and was replaced by the new brick structure (then two stories and later three). The two-story brick building to the New Sheridan's left is a modern-day addition that primarily houses the hotel's restaurant and kitchen. In 1903, three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan delivered a reprise of his famous Cross of Gold speech, originally orated at the 1896 Democratic convention in Chicago.(Submitted on September 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. New Sheridan Hotel History (NewSheridan.com).
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 18, 2025
4. New Sheridan Hotel (front/south elevation)
The New Sheridan Hotel is located about 40 meters northeast across West Colorado Avenue from this historical marker.
Excerpt: Originally constructed in 1891, the Sheridan Hotel has been welcoming guests for over one hundred and thirty-five years. Like the town itself, the hotel was built with riches from gold and silver discoveries in the surrounding San Juan Mountains. The original Sheridan Hotel was a two-story wooden frame structure located directly east of the Courthouse. A fire destroyed the building in 1893. The present brick building at 231 West Colorado Avenue was erected next door to the burnt lot. The newly constructed, three-story building was completed in 1895 and reopened as the New Sheridan Hotel, this time in brick. The Historic New Sheridan Bar has a carved mahogany bar, room dividers with beveled and lead glass panels, and light fixtures and brass chandeliers dating from the original in 1895 with additions from the 1930s.(Submitted on September 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 138 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
