Cripple Creek Historic District
- Address: Rt 67
In the years in which other Colorado Mining towns were on the decline, one of the world's largest gold fields was discovered in 1891, along Cripple Creek. Cripple Creek ranks near the top, of all the rich gold strikes of the mining era, for the amount of gold recovered and for the amount of people involved in the boom. It has been estimated that in excess of $400,000,000 in gold has been mined in the Cripple Creek district. At its peak, the population of the district was over 50,000 and was served by 3 railroads and two trolleys. The Cripple Creek district eventually comprised a number of satellite gold camps. These towns, in many cases, were autonomous entities. In 1899 nearly $20,000,000 was produced from the almost 500 mines. Cripple Creek has lost many of the buildings of the first boom period. There remains, however, a good representation and the buildings constructed during the early 20th century reflect the character of the town. Cripple Creek is situated west of Colorado Springs and is under municipal and various private ownerships. - NRHP, 22 December 1975