Telluride in San Miguel County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
First County Courthouse Site
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 18, 2025
1. First County Courthouse Site Marker
The first county courthouse was built on this site in 1885. It was destroyed by fire on March 9, 1887. These bricks and the iron tension rod are from the original building and were recovered during the excavation for the present building.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is March 9, 1887.
Location. 37° 56.234′ N, 107° 48.695′ W. Marker is in Telluride, Colorado, in San Miguel County. It is at the intersection of West Colorado Avenue and South Fir Street, on the left when traveling west on West Colorado Avenue. The marker is on the north facade of the building at this location today. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 150 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
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mahr Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Waggoner Swindle (within shouting distance of this marker); New Sheridan Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named New Sheridan Hotel (about 400 feet away); Transportation (about 400 feet away); A Milestone in the History of Alternating Current (about 400 feet away); Telluride's Founding (about 400 feet away); Telluride (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Telluride.
Regarding First County Courthouse Site. This marker gives the date of the fire that destroyed the first courthouse as March 9, 1887. Some other historical markers in Telluride give the date of that fire as January 13, 1887.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. San Miguel County Courthouse, Colorado
Also see . . . San Miguel County Courthouse (American Courthouses).
Excerpt: The county was created in 1861 and San Miguel City was selected as the county(Submitted on February 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)seat. The first courthouse was a two-story brick structure located on the southwest corner of Colorado Avenue and Fir Street in 1885 to 1886. In 1887, San Miguel City changed name to Telluride. The courthouse was destroyed by fire on January 13, 1887 and the second and present courthouse was constructed in 1887.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 18, 20252. First County Courthouse Site MarkerThe bricks and iron tension rod (on the right) are from the first county courthouse, built at this location.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 18, 2025
3. First County Courthouse Site Olympic Building
The Olympic building was commissioned in 1989 by Marilyn & Sam Siegel and Jane & Michael Conlin. It was designed by Jim Burleigh, engineered by Ted Hermanns & Tony Herbst, and built by Dick DePagter.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 18, 2025
4. First County Courthouse Site Olympic Building
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 46 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
