Victor Heritage Society
Working Together to Preserve 
Historic Victor, Colorado
City of Gold MInes
  • Home
    • Help Recreate the Verterans Wall
    • Victor Historic Newspaper Collection
  • Preservation Successes
  • Activities
  • Landmarks
  • Guidelines & Galleries
    • Guide to Preserving Our Architectural Heritage
    • Photo Gallery of Victor Residential Gems
    • Photo Gallery of Victor Businesses Operating in Historic Buildings
    • This Old Victor House--Then & Now
    • Photo Gallery of Historic Gold Mines >
      • Stratton's Independence Mine
      • Restoring the Historic Headframe of Stratton's Independence Mine
      • Gold Coin Mine--Part of the Woods Empire
      • Vindicator Mine
    • Photos From 1903-04 Labor Strike in Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District.
    • Step Back in Time with Glimpses of Historical Photos Featuring Victor, Colorado & the Surrounding Mining District
  • Oral History
    • Winters in Victor, Colorado during the 1940's & 50's by Charles Spray (AKA Jeep Hack)
    • Biking & Hockey in Victor, Colorado -- The Passions of Brian Hayes
    • Sports in Victor, Colorado & Memories of the 1949 Pikes Peak Junior High Basketball Tournament
    • Abbott Family Memories Made in Victor, Colorado: The House & Antiques Shop -- by Debbie Abbott.
    • Abbott Family Memories Made in Victor, Colorado: Digging At the Dump -- by Steve Abbott.
    • Abbott Family Memories Made in Victor, Colorado: Mom & Her Victor Friends -- by Dave Abbott.
    • A History of VICTOR, COLORADO--THE CITY OF MINES, compiled and published in 1933 by S. E. Poet, Superintendent of Public Schools at Victor.
    • Carl Roy's Oral History Videos -- Life in Victor, Colorado
    • The Miner’s Photograph: A Pathway to the Past by Steven Wade Veatch.
    • Recollections of My Life in Victor, Colorado during the Depression, WWII, & After By Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack)
    • Memories of Washington Elementary--My First School in Victor, Colorado by Charles Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
    • Adventures at the Beaver Valley Ranch While Growing up in Victor, Colorado by Charles Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
    • Memories of the Ina & Henry Cleveland Hack Family by Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
    • The Lighter Side of a Visit to Hack's Victor Barber Shop by Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
    • Memories of Margaret & Henry C. "June" Hack, Jr. by Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
    • Memorabilia from Cripple Creek & Victor High School Bands Directed by Ernest T. Sly from 1939 to 1950.
    • A Day in the Cresson Mine by Charles Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
    • Firewood For Victor, Colorado by Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
    • Memories of My Grandfather, John Reed Gardner (1864-1951)--Gardner Mercantile Owner, Bank President, Insurance Company Executive. By John Reed Gardner, II (grandson).
    • Tarie Huber Oral History Videos -- Life in Victor, Colorado
    • 1896 Shooting Affray at Union Theater in Victor, Colorado.
    • Memories of Mrs. Katy Bemore, resident of Independence when the deport was blown up in 1904.
    • Working Underground in the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District, 1972 to 1979: How I Got the Shaft, the Gas, and the Broken Steel by Randall Stewart.
    • INSTALLMENT #1. Seven Generations In Victor, Colorado and The Mining District—The Way It Was as Recalled by Eleanor Musser Baker.
    • INSTALLMENT #2. Seven Generations In Victor, Colorado and The Mining District—The Way It Was as Recalled by Eleanor Musser Baker.
    • INSTALLMENT #3. Seven Generations In Victor, Colorado and The Mining District—The Way It Was as Recalled by Eleanor Musser Baker.
    • Memories of Edward Franklin Page: Watchman at the Stratton Mines and Subsequently a Mine Manager, Farmer, Retail Businessman, & Banker.
    • Tom Schryver's Memories of Growing Up in Victor, Colorado and His Parents--Mayme & Charles "Bumps" Chapman.
    • McCormick Family Connections to Victor, Colorado (1893-2014) by Mary Ann McCormick Hamm.
    • Paying the Piper by Gertrude Moore McGowan.
    • Gold Camp Celebration--Fourth of July in Victor, Early 1900's by Gertrude Moore McGowan.
    • Memories of Lulu Ella Manson & Harry Gordon Moore by Gertrude Moore McGowan
    • Memories of Fannie & Alfred Osborn by Marge Breth
    • Memories of Cripple Creek & Victor, 1945-62, by Mary Alice Orazen
    • The Story of Axel Olson & His Golden Girl, Betzi Johnson, by Shirley Beach.
    • Memories of Mr. and Mrs. Axel Olson by KC Garver
    • Victor Recollections--Mountain Doctor, Small Town Cop, Gus's Sporting Goods, & Little Toy Pocket Knife by Floyd Frank
    • Memories of Lowell Thomas--Victor"s Most Famous Former Resident
    • Memories of the Gold Rush Era in Victor by Edgar McGowan
    • A Day In the Life of a Miner by Chuck Clark
    • Underground Mining Experiences at the Cresson and Ajax by Myron House
    • Hynes Brothers "Clean Ice" for Victor, Colorado--Memories of Mary Ellen Hynes Chetelat.
    • Marguerite Clark--One of Victor's Angels by Chuck Clark
    • Charlie Clark & the Quality Cash Market by Chuck Clark
    • Pop Sly -- Ernest T. Sly, The Band Man by Chuck Clark
    • Mr. Mortenson--The Victor Shoemaker by Chuck Clark
    • Heninger Family Memories of Victor, Portland Junction, & Independence: 1909-1916, by Virginia & Edgar Heninger
    • Reflections on Goldfield by Carol Roberts
    • Growing Up In Victor in the 1930's by Bob Penman
    • Victor's Welcome to Vice-President Roosevelt
  • Visit

