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The Wild West - Telluride History
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As the East Coast began to experience the second industrial revolution, the frontiers began to fill up with men and women in search of a more simple living. With little to no law enforcement present throughout the smaller towns, small gangs and groups governed themselves. Hunters, drifters and railroad workers often fought with each other, usually leading to shootouts and deaths. Historical figures such as Wyatt Earp, Butch Cassidy, Billy the Kid and other cowboy’s made strong names for themselves during these times.
When the town began to boom in the mid 1880’s, the luxuries of modern day Telluride were no where to be found. It took the hearty and adventurous soul to live year-round at 8,750 feet, and Telluride attracted them by the droves. The town became home to a hotel and opera house, as well gambling halls and saloons. Telluride quickly had all the characteristics of an established western town. Ranchers, saloon and hotel keepers, gold miners and celebrated ladies of the evening all called “To-Hell-You-Ride” home.
Telluride was as much a wild west town as any other during the 1890’s, attracting wealthy businessmen from the east coast, along with bank robbing outlaws. In fact, in 1889, Butch Cassidy and his gang robbed the San Miguel Valley Bank in Telluride, riding away with over $24,500 dollars. |
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