If you’ve been reading our blogs you know Ouray is rich in history and is packed with places to learn more about if you’re the type that likes to learn more about a city or town’s past. Today we’d like to provide some additional insight into how Ouray became one of The Centennial State’s best-kept secrets.
Ouray was established by miners looking to find wealth via the gold and silver hidden in the imposing mountains. Fun fact: Ouray once had more mules and horses than actual people living in. By the 1870s prospectors settled in Ouray and the town was officially incorporated on October 2, 1976. As for its somewhat unusually pronounced name, it comes from a Native American chief of the Ute tribe whose name was, as you might guess, Ouray. By the late 1870s, the town’s population had grown tremendously to 1,000+ residents, with more than twenty active mines.
The classic Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad made its debut in Ouray in 1887 and remained in operation until trucks and traditional automobiles made it obsolete. Its last scheduled passenger train was on September 14, 1930. Today, Ouray is packed with additional history to discover like Main Street and its historic buildings. In fact, Main Street is registered as a National Historic District.
If you’re planning on staying in Ouray, we encourage you to consider a relaxing stay at The River’s Edge Motel Lodge & Resort. You can learn more and make your reservation right through our website: https://riversedgeouray.com/.
This update is provided by The River’s Edge Motel Lodge & Resort. You’ll find five unique types of Ouray Colorado hotels accommodations at our located on the banks of the Uncompahgre River, and every single room has a view of the mountains. For more information on these accommodations, amenities, questions about hosting your special event, or Ouray Colorado hotel specials, please call 888-547-5962. You can also visit us at 110 7th Avenue.