History

Fortune seekers made their way to Breckenridge during the Colorado Gold Rush of the 1860s, and left behind a rich and colorful history. As time marched on, the population became stable and the town was put on the map. One hundred years after the gold rush, some intrepid young skiers converted snow to white gold marking the genesis of the Breckenridge we know today.

• 1887 - discovery of "Tom's Baby" a 13 pound, 7 ounce nugget of gold - the largest ever found in Colorado.

• 1898/1899 - during which it started snowing in November and didn't stop until February. Tunnels were dug under the snow to access one side of Main Street to the other.

• 1961 - Peak 8 opened with 7 runs, a double chair and a beginner T-bar. Ten years later, Peak 9 opened and Breckenridge was officially on the skiers' radar as a world-class destination.

More information about the fascinating history of Breckenridge can be found at www.summithistorical.org.