 Visit Historic Victor and the Memories Will Follow You Home.
Stay for a Lifetime and Enjoy the Unique Lifestyle with Family and Friends.

​Things To Do When Visiting Historic Victor, Colorado -- Plus Intersting Links

Arrive and Depart Via a Scenic Byway or Shuttle:
  • All Roads into Victor Offer Breathtaking Scenic Views -- Highway 67/Teller 81 (paved), Phantom Canyon Road, Shelf Road, Gold Camp Road, High Park Road/Teller One (paved).  Click Here for routes to Victor that are part of the acclaimed Colorado & National Gold Belt Scenic Byway. 
  • Ride the shuttle between Cripple Creek & Victor -- Arrives & departs from trolley shelter in Victor across the street from the Claim Jumper General Store & Post Office at 106 N 3rd Street; Arrives and departs from the trolley shelter on Bennett Ave in Cripple Creek.  Click Here for the Shuttle Schedule.

Stop at the Visitors’ Center in the Historic Alta Vista Railroad Depot for information, suggestions, and public restrooms -- in the park at the corner of Victor Ave & 2nd Street.

Visit Museums:
  • The Victor's Gold Camp Agriculture & Mining Museum -- free, corner of Victor Ave & 2nd Street, check link for details.
  • The Victor~Lowell Thomas Museum -- corner of Victor Ave & 3rd Street, open 10 AM to 4 PM Weekends April 3 to May 22; 10 AM to 5:30 PM Daily May 29 to Sept 6; 10 AM to 5 PM Daily Sept 7 to Oct 3; 10 AM to 5 PM Weekends Oct 9 to Dec 19; click link or call 719-689-5509 to confirm.  

Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of the National Register Historic Business District featuring 15 curbside interpretive signs with historic photos and information from the Gold Rush Era.  Free printed tour map & brochures available from the Alta Vista Depot Victors’ Center (corner of Victor Ave & 2nd St), Victor~Lowell Thomas Museum (corner of Victor Ave & 3rd St), & distribution boxes attached to selected sign posts.

Walk or Drive Through Victor’s Historic Residential Neighborhoods—see Gallery of Residential Gems.

Hike, Bike, Ride Horseback, Snowshoe, or Cross Country Ski on a Network of Scenic Trails through historic mining areas with spectacular mountain views and interpretive signs: 
  • Battle Mountain Trail (with branch leading to Ajax Overlook), Independence Mill Site Trail & Stratton Outdoor Amphitheater. 
  • Golden Circle Trail. 
  • Vindicator Valley Trail and Purple Flourite Trail. 
  • Lawrence Trail. 
  • Sunnyside Trail.
  • Little Grouse Mountain Trail.
  • VolksMarch 3.1 & 6.2 Mile Hikes--printed trail guide available from Claim Jumper General Store at 106 N 3rd St.  
All other printed trail guides available from the Alta Vista Depot Visitors’ Center (corner of Victor Ave & 2nd St), the Victor/Lowell Thomas Museum (corner of Victor Ave & 3rd St) and on-line.  

Pan for Gold at the Victor~Lowell Thomas Museum—corner of Victor Ave & 3rd St, open 10 AM to 4 PM Weekends April 3 to May 22; 10 AM to 5:30 PM Daily May 29 to Sept 6; 10 AM to 5 PM Daily Sept 7 to Oct 3; 10 AM to 5 PM Weekends Oct 9 to Dec 19;, click link or call 719-689-5509 to confirm.

