NEWS: Atlantic Richfield Company purchases more than 1,000 acres of patented mining claims and other properties from Arizona-based Disposition Properties in and around Rico, Colorado, dimming the threat of massive development. CONTEXT: I’ve long been intrigued by Rico, a former mining town of about 300 people in the western San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. On paper, Rico looks a lot like Silverton: It was platted in the 1870s on Ute land as a mining hub and flourished during its early years; it sits at about 9,000 feet in elevation, surrounded by high mountains; and it was serviced by a railroad built by Otto Mears.
Another well researched and interesting piece about Rico from Jonathan--Thanks! I have a more cynical view of what Rico is now, from friends living there and being there: it has become an enclave for the rich from Telluride who for whatever reason, wanted a more woodsy experience, but not provide an impetus to the town. The Rico Inn was a tremendous hotel/restaurant that was scavenged by the ski area for housing; so, take the best attraction in town, which has few (Ok The Enterprise!), and make it a place to house your under-paid employees for your "world class" jet-setter ski resort! Rico needs something. Maybe a mine would bring back its roots and scare away all the wealthy white people (sorry, but it is true) who are not making it a better place?
Another well researched and interesting piece about Rico from Jonathan--Thanks! I have a more cynical view of what Rico is now, from friends living there and being there: it has become an enclave for the rich from Telluride who for whatever reason, wanted a more woodsy experience, but not provide an impetus to the town. The Rico Inn was a tremendous hotel/restaurant that was scavenged by the ski area for housing; so, take the best attraction in town, which has few (Ok The Enterprise!), and make it a place to house your under-paid employees for your "world class" jet-setter ski resort! Rico needs something. Maybe a mine would bring back its roots and scare away all the wealthy white people (sorry, but it is true) who are not making it a better place?
Great dispatch and information about Rico, Colorado - your findings can likely be applied to many similar communities around the world. Thanks