Divide, Colorado and the surrounding Pikes Peak region have a rich history of gold and silver mining during the late 19th and early 20th century.
This period, known as the "Wild West" era, was characterized by a series of gold and silver booms and bust cycles.
The first major gold discovery in the area was made in 1859 at nearby Cripple Creek, which sparked a gold rush to the region. Many prospectors and miners flocked to the area in search of their fortunes, and a number of mining camps and towns, including Divide, were established.
During this time, the mining industry in the region was characterized by boom and bust cycles, as new discoveries of gold and silver brought waves of prospectors and miners, followed by periods of decline as the ore deposits were depleted.
Despite this, the mining industry in the region continued to be an important source of employment and economic activity throughout the late 19th and early 20th century.
The mining boom of the region was not only limited to gold and silver, other minerals such as tungsten and molybdenum were also mined.
The mining industry in the region declined in the mid-20th century as the ore deposits were depleted and mining became less profitable.
Today, the mining history of Divide and the surrounding area is celebrated throughout the region:
Historical sites and famous brothels
Museums and dinosaur exhibit
Annual events such as the Cripple Creek Ice Festival and Victor Lowell Thomas Museum
In retrospect, the Wild West history of Divide, Colorado and the surrounding Pikes Peak region is closely tied to the gold and silver mining booms and busts that characterized the region during the late 19th and early 20th century.
Why do they call it "Divide, Colorado?"
The origin of the name "Divide" in Teller County, Colorado is not entirely clear. However, it is likely that the name refers to the location of the town, which is situated on a divide between the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek drainages.
The town is located at the top of a high ridge which separates the drainage of the Fountain Creek which flows to the east and the drainage of the Arkansas River which flows to the west.
Another possibility is that the name "Divide" is derived from the nearby mountain pass, known as the "Divide Road" which connects the Pikes Peak region to the South Park region.
The Divide Road was a major thoroughfare for prospectors, miners, and settlers during the late 19th century, and the name may have been applied to the town that grew up around the pass.
It's hard to say which one of the above explanations was first, but both of them make sense considering the location of the town.
Divide is in Teller County, Colorado and a tourist and outdoor recreational destination.
The town is located in the Pikes Peak region of the Rocky Mountains. The economy of Divide is largely based on tourism and outdoor recreation, with many residents working in retail and service industries catering to visitors.
The Natural History of Divide, Colorado
The natural history of Divide is characterized by its mountainous location in the Rocky Mountains, with a diverse array of plant and animal life, including pine and aspen forests, meadows, and streams. There are also many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
The Geological History of Divide, Colorado
The geological history of Divide, Colorado and the surrounding Pikes Peak region is shaped by the uplift of the Rocky Mountains over millions of years. The region is part of the Front Range, which was formed by the uplift and erosion of a series of ancient mountain ranges.
The rocks in the area are primarily composed of granites and gneisses, which were formed by the heating and deformation of older rocks deep within the Earth's crust.
As the mountains uplifted and erosion occurred, the materials that were once on top of the mountain range, such as sandstones, shales and limestones, were stripped off and deposited in lower elevations. The erosion also created deep canyons, such as the famous Royal Gorge, and exposed the granites and gneisses that make up the core of the Front Range.
The region has also been affected by several episodes of volcanic activity, which deposited ash and lava flows that can still be seen in the area today. Additionally, the region has a rich mineral history, with gold, silver, and other minerals being mined in the area.
The Pikes Peak granite that makes up much of the mountain is also a source of feldspar, mica, and quartz.
The geological history of Divide, Colorado and the surrounding Pikes Peak region is shaped by:
the uplift of the Rocky Mountains,
erosion, volcanic activity,
and mineralization.
If you haven't had a chance to visit Teller County and Divide, add it to your Wild West Rocky Mountain to do list!