Cripple Creek can be found in a high valley of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 9494 feet.   I always like looking out over Cripple Creek before making the descent into the valley.

We first visited Cripple Creek in the late 1990s after gambling had been approved by the state.  The casinos were in the historic buildings which gave the town its special charm.  We visited several times through the years before life got in the way and we didn’t make it to Colorado as often.  We always enjoyed being able to play a few slots in the beauty of the mountains.

Life (grandchildren) changed our traveling direction; so we haven’t visited Colorado in at least 10 years.   We decided to take a drive to Cripple Creek on our recent Colorado trip.  I was sadden to see many empty buildings, closed businesses and a rundown RV park.  We only had time to go into two casinos and one of was fairly outdated.   There was also a large casino built near the edge of town; but, in my opinion, it didn’t really fit with the look of the town.  I hope there is a plan to revitalize the town and that the town leaders are able to keep the charm as they make needed changes.

Cripple Creek History

Cripple Creek was the site of the last and greatest mining boom in Colorado, attracting tens of thousands of people to the western flank of Pikes Peak in the 1890s. After it was destroyed by fire in 1896, the town and surrounding mining district reached peak production and population in the early twentieth century before experiencing a long decline. After World War II, the town turned to tourism as its primary economic engine, but since the 1970s the giant Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine has also provided steady production and employment. In 1990 Colorado voters approved an amendment that allowed Cripple Creek to build casinos, which have generated millions of dollars for the local economy and historic preservation across the state but have also transformed the town they were supposed to help preserve. ( Colorado Encyclopedia)

Monochrome Madness Challenge

Cripple Creek, Colorado  (MM)” is my entry for this week’s Monochrome Madness Challenge.     You can join the Monochrome Madness challenge and see more entries over at Leanne Cole Photography. You can view my other Monochrome Madness Challenge entries by clicking on Monochrome Madness.