Ouray City Hall and Walsh Library

Ouray City Hall and Walsh Library is a two-story building with ornate Victorian architecture, featuring decorative woodwork and symmetrical window arrangements across its prominent facade. It functions simultaneously as the municipal government center and as the public library serving this mountain community.

The building was constructed in 1899 as a smaller version of Independence Hall in Philadelphia and was added to the National Register in 1975. It represents an important period in Ouray's development as a mountain community during the mining era.

The library section inside was named after Thomas Walsh, the founder of the Camp Bird Mine, who donated this collection to serve the mountain community. The books and resources here continue to support learning and knowledge sharing for local residents and visitors alike.

The building is located on 6th Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets and is easily accessible from the main part of town. It welcomes visitors who wish to explore the spaces or use the library resources available to the public.

The building underwent extensive restoration in 1988 under Mayor Bill Fries, who was also known as country music performer C.W. McCall. This surprising connection between local government and the music world adds an unexpected layer to the site's story.

Location: Ouray

Inception: 1899

Architectural style: Victorian architecture

GPS coordinates: 38.02306,-107.67000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:02