Burrows Park, Colorado – Legends of America
Nestled high in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, where the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River originates, lies Burrows Park. This expansive, verdant meadow, straddling the Hinsdale-San Juan County line, whispers tales of a bygone era—a time when the promise of silver and gold drew prospectors and miners to its rugged terrain. Named after Charles Burrows, an early explorer who ventured into the area in 1873, Burrows Park stands as a testament to the fleeting boom-and-bust cycles that characterized the American West.
Today, this five-mile-long grassy expanse offers a serene landscape, a stark contrast to its bustling past. Once, it was the site of several thriving mining camps, each with its own unique story and character. Among these settlements were Burrows Park, Whitecross, Tellurium, Argentum, and Sterling. Though the exact locations of these camps have faded with time, obscured by the relentless march of nature, their legacies linger in the windswept meadows and crumbling foundations that dot the landscape.
These mining camps emerged rapidly between 1875 and 1880, spurred by the discovery of rich ore deposits in the surrounding mountains. Each camp represented a microcosm of frontier life, with its own distinct identity and aspirations.
Tellurium City: A Flash in the Pan
The first of these camps to take root was Tellurium City, established in July 1875. Named after the telluride ores found in the area, the town quickly gained a post office, signaling its growing importance. Situated near the confluence of Adams Creek and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, at the head of Burrows Park, Tellurium City boasted a population of nearly 500 hardy souls in its early days.
An account from the Silver World newspaper in July 1875 paints a vivid picture of the town: "a population less than 500 men and enough valley vocalists (burros) to make the night hideous." Despite its initial promise, Tellurium City’s fortunes were short-lived. An expensive mill was constructed, and an elaborate townsite was laid out, but by 1880, the camp had already succumbed to the fate of many boomtowns—abandonment.
Argentum: Silver Hopes and Hard Realities
Not far from Tellurium City, the mining camp of Argentum sprang to life. Its name, derived from the argentiferous (silver-bearing) ores found nearby, reflected the high hopes of its residents. By 1876, Argentum had secured its own post office, further solidifying its status as a growing community. The camp featured two stores, three hotels, a blacksmith shop, and a collection of twelve cabins, providing essential services and accommodations for the influx of miners and prospectors.
A sawmill operated nearby, supplying lumber for the burgeoning construction efforts. Just a short distance away lay the Whitecross Mine, a key source of the precious ore that fueled Argentum’s economy. However, like many of its contemporaries, Argentum’s prosperity was fleeting. The post office closed its doors in 1882, signaling the camp’s decline. Argentum was situated on the northeast side of the Lake Fork, just above its confluence with Silver Creek, at the lower end of Burrow’s Park.
Burrows Park and Whitecross: A Tale of Two Camps
The mining camp of Burrows Park itself was located in the valley, while the camp of Whitecross was situated about a quarter of a mile higher up the slopes. A post office was established in 1880 under the name Burrows Park, though it was actually located in Whitecross. In 1882, the post office’s name was officially changed to Whitecross, reflecting the growing prominence of the upper camp.
Mail service was a vital lifeline for these remote communities. Daily deliveries arrived from Lake City via pack animal, ensuring that residents remained connected to the outside world. Even during the harsh winter months, a dedicated mail carrier named Tom Byron braved the treacherous Cinnamon Pass on snowshoes or skis, delivering mail to Animas Forks and Mineral Point.
Whitecross distinguished itself with the Hotel de Clauson, a popular gathering place for residents of all the neighboring camps. The town’s name was inspired by a nearby mountain, adorned with a distinctive white cross formed by a unique geological formation. In 1900, Whitecross boasted a store, saloon, hotel, boarding house, and two stables, catering to the needs of the approximately 300 men who received mail at the White Cross post office at that time.
Sterling: A Mystery Shrouded in Time
Adding to the historical tapestry of Burrows Park was another mining camp known as Sterling. Unfortunately, very little information about this community has survived, leaving its story largely untold.
The Park Mining District: A Hub of Activity
The Park Mining District, centered around Burrows Park, experienced its heyday in the mid-1870s. The Gunnison Mines Company played a pivotal role in the district’s growth, constructing a mill to process the ore extracted from the numerous mines in the area. Approximately 30 mines operated within the district, including the LaBelle, Bon Homme, Champion, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Great Ohio, Japanese, Isolde, Undine, Napoleon, Oneida, and Premier.
About a mile above Burrows Park, a sizable reduction works was established to separate the valuable minerals from the surrounding rock. During this period of intense activity, the mines provided employment for around 200 miners, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Seasonal Rhythms and Environmental Challenges
The communities of Burrows Park were largely seasonal, with an average summer population of around 200 residents. During the harsh winter months, the area was often deserted due to its high elevation of 10,700 feet. The park is surrounded by impressive peaks, including the 14,000-foot giants of Red Cloud and Sunshine to the north and Handies Peak to the southwest, creating a dramatic backdrop for the mining activities.
Transportation to and from Burrows Park was challenging. A stagecoach line from Lake City provided service for $3.00. The stage also ventured to Animas Forks, with the hair-raising ten-mile ride costing $1.50 each way.
Ultimately, a combination of factors led to the demise of the mining camps in Burrows Park. Poor roads, the remote location, the high elevation, and the limited extent of the ore deposits all contributed to their decline.
Burrows Park Today: A Place of Remembrance and Recreation
Today, little remains of the bustling communities that once thrived in Burrows Park. Where clusters of hotels, blacksmith shops, saloons, roadhouses, meat markets, general stores, sawmills, homes, and mining ventures once stood, there is now a picturesque meadow.
Two cabins, carefully restored by the forest service, serve as a starting point for hikers embarking on expeditions to the nearby fourteeners. Scattered throughout the mountains are traces of foundations and the remnants of fallen buildings, silent reminders of the area’s rich history.
Burrows Park is situated along the Alpine Loop Back Country Byway, approximately 20 miles southwest of Lake City, Colorado. This scenic route offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area and reflect on the stories of those who once called Burrows Park home.
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated May 2024.
Also See:
- Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway
- Byways & Historic Trails
- Colorado Ghost Towns
- Lake City, Colorado
Sources:
- Brown, Robert L.; Jeep Trails to Colorado Ghost Towns, Caxton Press, 1963
- Lake City, Colorado
- Lake City Historic District
- Western Cover Society; Western Express. July 1975