Quick Info
What: Victorian mansion museum. Built: 1867, expanded 1870s-1880s. Tours: Guided, about 45 minutes. Season: Seasonal hours, check before visiting. Location: 305 Argentine Street, Georgetown.
The Hamill House stands as Georgetown's finest example of Victorian domestic architecture. Built for silver magnate William Hamill in 1867 and expanded as his fortune grew, the house showcases the wealth and ambition that silver brought to Colorado's mountain towns.
The museum preserves period furnishings, decorative arts, and the lifestyle of Georgetown's elite during the mining boom. Guided tours explore both the grandeur and the practical details of 19th-century mountain living.
History
William Hamill arrived in Georgetown during the early silver rush and built his fortune through mining investments. The original 1867 house was Gothic Revival; Hamill expanded it through the 1870s and 1880s as Georgetown became one of Colorado's wealthiest towns.
The resulting mansion blended styles—Gothic, Italianate, and Victorian eclectic—reflecting both changing tastes and growing prosperity. The house remained in the Hamill family until the 1930s.
Historic Georgetown Inc. acquired the property in the 1970s and restored it as a house museum, furnishing rooms with period-appropriate pieces to recreate silver-era life.
The Tour
Guided experience: Docents lead visitors through the house, explaining the architecture, furnishings, and stories of the Hamill family. Tours last approximately 45 minutes.
Highlights: The ornate parlors, formal dining room, and original woodwork showcase Victorian decorative arts at their height. Notice the attention to detail—hand-painted ceilings, carved mantels, and imported fixtures.
Practical life: The tour also covers how the household functioned—heating, lighting, food preparation, and the role of servants in maintaining the home.
Architecture
The Hamill House demonstrates the evolution of Victorian architecture in real time. As Hamill added to his home over 20 years, each addition reflected current styles:
- Gothic Revival elements in the original structure
- Italianate brackets and bay windows from later additions
- Victorian eclectic interiors reflecting wealth and fashion
The exterior's distinctive appearance comes from this layering of styles—a house that grew with its owner's fortune.
Grounds & Outbuildings
The property includes original outbuildings that provide context for Victorian household operations:
Carriage house: Where the family's transportation was maintained.
Office building: Hamill conducted business from this separate structure.
Gardens: Victorian-style gardens surround the house, pleasant for pre- or post-tour strolling.
Tips
Check hours before visiting. The museum operates seasonally with limited winter hours. Confirm availability, especially for weekday visits.
Combine with downtown. The Hamill House is an easy walk from 6th Street shops and restaurants. Plan a half-day Georgetown visit.
Photography varies. Some interior photography may be restricted. Ask at the start of your tour.
Hotel de Paris too. If you're interested in Georgetown history, the Hotel de Paris Museum offers a complementary perspective on silver-era life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the furnishings original?
Some pieces are original to the house; others are period-appropriate acquisitions that match what the Hamill family would have owned.
How long is the tour?
About 45 minutes. Guided tours only—you can't wander independently.
Is it accessible?
Limited. The historic building has stairs and narrow passages. Call ahead to discuss specific needs.
Good for kids?
Older children interested in history will appreciate it. Younger kids may find the guided tour format challenging.
Is it open in winter?
Limited winter hours. Check with Historic Georgetown Inc. for current schedule. Summer offers the most reliable access.