Duane A. Smith Boeken

Focusing on Colorado's rich mining history, the book chronicles the gold and silver rush that began in the mid-nineteenth century and extends into the twenty-first century. Historian Duane A. Smith explores the significant events, figures, and economic impacts that shaped the state's development through its mining endeavors, providing a comprehensive look at how these resources influenced both local communities and broader historical trends.

"The roll call of Colorado governors is varied and rich, including men "determined and dilatory, successful and unsuccessful, lucky and unlucky," with each administration contributing to the fabric of Colorado's colorful history. In this collection of short biographies, now updated to include three of Colorado's most recent state administrators, former governor Dick Lamm and prolific historian Duane Smith portray the lives and accomplishments of thirteen Colorado governors. From the fiery and feisty Davis Waite to the forgotten hero Ralph Carr, all the way up to Roy Romer and Bill Owens, each distinct personality and time period is brought to life. With lively writing and telling anecdotes, Pioneers & Politicians is a first-rate resource as well as a great read."--BOOK JACKET.

The book explores Mesa Verde National Park, highlighting its significance as America's first cultural park and the world's first cultural heritage park, established in 1906. It preserves the heritage of the prehistoric Puebloan people in a stunning southwestern Colorado landscape. The narrative weaves in the broader history involving the Ute people, Theodore Roosevelt, and Willa Cather, enriched by remarkable vintage photographs that capture the park's archaeological legacy and its captivating natural beauty.

Focusing on the historic Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, this book vividly recounts the rich history of railroading in Southwest Colorado. It highlights the landscape, the people, and significant events that shaped the railroad's legacy, allowing readers to experience the allure of train travel through stunning, unspoiled scenery. The narrative captures the essence of a bygone era while celebrating the ongoing charm of this iconic route.

Colorado's San Juan Mountains are home to some of the most historic, and notorious, gold and silver mining towns in the West: Ouray, Silverton, Telluride, and Creede. This work provides the history of the San Juan Mountains, the mining camps, boomtowns, and ghost towns.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the San Juan Mountains, the historic mining town of Silverton, Colorado, flourished due to its rich mineral deposits and the arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in 1882. While the silver bust of 1893 had minimal impact thanks to gold discoveries, mining remained vital until the 1980s. Today, tourism has taken center stage, with visitors exploring the town's mining heritage through tours, museums, and ruins. Duane Smith expertly captures Silverton's storied past and its enduring charm.

The book offers a captivating history of Mesa Verde National Park, focusing on the 1888 discovery of its cliff dwellings and Anasazi ruins. It chronicles the efforts to preserve these sites, leading to the park's establishment in 1906. The author examines the ongoing challenges posed by railroads, highways, air pollution, and tourism on the park's health and finances. This revised edition features over 50 illustrations, appealing to those interested in environmental, Western, and Colorado history.

The book explores the mining and urban history of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado from 1860 to 1914, highlighting the lives of those who shaped the region. With over 100 historical photographs, it offers a vivid portrayal of the industry's impact on both the area and the state. The narrative captures the challenges and triumphs of the settlers who navigated the beautiful yet harsh landscape in pursuit of mineral wealth, providing a rich historical context to the development of this significant mining region.

Colorado's history, like the state itself, has had many ups and downs, booms and busts in farming and ranching, in mining and railroading, in water and oil have made Colorado's past a cycle of ups and downs as high as the state's peaks and as low as its canyons. In each chapter of this book, you will find some questions, activities, and suggested reading to help you learn more of Colorado's story than we can present here. In these pages. you will discover a high, dry state with rugged natural beauty and an awesome history.