Georgetown-Silver Plume Historic District, Historic mining district in Clear Creek County, United States.
Georgetown–Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District covers the towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume and the Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park between them, along Clear Creek in Clear Creek County, Colorado. It holds buildings and mining structures from the Colorado Silver Boom of 1864–1893, and the reconstructed Georgetown Loop narrow-gauge railway rises 601 feet over 2.0 miles between the two towns.
The area began after gold was found in the 19th century and later became a center for silver mining. The mining industry shaped the region for decades until the activity gradually slowed down.
Georgetown took its name from George Griffiths, who found gold there with his brother David in 1859. Silver Plume grew as one of several satellite camps serving the mines. Today the Lebanon Silver Mine offers guided tours, and from late May to early October steam locomotives pull passenger trains over the Georgetown Loop between the two towns.
Visitors can explore the area throughout the year and view the old houses and streets. In the warmer months, historic train rides operate between the two towns and offer additional insights.
The Georgetown Loop climbs 601 feet (183 m) over just 2.0 miles (3.2 km) between the towns, built in 1884 on 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge track. The line was reconstructed, and historic steam locomotives now pull passenger trains over it from late May through early October.
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