Breckenridge History Blog

The Ten Mile Range and the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument

Softly undulating along Breckenridge’s western horizon, the Ten Mile Range marks the boundary of the Upper Blue River Valley. Towering above the town of Breckenridge, iconic Peak 8 is as immediately recognizable as the Matterhorn is to Zermatt...
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The Mysteries of Fort Mary B.

The community of Breckenridge began in 1859-60 as a collection of rustic log cabins and a protective fort when a group of hearty prospectors and one woman over-wintered along the Blue River. The fort became known as Fort...
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Breckenridge’s Airport Legacy: Part 2

Breckenridge’s Airport Road remains the sole legacy of the history of airplanes and wished-for airport development in town.  From the beginning of Breckenridge as a ski town, airplanes played an important role in the community’s growth. And while...
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Breckenridge’s Airport Legacy: Part 1

Breckenridge has an Airport Road, but no airport. Curious residents and visitors often ask Breckenridge History about the legacy of Airport Road. Learn more about the long and convoluted history of airplanes and airports in the Upper Blue...
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Women as Tall as Our Mountains: Biographical Sketches by Local Women

I would call this little book “small but mighty”! This compilation of mini-biographies of pioneer Summit County women was a project of our local Summit County chapter of P.E.O. (P.E.O. is a philanthropic and educational organization interested in...
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Florence Watson’s Way: A poet in Breckenridge

Florence Watson was a poet in Breckenridge during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Her book of poetry, "Sweet Summerland" was exhibited at the Chicago World's Fair and she wrote numerous stories for the local newspapers.
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Bill Fountain’s Research Tips and How-to’s

People frequently ask Breckenridge History for information on their family or friends who were part of historic Breckenridge. A recent acquisition by the Breckenridge History Archives of a c. 1900 photo album by Otto Westerman provides an instructive...
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Making History Accessible to All

History belongs to everyone. Making Breckenridge’s historic sites accessible is a top priority for Breckenridge History. From physical access to accommodations for hearing and sight impairments, learn more about the ways that Breckenridge History brings our community’s stories...
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Louis Ford: Part 3 – The Final Years

Louis Ford, son of respected businessman and entrepreneur Barney L. Ford, chooses a life of crime in Part 3 of this series.
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Louis Ford: Part 2 – Falls far from the Family Tree

Louis Ford is accused of theft by a client at the Cheyenne hotel owned by his well-respected father, Barney L. Ford.
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