Breckenridge Celebrates 150 Years of Adventure

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Breckenridge Celebrates 150 Years of Adventure with the Breck150

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. – Way before Breckenridge was a ski resort, it was a town. And over the past 150 years, the spirit of the town didn’t shift much. Equal parts outcast and visionary, frontier and fine living. With Breckenridge’s 150th Anniversary taking place throughout 2009, it is important to reflect on the history, heritage and especially the characters that made this Victorian mining town what it is today.

Full of gold finds and mining, exploration and adventure, brothels and saloons, booms and busts, the town’s history set the stage for the modern day adventures Breckenridge is known and loved for. Founded in 1859 by a small group of prospectors, the town’s Gold Rush brought settlers in droves seeking their fortune. While some found gold, each adventurer discovered the glory of the Ten Mile Range and the bounty of its beautiful landscape. Today, Breckenridge has one of the largest historic districts in the state of Colorado, with more than 200 structures on the National Register if Historic Places.

2009 will be a time to celebrate Breckenridge’s history. From the enhancement of existing events and the addition of new history-focused events to encouraging visitors and locals to explore the town’s history on the trails and capital improvements being made to various historic sites and museums, the town’s history can be experienced and celebrated by families, adventure seekers and history buffs alike.

Highlights to take place during Breckenridge’s 150th anniversary include:

• The Breck150 Kick-Off Weekend, April 4, 2009. Celebrate the “white gold” boom that brought Breckenridge back to life after the mining era. All generations are invited to join in the celebration from gold nugget hunts for the kids to 80s music and dancing with the Six Million Dollar Band to an Anniversary Toast to the Town with local legends. The day wraps up with Quantum Ski Club’s Retro Ski Bash.

• The complete restoration of the Edwin Carter Museum to be unveiled in the spring of 2009. Exhibit themes at the 1875 Edwin Carter Museum will trace the evolution of Carter's life as a miner, taxidermist, and scientist. Also featured in the museum will be a new theater room and an interactive learning center where children can try hands-on activities related to Carter’s work. Edwin Carter was Breckenridge’s original naturalist who paved the way for the town’s modern environmental efforts.

• History comes to life during Kingdom Days, June 20-21, 2009. This event offers a robust line-up of events and activities including historic mine tours, museum exhibits, gun fights, live music, old time arts and crafts, storytelling, historic hikes, kids’ activities and the Annual Outhouse Races as seen on MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann.

• The unveiling of new additions to the Arts District of Breckenridge. Historic buildings are being renovated to form a cutting-edge arts campus that will house a ceramics studio, performance arts venue, artist in residence studios, workshop spaces and more.

• With a goal of fusing history with recreation, interpretive signage will be added to French Gulch and Iowa Hill so outdoor enthusiasts can learn about pieces of Breckenridge’s history on the trails. The signage will tell the stories of the mining camps that once thrived in the area and show “then” and “now” pictures that depict how the landscape has changed as well as descriptors of historic mining equipment.

• The Breck150 Grand Celebration, August 8, 2009. Almost 150 years to the day Breckenridge first came to life as a mining town and all the stops will be pulled out to make this weekend a truly Grand Celebration. This event will revolve around the Old Courthouse (celebrating its 100th anniversary) and an Old Fashion Street Party. Highlights will include the removal of a time capsule from the Courthouse cornerstone, a bucket brigade, live blue grass music and a grand fireworks display wrapping up the evening.

• Mining and Railroad Weekend, August 15-16, 2009. Railroads played a critical role in helping Breckenridge come to life during the mining era and to develop into the town it is today. This weekend will highlight the railroad relics of Breckenridge's past and showcase the historic railroad route from Breckenridge over Boreas Pass.

These highlights only dust the surface of the excitement in-store around Breckenridge’s 150th anniversary, which is being coordinated by the Town of Breckenridge, Breckenridge Resort Chamber, Breckenridge Heritage Alliance and the Breckenridge Ski Resort. For more details on the Breck150, visit breck150.com.