History Colorado

🎉 We're celebrating Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month! Here is a clip about the Frontenac Mine Complex in Gilpin County. This preservation project received this year's State Archaeologist Award.

Located near Russell Gulch, the property includes multiple buildings, structures, and features related to the mines’ operations around the turn of the 20th century. When Young Ranch, LLC acquired the property, much of the site was in disrepair. Young Ranch has worked with partners to conduct an archaeological inventory on the property, restore a collapsing historic stone building, stabilize and restore the impressive remnants of the Frontenac Shaft House, and build a publicly accessible hiking trail through the property with interpretive signs along its course.

The preservation and interpretation work conducted by Young Ranch has ensured that the Frontenac Mine Complex will continue to serve as a visual representation of Colorado’s mining heritage and creates an opportunity for the community to directly engage with that heritage.

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