Lafayette, Colorado is a city with a rich history in coal mining. The small Colorado town in Eastern Boulder County is literally built on the backs of coal miners, and sits on top of its history.  It holds within its depths the stories and legacies of the brave men who toiled in the mines. As we reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of these miners, we uncover a tapestry of resilience, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of the community. Let’s explore the history that shaped Lafayette, literally built on the coal mines of the early 1900s. These days of coal in Lafayette  define... Read More

Ward, Colorado,  is a small, picturesque town with a rich history that traces back to its days as a bustling mining community. Situated at the Western edge of Boulder County just below the Continental Divide,  Ward has a storied past that includes notable figures including (maybe) Patricia Hearst, Patty Hurst and Hazel Schmoll, and historic sites such as the Switzerland Trail, the Columbia Hotel, and the Brainard Lake chain of three lakes leading to the Divide immediately to the West. Ward was even considered for the prestigious title of Capital of Colorado. At its peak, the population of Ward... Read More

Our story begins in the mid 1800’s, when a team of explorers were commissioned to explore the Boulder area. Among these explorers were Zebulon Pike, Stephan Long, and John Fremont. One of Fremont’s men, William Gilpin, told everyone that this particular area had gold. This area was previously considered unfit for settlement, but when gold is involved, people tend to forget about silly things like that. This group of settlers decided to settle in a beautiful area known today as “Settler’s Park,” named for obvious reasons. It’s also pretty obvious why they... Read More