Central City in Gilpin County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Central City
Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, July 20, 2026
1. Central City Marker
Central City has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark upnder the provisions of the Historic Act of August 21, 1935
This site possesses exceptional value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States
U. S. Department of the Interior National Park Service 1962
Erected 1962.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 21, 1935.
Location. 39° 48.078′ N, 105° 30.795′ W. Marker is in Central City, Colorado, in Gilpin County. It is on Eureka Street, on the right when traveling north. This marker is located on Washington Hall to the left of other markers. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 117 Eureka Street, Central City CO 80427, 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
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Washington Hall (a few steps from this marker); This Historic Opera House (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Telephone in Central City (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint James Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rose Haydee Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); St Mary's Catholic Church (about 500 feet away); The Ignatz Meyer Building (about 500 feet away); The AOUW Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Central City.
Also see . . . Historical Preservation.
In 1859, John Gregory's discovery of gold in a gulch just east of present-day Central City set off a gold rush. Within two months the population grew to over 15,000 people, all seeking their fortunes. Central City soon became known as the "Richest Square Mile on Earth."(Submitted on July 21, 2026, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin.)
Due to Central City's importance in Colorado mining history and the remarkable preservation of its buildings, it was named a National Historic Landmark in1961 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. When the Historic Landmark boundaries were updated in 1991, Central City was noted to have 294 contributing buildings. Central City's historic buildings are protected by city ordinance, and Central City is a Certified Local Government, a program through the National Park Service and State Historic Preservation Office which confers responsibilities for historic preservation to local communities.Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, July 20, 20262. Central City Marker on Washington HallThis marker is to the left of the other two markers.
William Henry Jackson (courtesy of the Denver Public Library), circa 1876
3. Central City
Panorama of Central City, Colorado, in the mid-1870s, as the city was rebuilding after the fire of 1874. Landmarks include, the Teller House, St. James' Methodist Church, Main Street, and Eureka Street. The buildings along Main Street (center of photo) are still under construction, and several of the lots are either vacant or under construction. The building in the lower left corner of the photograph reads, "Temple of Fashion" and was torn down and replaced by the Parteli blocks in the late 1890s.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2026, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 21, 2026, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on July 21, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
