​Victor is a ghost city in Teller County, Colorado, United States. Gold was discovered in Victor in the late 19th century, an omen of the future of the town. With Cripple Creek, the mining district became the second largest gold mining district in the country and realized approximately $10 billion of mined gold in 2018 dollars. It reached its peak around the turn of the century when there were about 18,000 residents in the town (The population was 397 at the 2010 census.). Depleted ore in mines, labor strife and the exodus of miners during World War I caused a steep decline in the city's economy, from which it has never recovered.

​Although the population of Victor may be low, the towns-people spirits are very high. The people I spoke to were very welcoming and knowledgeable about their hometown. So much so that I am returning this spring to have a tour by some of the people I met. I strongly suggest that you pay Victor a visit. In fact, they have several attractions, outside of the breathtaking views and well-preserved architecture. Some of my favorites include the Lowell Thomas Mining Museum, the cities walking tour, and the "Vindicator Valley Trail".

​In addition to several standing attractions, they have all of the seasonal events you would come to expect from a small mountain town. One that stands out to me as particularly unique is the annual Gems and Rock show that takes place each June on the streets of Victor. There is something about visiting a historic mountain town to buy gems and minerals that makes me feel like a 1800's prospector. Even if momentarily, it's well worth a visit! ​You can plan your trip using this link: ​https://www.victorcolorado.com

Lower Columbine Trail is a 2.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Broadmoor, Colorado that features waterfalls and trails that suit all skill levels. The trail offers a stroll along a peaceful stream.  It’s best used from April until September; however, I visited to find some of the less obvious structures that become more visible in winter. 

The land where the video was shot was once General William Jackson Palmers. He donated the land in order to establish a local park system in 1870. This particular portion of the park is called “North Cheyenne Cañon”.

The home featured early in the video was moved brick-by-brick In the late 1990s. However, in the early 1900s, two cottages were built at the entrance of the park to house the caretaker’s residence and storage for the park’s maintenance equipment. These two buildings burned down in the 1960s. I gave it an honest effort to find the foundations of these structures, but could not. I ​did, however, stumble on some very interesting spillway controls. 

​The Cañon has many tales to tell. It has a sorted history that includes a burnt hotel and an odd little structure called “the Cub”. Author and Native American advocate; Helen Hunt Jackson had a big role in the formation of the park. Please stay tuned for the next four installments to hear it all! 

As we explored a local Canyon, an old homestead caught our eye and we decided to take a closer look. Needless to say, I was thrilled to find an expansive property, with many signs of American settlers and historic wagon trails. I was surprised at how much historical information was available about the property and how well preserved it was.

In 1894, Patrick and Margaret Lucas paid $10 for this 160-acre homestead. For nearly 50 years they lived and worked here, raising a family of eight children and building many structures that continue to give us clues and inspire stories about life on a historic western homestead. ​

The Lucas home is built of concrete, an unusual choice for the time when most homes were made of wood. However; it allows us to have a glimpse into the life of an 1800's homesteaders. Since Margaret left the property in 1941, the house was empty but intact. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed much of the house years ago, but what remains gives us an idea of its original size and hints about the interior and exterior. For example, the opening in the back wall gives historians insights into what the family ate, what they used to heat the house, and what types of local medicines were made.  ​

The Apple Tree planted by Patrick and his children can still be seen on the north side of the property. They still bear fruit in autumn and have been here for over 100 years. Each spring, On the eastern side of the property, you can see Margaret's lilacs bloom. Perfuming the air around rock outcroppings that her children once played on. 

The 160-acre estate fell into abandonment for more than 100 years. Eventually, the descendants of the Lucas family donated the land to an organization called "Friends of Castlewood Canyon". Later the property was sold to the state of Colorado and was added to the adjacent state park, "Castlewood Canyon State Park".