Creede, Colorado

Creede got its start in 1889 when Nicholas Creede, who was just passing through, stopped for lunch and discovered what became the Holy Moses Mine. Almost overnight his camp became a tent city. The town grew by 300 people a day in the summer of 1890. By 1892 there were more than 10,000 people living in Creede. Among them were quick-draw artist Calamity Jane Canary, Bob Ford (reputed side-kick and killer of Jesse James), con man Soapy Smith, lawman Bat Masterson (formerly Town Marshal of Trinidad, CO), and cigar-smoking cardshark Poker Alice.

In 1892, Creede yielded a million dollars worth of silver ore a month. In 1893 Congress enacted the Silver Act and the price of silver dropped from $1.29 per ounce to fifty cents. Creede almost closed down but the townspeople pulled together and came through. In 1939, 500,000 ounces of silver were still shipping from the mines every week. By 1966, that number had dropped to 150,000 ounces per year.

The picturesque town of Creede has numerous attractions including an underground fire station and the renowned Creede Repertory Theatre. The entire town has been declared a National Historic District. Creede also makes a good base camp for exploring the myriad recreational possibilities of the area.

A geological wonder, Creede sits in the La Garita Caldera, formed millions of years ago in the same volcanic eruption that created the spectacular Wheeler Geologic Area.

Mineral County is 95% national forest and public access lands with alpine valleys, clear streams, high mountains, and the La Garita and Weminuche Wilderness Areas, rimmed by the Continental Divide.

To explore the magnificent natural wonders of our area in every season, simply follow the Silver Thread Scenic Byway from South Fork, along the Rio Grande, by the Palisades, past Creede, past Clear Creek Falls, over the Slumgullion Earthflow, past Lake San Cristobal, and into Lake City.