SILVERTON COLORADO

We left Durango and passed some breath taking scenery on our was to Silverton.  That town is so cool.  It truly looks like it did 100 years ago!  It was so charming!

Story by Kathryn Retzler
All content © San Juan Publishing Group

FOR TINY SILVERTON every day is a step back in time. From the melodic whistle of the first train to steam into town until the echoing whistle as the last train departs, Silverton is an adventure in Victorian memories. It’s a welcome anachronism in a high-tech society, a cool respite in a hot and hurried world.

The train runs May - October, peaking at four trains a day mid summer, then tapering back to one train at the end of the season. But the train is only a small part of Silverton’s celebration of it’s colorful past.

All summer long you’ll see local folks and visitors dressed in period costume.  The talented Silverton Brass band, equally decked out in vintage garb may greet the train as it arrives, or march through the streets of town.  An occasional horse rides into an occasional saloon, and the Silverton Gunfighters take a pop at one another down by the tracks.  The tinny tinkle of honky-tonk piano wafts from restaurants on uptown Greene Street and it’s notorious neighbors a block back on Blair. In the fall, at the Bordello Ball, “shady ladies” dance with miners and cowboys and the whir of the roulette wheel and slap of cards on felt can be heard from various establishments. (Proceeds of gambling to benefit the local schools.) Vintage automobiles share the road with a stagecoach and chromed-up Harleys (the town is a favorite with the motorcycle set).  In the mountains, erstwhile prospectors pan for gold while avid ATVers  and more sedate jeepers tour the mountain roads, photographing the spectacular scenery and multitudinous remnants of the old mining days.

July Fourth is the biggest event of the year, as it was over a century ago when the mines were booming. Folks come from miles around to watch the parade, enjoy special events like the Rhubarb Festival and Ice Cream Social (related story) and watch the spectacular and renown fireworks at dusk.

History buffs enjoy tours of the Old Hundred Mine, the world-class mining museum and Mayflower Mill. Silverton is truly a step back in time, all the time, and well worth a visit to experience a taste of the past.          

We each bought a T-Shirt there because they were half price! Then we began the most beautiful drive ever!  It was breath taking and so exciting!  Ouray here we come!