Georgetown history: silver, homes and a railroad loop

Georgetown’s buildings record a mining boom. The Town dates its beginning as a mining camp to 1859. Gold brought the first arrivals; the later silver economy supported the houses, civic buildings and commercial district that still stand.

Give the historic district a slow first pass

Begin around Sixth Street and Rose Street, in the downtown the Town identifies as a National Historic Landmark District. A first walk can compare the commercial buildings with the houses and public buildings; interiors have their own hours and admission.

Hamill House shows the domestic side of the mining economy, and Alpine Hose No. 2 how a growing mountain town protected itself and organized everyday services. Both make exterior stops when no docent tour is running; check with each operator before planning a visit inside.

Make room for the schoolhouse

The 1874 schoolhouse reopened as the Georgetown Heritage Center in 2015 and has been The Old School since 2023, with arts and community programming. It shows the town as a place to raise children and meet neighbors as well as a place to extract ore. A dated concert, class or open house is the way inside.

Plan around the railroad

The Georgetown Loop’s Devil’s Gate depot is the Georgetown boarding location. The ride links the mining landscape with the engineering it took to reach it. Trains leave at set times, so choose the departure first and fit the downtown walk around it. Check the boarding depot on the ticket; Silver Plume is a separate town with its own depot.

With children, the family guide keeps the day to one reserved attraction and a short town walk. In colder months, Georgetown from October to May explains how the museums, the train and the high-country trails keep different seasons. Hotel de Paris is an important historic site; check tour details directly with the museum.