History of Westcliffe
Westcliffe, Colorado, incorporated in 1887,grew as a crucial railroad terminus for the Denver and Rio Grande Railway in 1881, thriving as a ranching supply center after the neighboring mining town of Silver Cliff declined. It became the Custer County seat in 1928, evolving into a quiet, scenic, and agricultural community known today for its dark skies.
Today, Westcliffe is the county seat.
Call the Westcliffe town hall at 783-2282 for more information.
Key Historical Aspects of Westcliffe:
- Origins: The town was established in the Wet Mountain Valley, with its growth tied directly to the extension of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in 1881.
- “Railroad Town”: While the nearby Silver Cliff was a booming mining town of over 5,000 residents in 1880, Westcliffe thrived by becoming the railhead for shipping cattle, produce, and ore.
- Transition to Ranching: As the silver mining boom (including “horn silver” discoveries) in the area faded by 1890, Westcliffe transitioned into a stable, enduring ranching, farming, and agricultural service town.
- Development: It was incorporated on November 21, 1887, and in 1928, it replaced Silver Cliff as the Custer County seat.
- Tourism: By the early-to-mid 20th century, the area became a popular summer destination, especially with the decline of the railroad in the late 1930s and the rise of personal automobile travel.
Key Historical Sites & Heritage:
- Old Westcliff Schoolhouse & Museum: A 19th-century schoolhouse (1891–1953) preserved to show early education in the valley.
- Beckwith Ranch: Established in 1874, this historic ranch was once one of the largest cattle operations in the state.
- All Aboard Westcliffe: A museum dedicated to the area’s rich railroad history.
- Mercier House: A home built by notable local stonemason Archie Scherer.