Near Leadville in Eagle County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

A History of the 10th Mountain Division

Post War: 1945-Present

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2025

1. A History of the 10th Mountain Division Marker

Inscription.
The 10th did not fade away after being deactivated following victory in World War II. Many of its veterans accomplished significant achievements in business, sports, and other endeavors. Some, like Bob Dole, (left below), 1988 GOP presidential candidate, entered public service.

Not surprisingly, many contributed to the growth of skiing as a developing American pastime. The Colorado resorts of Vail, Aspen, and Arapahoe Basin were started by 10th veterans. Across the country, virtually every major ski area had 10th veterans involved in some aspect of its operations.

Other veterans pioneered the manufacture of ski equipment and clothing, founded the 10th Mountain Division Hut-to-Hut system, became leaders in the International Federation of Mountain Soldiers, and were instrumental in developing skiing for the disabled. No other military unit has had greater impact on American life than the 10th Mountain Division!

1985: The Rebirth of the 10th Mountain Division — the Legend Continues
In 1985, after a 40-year hiatus, the 10th was reactivated as the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), headquartered at Fort Drum, New York. Since then, the 10th has been the Army's most-deployed division, participating in military operations in Somalia (1992-1994), Haiti (1994-1995), Bosnia and Herzegovina (1999-2000),

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Afghanistan (2001-2014), and Iraq (2002-2012), and performing humanitarian relief efforts during natural disasters at home.

In cooperation with the United States Forest Service
THIS KIOSK PROJECT FUNDED BY:
• Tenth Mountain Division Foundation, Inc.
• 10th Mountain Division Hut Association
• National Association of the 10th Mountain Division
• 10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc.

Erected by Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, 1st Iraq & Desert Storm • War, 2nd Iraq • War, Afghanistan • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1985.

Location. 39° 21.726′ N, 106° 18.642′ W. Marker is near Leadville, Colorado, in Eagle County. It is at the intersection of 10th Mountain Division Memorial Highway (U.S. 24) and Tennessee Pass Road, on the right when traveling north on 10th Mountain Division Memorial Highway. The marker kiosk is beside the Tennessee Pass Summit wayside parking lot, just inside the Eagle County line. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Leadville CO 80461, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Colorado High Rockies. It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named A History of the 10th Mountain Division (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named A History of the 10th Mountain Division

Marker detail: Bob Dole, 1988 GOP Presidential Candidate image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: Bob Dole, 1988 GOP Presidential Candidate

(here, next to this marker); a different marker also named A History of the 10th Mountain Division (here, next to this marker); Tennessee Pass (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Tennessee Pass (within shouting distance of this marker); Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) NORSO (Rype Group) Special Force (within shouting distance of this marker); The Norwegian Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Norwegian Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leadville.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. A History of the 10th Mountain Division

Also see . . . 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry).

Excerpt: The modern 10th Mountain Division was reactivated at Fort Drum, New York, on Feb. 13, 1985, as one of the U.S. Army’s new "light infantry” divisions under the command of Brig. Gen. William S. Carpenter. It was designed to meet a wide range of worldwide missions, adding a new dimension to the strategic mobility of the

3. Marker detail: Statue at Ft. Drum
Depicting a WWII ski trooper helping a current soldier “climb to glory”
Sculptor: Susan Raymond
U.S. Armed Forces. The division's rapid mobility enabled the arrival of troops in a crisis area before conflict began and demonstrated U.S. resolve and capability. The 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) was designed to reassure friends and allies while deterring adversaries.
• Operation Desert Shield / Storm
• Hurricane Andrew relief
• Operation Restore Hope in Somalia.
• Operation Uphold Democracy — Multinational Force Haiti
• Peacekeeping operations around the world
• War on terrorism – Afghanistan
• War on terrorism — Iraq
• War on terrorism — Afghanistan and Iraq
• Hurricane Sandy relief
• War on terrorism continues

(Submitted on December 15, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker detail: 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry troops in Afghanistan image. Click for full size.

4. Marker detail: 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry troops in Afghanistan

A History of the 10th Mountain Division Kiosk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2025

5. A History of the 10th Mountain Division Kiosk

This marker is on the north side of the 10th Mountain Division History kiosk at the Tennessee Pass Summit wayside.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 15, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.