The History of Ouray, Colorado

Ouray, Colorado is one-of-a-kind: that’s why The River's Edge Hotel and Resort is proud to be one of the most established Ouray Colorado Hotels in town. We’d love to share the fascinating history of this unique town, so that you can see what’s in store for you at our Ouray Hotel.

Originally established by miners chasing silver and gold in the surrounding mountains, the town at one time boasted more horses and mules than people. Prospectors arrived in the area in 1875 seeking their fortunes in the rich mines. At its height, the town had had more than 30 active mines.

After changing its name (and that of its county) several times, the town was incorporated on October 2, 1876, named after Chief Ouray of the Utes, a Native American tribe. By 1877 Ouray had grown to over 1,000 people and was named county seat of the newly-formed Ouray County later that year.

The Denver & Rio Grande Railway arrived in Ouray on December 21, 1887, bringing further prosperity and residents to the town. It would remain until the advent of trucks and automobiles caused a decline in railroad traffic: the last regularly scheduled passenger train was September 14, 1930. The line between Ouray and Ridgway was abandoned on March 21, 1953.

The entirety of Main Street is registered as a National Historic District with most of the buildings dating back to the late nineteenth century. The Beaumont Hotel and the Ouray City Hall and Walsh Library are listed on the National Register of Historic Places individually, while the Ouray County Courthouse, St. Elmo Hotel, St. Joseph's Miners' Hospital (currently housing the Ouray County Historical Society and Museum), Western Hotel, and Wright's Opera House are included in the historic district.

This rich history is one of the many things you can enjoy at Ouray. To learn more, call The River’s Edge at 866-739-4987.