STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-December 21, 2023-It’s been a historical year in so many ways and the year will bubble over with another major milestone - Steamboat Springs Natural Mineral Springs added to the historic register.
Earlier this week, the Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to designate nine mineral springs as Local Landmarks on the historic register. The springs for designation include Iron Spring; Lake Spring; Narcissus Spring; Terrace Spring; Soda Spring; Steamboat Spring; Sulphur Cave; Sulphur Spring; and Sweetwater Spring.
Steamboat Springs mineral springs are significant individually and as a group. Moreover, the springs make up a network that is associated with local cultural beliefs, customs, and practices deeply rooted in the community’s history and are vital to maintaining the valley’s cultural identity.
Each were designated at the highest level as Local Landmarks for additional significance due to their overwhelming distinguishable importance, unique character defining a sense of place, possibility to reveal important pre-history discoveries, and ability to commemorate the city’s collective past and define the community’s identity.
Research done by the Mineral Springs Committee confirms that Steamboat Springs is possibly the first community, nationally, to place its mineral springs/hot springs on a local historic register. There are a few mineral springs listed as National Natural Landmarks, such the city’s Sulphur Cave, but that program is honorary, just like the National Historic Landmark program.
The city owns nearly a dozen mineral springs within the Open Space and Recreation zone district. Each mineral springs, other than Lithia Spring and Iron Spring, are located along the Yampa River.
Lithia Spring was nominated and listed as a Local Landmark to the Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places in 2009; it is also listed as a Historic District on the Colorado Register of Historic Places.
The remaining city-owned mineral springs will now be listed on the Local Landmarks to the Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places. Additionally, this project will seek future designation on the State and National registers.
Historic Preservation assists in the preservation of the community’s natural and built historic resources helping to maintain distinct community character and promotes the importance of historic preservation as an economic development strategy. Current historic landmarks and resources can be viewed on the Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places.
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Contact
Caitlin Berube-Smith, Historic Preservation Planner, 970.871.8228 or email
Emily Hines, Communications & Marketing Coordinator, 970.870.2060 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email