History
ALMA - A Fairplay Merchant by the name of Janes established a store in Alma as a result of mining activity on nearby Mt. Bross. The Town, platted in 1873, was supposedly named after Mr. Janes Daughter. Situated adjacent to the South Platte River at the mouth of Buckskin Gulch, Alma became a supply center for the mines tucked away in the hills above. Burro trains would leave Alma Carring supplies, and
return from their destinations with loads of ore.
COMO - The Town of Como was established in 1879, the year the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad arrived, and 20 years after the first gold rush into South Park. During its "boom" days, Como boasted an extensive railroad yard with a roundhouse (still standing) and turntable, depot, shops, a 43-room hotel, saloons and population (in 1881) of about 500. After the Railroad was abandoned in 1938, Como became a small, quiet town. Although most of the houses in the town today are used as summer or weekend homes, there exists a hardy bunch of year-round residents who are actively involved in community activities.
FAIRPLAY - In 1859, gold was discovered in the deep gravel bars of the Platte River which ran through the present town of Fairplay. As news of the gold strike spread, diggers came from everywhere and soon a very substantial town of logs was built. The diggings were rich. And, as reported by R.S. Allen in his paper, the Fairplay "Sentinal", the richest gravel paid from $5 - $15 per day to a man. In 1864, Fairplay was a peaceful, law-abiding town, where only a little mining was done. It was, however, the supply center for all surrounding camps, and a degree of prosperity was obtained. It is still the principal town in Park County, and is the county's commercial, as well as, political center. Fairplay became the county seat of Park County in 1867. It served miners, ranchers, local townspeople and travellers, despite economic ups and downs. Sereral historic buildings still stand, including the Park County Courthouse and jail, the elementary schoolhouse, Sheldon Jackson Memorial Chapel, St. Joseph Catholic Church, the building which once served as the Senate Saloon, and the red barn which was used by the McLaughlin Stage Line.
JEFFERSON - Just over Kenosha Pass on U.S. 285, lies the town of Jefferson a popular gateway to many South Park adventures. Roads out of Jefferson lead to Lost Park Campground and the Lost Creek Wilderness area, Tarryall Reservoir, Jefferson Lake, numerous trails and campgrounds and Georgia Pass. In 1879, Willard Head Built a log house in the Jefferson area which was used as a stage stop and hotel. That same year, the town of Jefferson was established with the arrival of the Denver , South Park and Pacific Railroad. Within two years, the town's population grew to 300, and by the 1890s Jefferson was becoming a commercial center for the South Park Hay Company. Other operations which thrived in the area included dairy farming and cheese production. The Jefferson Depot now serves as a historical monument to the railroad which once brought prosperity to South Park.
HARTSEL - During the early 1860's, Sam Hartsel began ranching in South Park, after a few weeks of prospecting at Tarryall. In the summer of 1866 his cattle ranching began in earnest; and in 1869, Hartsel brought his first horses to the high plush vally. During his first years in South Park, he built a sawmill, trading post, wagon shop and blacksmith shop at the present site of the town of Hartsel. Located near the popular Indian springs, Hartsel's trading post attracted many of the Utes in the area. Hartsel later developed the hot springs, and the 134 degree Fahrenheit water soon attracted many travellers. Hartsel also gained noteriety for the quality hay which was shipped from it to places east.