SPOTLIGHT ON OURAY
Nickname: Switzerland of America
Pronunciation: Yoo RAY
Elevation: 7,802 feet
Population: 877
Percentage of high school graduates: 94.1 (national rate: 80.4)
Percentage with bachelor’s degree: 37.2 (national rate: 37.2)
Median value of single-family home: $221,700 (national median: $119,500)
County: Ouray County seat
Established: 1875; incorporated in 1884
Name: Named for Chief Ouray, a respected leader of the Ute tribe who was known for negotiating with the settlers.
Brief history: The Tabeguache Ute Indians were the original inhabitants of the area, attracted to the hot springs and abundant wildlife.
In 1875 gold and silver were discovered, which created a rush of miners. By 1880 the population of the mining town had grown to more than 2,600. In 1887 the railroad built a route through, making the town a supply hub for mining camps.
Silver miners left the area in 1892 when silver was devalued, but soon after, large deposits of gold were found at nearby Camp Bird Mine.
Now, the town’s economy is based mainly on tourism, especially summer activities such as rock climbing and biking or driving the Million Dollar Highway to look at the scenery.
Three sites are listed on the National Historic Register, including a historic district that has numerous buildings built between 1880 and 1900.
Sources: Ouray Chamber Resort Association (ouraycolorado.com); “Colorado Place Names,” by William Bright; “1001 Colorado Place Names,” by Maxine Benson; U.S. Census Bureau 2000 and 2005 estimates; U.S. Geological Survey
REGIONAL NOTES
FORT COLLINS
Fest honors artistic contributions
This weekend will mark the fourth year of the Crossroads at the Council Tree Native American Music Festival in Fort Collins.
The festival brings American Indians and non-Indians together through music to celebrate the contributions of American Indians to the community.
The artists’ welcome and exhibit reception kicks off the event from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Fort Collins Museum, featuring the local band Acoustic Atoll, refreshments by Fiona’s and an opportunity to meet the artists and musicians.
The festival begins at 11 a.m. Saturday and runs until 9 p.m.
For more information, call 970-221-6738 or go to fcgov.com/museum. The museum is at 200 Mathews St. in Old Town.
ROXBOROUGH
Tales woven into hiking trails
Hiking and storytelling will go hand in hand at Roxborough State Park from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 16.
Spellbinder storytellers will lead a hike as they tell stories along the easiest scenic trails.
The stories are free and open to all ages. The first 25 cars to mention the Tales & Trails event will get free admission to the park. Participants are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent.
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