Central in Denver in Denver County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

St. Elmo Hotel

1896

— Lower Downtown Walking Tour —

St. Elmo Hotel Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 28, 2016

1. St. Elmo Hotel Marker

Inscription. The St. Elmo Hotel, constructed in 1896, joined a pantheon of grand and small hotels clustered in lower downtown to serve railroad travelers. In 1870, the first Denver Pacific locomotive pulled into Denver, and prosperity followed close on its wheels. During the Silver Boom of the 1880's, Denver became the hub city for the wild growth and spectacular mining strikes in Leadville, Aspen, Georgetown, the San Juan Mountains and Cripple Creek. The paydirt flowed into Denver, financing a gilding of the Queen City of the Plains replete with Victorian opulence and civic improvements. Hotels, particularly those located near the bustling rail yards, provided a haven of rest for weary travelers, railroad workers and the local populace looking for luxury dining and civilized entertainment. The Windsor at 18th & Larimer Streets opened in 1880, billing itself as the 'finest hotel in the west.' The Albany took up the challenge for the title in 1885, then the Metropole opened in 1891. The long-lost splendor of the Inter-Ocean Hotel, Planters' House, Alvord House, the American Hotel, the Wentworth Hotel and the Gumry Hotel at 1725 Lawrence,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

destroyed by a boiler explosion fire in 1895, overshadowed the modest charms of the St. Elmo. With a location just two blocks from Union Station and advertised as a small, 'less expensive' hotel, the St. Elmo catered to railway passengers and workers. Its first proprietor listed in the city directory was Mrs. T. Haffbe. Typical of the construction of western towns, the St. Elmo Hotel began as a frame building, subsequently replaced by brick and stone to resist the ever-present threat of fire.

Erected by the Lower Downtown Historic District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 39° 45.079′ N, 104° 59.854′ W. Marker is in Denver, Colorado, in Denver County. It is in Central. It is at the intersection of 17th Street and Blake Street, on the left when traveling south on 17th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1433 17th Street, Denver CO 80202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Front Range.

It is

Former St. Elmo Hotel - Marker on wall between cars in background. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 28, 2016

2. Former St. Elmo Hotel - Marker on wall between cars in background.

Now home to restaurants.

also in the American Mountain West.

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 the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The City Beautiful (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); General Electric Building (about 500 feet away); Rocky Mountain Fashion (about 500 feet away); Oxford Hotel and Annex (about 600 feet away); Yo Soy Joaquin (about 600 feet away); Let the Buyer Beware (about 600 feet away); Mint Robbery February 1864 (about 600 feet away); Sugar Building (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Denver.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Clark and Gruber Mint (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

St. Elmo Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

3. St. Elmo Hotel

Public Domain

4. St. Elmo Hotel

Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,592 times since then and 106 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 2, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3, 4. submitted on July 19, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.