Central City Historic District

Central City's historic district preserves one of Colorado's most intact Victorian-era mining towns. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the downtown features original 19th-century buildings that survived when other boom towns faded or burned.

Key Landmarks

Central City Opera House

Built in 1878, this is one of the oldest opera houses west of the Mississippi. Still hosts summer performances. The jewel of Central City's architecture.

Teller House

Historic hotel connected to the Opera House. Famous for the "Face on the Barroom Floor" painting. Now houses a museum and restaurant.

Main Street

Original commercial buildings line the main thoroughfare. Many now house casinos and restaurants but retain period exteriors.

Victorian Architecture

Building Styles

Mix of Italianate, Victorian commercial, and vernacular mining town architecture. Brick and stone construction survived where wood-frame towns burned.

Preservation Story

Unlike many mining towns, Central City never completely emptied. The Opera House kept drawing visitors, which helped preserve the town through lean decades.

Walking Tour

The historic district is compact and walkable. Main Street and surrounding blocks contain most significant buildings. Allow 1-2 hours to appreciate the architecture and history.

Tips

Look up. Upper floors often retain more original detail than street-level storefronts.

Visit the museum. Gilpin History Museum provides context for what you're seeing.

Compare with Black Hawk. Notice how Central City preserved more historic character than its neighbor.