We’ve mentioned Ridgway on previous occasions and we would like to tell you a little more about our neighbor to the northwest. Also known as the Gateway to the San Juans, the town once served as a railroad stop. Today, it’s a beautiful municipality encircled by the majesty of the forested mountains and cliffs.
During its time as a railroad town, Ridgway served the town of Telluride as well as Ouray, which were then extremely popular as mining towns. The town was incorporated on April 2, 1891, and it received its moniker of “Gateway to the San Juans” more than 100 years ago when it was officially designated as a railhead center by the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. As for the name of the town, it comes from Robert M. Ridgway, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad superintendent.
There is a chance you may have seen Ridgway even if you’ve never been there. The town is something of a pop culture reference ever since it was used in the 1969 Western film True Grit which won John Wayne an Academy Award for Best Actor. It was also used as a backdrop in the 1956 film Tribute to a Bad Man starring James Cagney and the 1962 critically acclaimed film How the West Was Won.
This update is provided by The River’s Edge Motel Lodge & Resort. You’ll find five unique types of Ouray Colorado hotels at our location on the banks of the Uncompahgre River, and every single room has a view of the mountains. For more information on accommodations Ouray, amenities, questions about hosting your special event, or hotel specials, please call 888-547-5962. You can also visit us at 110 7th Avenue.