Cover of the video Pike Peak's Shadow: Teller County Centennial |
Pikes Peak's Shadow
Teller County's centennial celebration in 1999 was
the impetus for making the video,
Pike Peak's Shadow, to
explore the area's history from its early ranching and lumbering
days through the discovery of gold in Cripple Creek and the
railroad era. The Ute Pass Historical Society spearheaded the video
project, made by three volunteer society members, history teachers
Barbara and Jerry Black, and Claude Wiatrowski, a commercial video
producer.
Because much of Teller's county heritage was being
lost to development and mining, a documentary recording significant
events, places, and personalities would be important for future
generations. The "Bowl of Gold," which comprises Cripple Creek and
Victor, resulted 40 million years ago when a volcanic eruption
forced minerals and gold upwards. The Cripple Creek District became
famous in 1891 when gold was discovered. The highest and greatest
producing mines existed in Victor, with the Portland on Battle
Mountain one of the great producers of gold. By 1899, Cripple Creek
produced two-thirds of gold mined in Colorado, which was one fourth
of full production in the United States.
Over the years, many of the county's small towns and
settlements have disappeared as open pit mining operations expand.
In southern Teller County, mining expansion also eliminated Altman,
once the highest town in elevation in the United States. Limited
evidence remains of the recreation area, Pinnacle Park.
Documentation comprises a text report and the
video.
Originally submitted by: Joel Hefley, Representative (5th District).
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