Back in Time | Aspen

“Back in Time” is contributed by Aspen Historical Society and features excerpted articles and images from past Snowmass Sun/Aspen Times issues. We can’t rewrite history, but we can learn from it! Visit archiveaspen.org to view the vast Aspen Times photographic collection in the AHS Archives.

“What We Are Doing [in Ashcroft]: The outside world has heard a great deal about our wonderful mineral fields, but what will they say to a camp less than two years old showing the vitality that is now being exhibited?” the Rocky Mountain Sun recounted on June 10, 1882.

“On Monday the city ordered one 150 men to work on the streets, grading and digging gutters and building sidewalks and crossings. The pay of these men is $1 per day in city scrip. This is a larger sum than is paid in any other camp in the state.

In a little less than two weeks a force of men will be put to work laying water mains. Is not this western spirit; is it now evidence that our camp is the place to come to? Our buildings are large and strongly built and will compare favorably with those of camps containing five times the population we have. But in Ashcroft the wealth lies in her mountains, close to her door, and it is this fact that gives her citizens the courage to invest largely with strong hopes for the future.

In 30 days Ashcroft will have 5,000 inhabitants and 3,000 miners at work. In a year’s time a railroad will pass through the principle street, and instead of one town there will be two rich mining camps. Come and make a fortune for yourself.”