Fun facts about Telluride
If you have already heard about Telluride, chances are that the ski resort came into mind. Telluride is, however, more than just a great place for skiing. It is actually a community with a long and rich mining history that shaped the foundations of the town.
Here are some interesting facts about this awesome town, as well as the real estate scene in Telluride.
Columbia
Upon its establishment in 1878, the town was first named Columbia. But since there already existed the Columbia of California previous to that, the post office decided to change its name to Telluride nine years later. By this time, the town has gained popularity for its mining deposits. Thus, the name was taken from the element tellurium, a metal found in gold and silver ores. The mining town did not possess deposits of gold, though. But it did offer silver, zinc, copper, and lead.
Butch Cassidy
In June 1889, the infamous train and bank robber, Butch Cassidy, robbed the San Miguel Valley Bank. From the Telluride bank, he secured a haul of $24,580 before fleeing to Utah. It is believed that this may have been his first bank heist before he became the leader of the Wild Bunch band of outlaws.
The bank burned down in 1892 and was replaced by the Mahr building. A commemorative plaque marking the incident can be seen on the building today.
Colorado Labor Wars
This was a highly dangerous and contentious period for the mining community. In the 1890s up to the early 1900s, a series of labor disputes between miners and mine operators resulted in multiple deaths. The Colorado National Guard was eventually called in and they placed the areas under martial law to quell the strikes.
The violence of the period became known as the Colorado Labor Wars. The alleged murder of Telluride mine guard William J. Barney was used to stoke the fires of this war and to discredit union leaders. During trials of his alleged murderer, it was eventually discovered that Barney was still very much alive. The trial ended as a win for the strikers and the accused was set free.
Telluride Film Festival
A lesser-known sister of the prestigious Sundance Festival hosted in neighboring Utah is the Telluride Film Festival. It takes place on Labor Day weekend, between the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto Film Festival.
Much of the TFFs programming is devoted to new film releases, including American premieres of 2008s Slumdog Millionaire, 2014s The Imitation Game, and 2017s Shape of Water. It is noteworthy that for eight consecutive years, films that have won the Oscar for Best Picture all premiered at this festival.
Celebrity hideaway
Celebrities have been flocking to Telluride for many years. Members of Hollywoods elite like Sandra Bullock, Jerry Seinfeld, and Robert Redford have been spotted dining at restaurants here, while Tom Cruise and Oprah have invested in vacation homes. The scenic views, small-town lifestyle, pleasant residents, awesome skiing weather and terrain, and privacy of Telluride have made it an appealing choice.
Bridal Veil Falls
Falling from 365 feet, Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. It has become one of the most visited and photographed sites in the state. The name was derived from the appearance of a spectral, veil-like mist generated by winds blowing over the water. A 1.8-mile hike through lush greenery will bring you to the top while a 10- to 15-minute walk will get you to the base.
Energy innovation
The worlds first successful demonstration of long-distance transmission of alternating current electricity was performed at Telluride. In June 1891, Telluride entrepreneur L.L. Nunn and Pennsylvania-based engineer George Westinghouse used a generator and a motor custom-made by Nikola Tesla to transmit current from the Ames Hydroelectric Generating Plant near Telluride to the Gold King mine in the Turkey Creek Basin, located 3.5 miles away.
Real estate
Homes for sale in Telluride consist mostly of lovely single-family units and a spattering of condos. Victorian and contemporary architectural styles dominate the Telluride home aesthetic. In true ski-resort fashion, luxury homes here are usually constructed using timber, with sprawling indoor space, vaulted ceilings, spacious balconies and/or verandahs, and spectacular views of the mountain slopes. What makes some of the larger homes interesting is that several of these were originally built in the bygone mining days of Telluride in the 1890s and were magnificently remodeled for modern times.
Theres nothing like Telluride to provide you with both history and modern mountain living in one package. To see what real estate opportunities you can find here, call me, TD Smith, at +1 970.729.1577 or drop me a note at td@tdsmith.com. My team and I will be glad to help.
What to See and Do When in Telluride
From its early days as a mining town, Telluride surely has come a long way to become a popular destination for unforgettable ski vacations, mountain side treks, and luxurious living. Learn more about the most engaging activities that this charming Southwest Colorado town has to offer in this piece. Here, we discuss renowned destinations like the Telluride Ski Resort, the town’s vibrant downtown district, the Telluride Historical Museum, and some of the best-known hiking trails you can explore around the area. We also highlight memorable experiences like hopping aboard the iconic Telluride Gondola and sampling the finest local craft beer concoctions.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year in Telluride. With the fall starting to give way to the winter, the landscape takes on a scenic mantle in various shades of gold, silver, and white. People come here with family and friends to celebrate the long weekend with unforgettable activities. In particular, Thanksgiving is traditionally the official start of ski season in Telluride. Be one of the first to hit the world-famous slopes in this famous winter destination. Enjoy what the town has to offer in a less crowded, unhurried atmosphere, and have a memorable holiday with family and friends.