LAKE CITY COLORADO’S LARGEST HISTORIC DISTRICT
Lake City boasts more than 200 historic structures that preserve the memories of times gone by. Houses, outbuildings churches, commercial blocks and motor court cabins from the 1930’s and early 50’s are all amazingly well kept and restored to their original splendor. If only these old buildings could talk and tell the history of this beautiful little mountain community. Lake City just refused to die and held on after the mines played out and the railroad pulled out leaving the little town 50 miles from the nearest community of any size.
Grass grew in the streets and only a few of the hardiest people hung on knowing that with the beauty and unique setting Lake City would survive. With the popularity of the motor car Lake City did indeed survive and after World War II the tourist found this peaceful valley and Lake City survived in a big way. It wasn’t until the late 70’s that the old homes became popular and gradually most have been restored to their original beauty. Lake City had a number of people who realized how Lake City and many other small towns had played a very important role in the settling of the American West and worked hard to preserve the memory of that contribution.
The Historic District contains commercial and residential buildings of all sizes and styles. Most of the commercial structures were built of wood with front facing gables and false fronts. A few masonry buildings
were built to house the stronger businesses such as the bank. Lake City’s shopping district is still made up of this type building. Many of these wooden buildings have been lost over the years from fire. A very historic old building was lost this winter to fire and the heroic efforts
of our fire department saved the old structures on either side of the burned building.
Lake City is filled with beautiful new homes but the historic district and the shopping area is still very much like it was in the late 1800’s. You actually shop in the old stores much like they were in the past. Lake City is a unique experience. Come join us for a visit-like many of us you might decide to stay.