Paris Mill
Year Listed: 2004
County: Park County
Status: PROGRESS
Context: Mining
Date Constructed: 1894
Significance:
Once an important site for processing precious metals from mines in Park County’s Buckskin Gulch, the Paris Mill is now abandoned, despite the fact that the nearby Sweet Home Mine is currently producing rhodochrosite, a rose- colored gemstone and the official Colorado state mineral. Subject of many an artist’s brush, the now languishing Paris Mill was constructed in 1894 and is a Local Landmark of Park County and considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The mill is a large, vernacular multi-level structure with aerial tramway connections to mines in the mountains above. Some original machinery is still contained within the building, including three different stamps used for crushing and grinding ore, representative of several generations and methodologies.
Threat When Listed:
For sale; may be sold to insensitive buyer.
Since Listing:
At the instigation of Colorado Preservation, Inc., representatives of the out-of-state owner came to Colorado in the summer of 2004 to talk with supporters about their vision for the site. The owner brought a sampling of the extensive archive connected to the Paris Mine and Mill and agreed to allow Park County to document the entire archive. Shortly after the meeting, the owner paid to have the Paris Mill sealed to protect the interior from the elements and an on-site security system was installed.
Park County completed local landmark designation for the site and recently purchased the Mill and surrounding 16 acres, with immediate plans to stabilize and document the building towards the long term goal of opening Paris Mill to the public. Ideas include making portions of the Mill once again operational to provide an interactive experience and hands-on history lesson about the area’s mining past.
Related Link:
The Alma Foundation
Last Updated:
October 2009