Take a Van Tour of Active Gold Mining Operations--Mine tours leaving from Victor~Lowell Thomas Museum suspended in 2021 due to concerns about COVID-19.  Click link for updates or call 719-689-5509.

Refresh Yourself at Unique Victor Food and Beverage Establishments:  
  • Mining Claim 1899 Saloon (315 Victor Ave, 719.494.4625)—bar and grill with burgers and sandwiches.
  • Claim Jumper (106 N 3rd St, 719-689-3601)--groceries and snacks. 
  • Fortune Club Diner & Lounge (corner of Victor Ave & 3rd St, 719.689.2623)--old time soda fountain, grill, with Mexican food choices, and adjoining Lounge. 
  • Gold Camp Bakery (112 S 3rd, 719.689.9300)—soup, sandwiches, and baked goods.
  • Victor Hotel, Side Door Restaurant & Lounge (corner of Victor Ave & 4th St, 719.689.5883)--restaurant and bar.   
  • Rosety Liquors (formerly Kat House Liquors & Splendid Pleasures (415 Victor Ave)--retail liquor, wine, beer, antiques & gifts.​
  • Victor Elks Lodge (3rd & Diamond Ave)--bar and special events. 

Stay Overnight in Comfortable Accommodations with a Historic Flavor: 
  • Victor Hotel--corner of Victor Ave & 4th St, 800-713-4595, period furnished rooms with private baths. 
  • Olympia Hotel--106 N 4th St, 800-713-4595, period furnished rooms, make reservations through Victor Hotel.
  • Fortune Club Hotel--corner of Victor Ave & South 3rd St, period furnished rooms.​
  • Black Monarch Hotel--corner of Victor Ave & North 3rd St.

Attend Sunday Worship Services at the Historic Baptist Church (11 AM, S 4th St & Portland Ave) or special events at Saint Victor’s Catholic Church (S 2nd & Portland Ave).

Enjoy Victor Parks & Recreation Facilities:
  • Picnic in Wallace Park at the corner of Victor Ave & 2nd St. 
  • Use the playground equipment in Washington Park on S 2nd St. 
  • Skate at the newly refurbished outdoor hockey rink at S 4th & Portland Ave -- winter only. 
  • Play a game of softball, baseball, or soccer at the Gold Bowl Park at 2nd & Victor Ave.

Make Reservations for a Soccer Camp & Activities Offered by the Elevation Training Center—Home of the Rocky Mountain Soccer Camp at the historic Victor High School on east Victor Ave.

Shop in Victor’s Unique Retail Establishments--see Gallery of Businesses Operating in Historic Buildings:
  • Victor Trading Company (114 S 3rd St, 719.689.2346)—hand-made brooms, cookie cutters, tin ware, candles, letterpress and fused glass items.​   
  • The Fragile Edge (318 Victor Ave, 719.689.3444)—hand painted glass, gift items, rocks and mineral specimens. 
  • MidCentury Elegance (102 S 4th St)--jewelry, scented oils, unique gifts and antiques. 
  • Prospectors Pick (106 N 4th St)—consignment furniture and household items, antiques, crafts, & collectibles. ​
  • Antiques & Stuff (123 N 4th St, 719.822.4862)—antiques, collectibles, & gifts shop.
  • Muleshoe Antiques (126 S 3rd St) --antiques and collectibles.​
  • Victor's Gold Camp Artists Co-op (100 S 2nd St, inside the Ag & Mining Museum, 10 AM to 5 PM Friday thru Sunday)--fine art and handmade crafts.
  • Claim Jumper General Store (106 N 3rd St, 719-689-3601)—snacks, grocery & convenience store. 
  • Rosety Liquors (formerly Kat House Liquors & Splendid Pleasures) (415 Victor Ave, )--retail liquor, beer, wine, antiques & gifts.
  • Optimist Gallery (114 1/2 N 4th St, 719.232.8258)--artwork by local artist, Joe Harris. 
  • Victor E-Bike Rentals & Antiques (313 Victor Ave, 719.231.1284)--E-Bike rentals, antiques, collectibles and rummage sales.

Visit the Victor Public Library to Research Your Family History using turn-of-the-century Gold Camp City Directories, Victor Sanborn Maps, and desktop computers—124 S 3rd St, open weekdays, 1-6 PM.  Call 719-689-2011 to confirm availability and hours.

Enjoy the Fantastic Victor Weather & Plan to Return Often for Annual Festivals & Special Events: 
  
  • Dedication of New World War II Veterans Memorial -- May 31, 2021, 1 pm, in Wallace Park, click link for details.
  • ​Sunnyside Cemetery Guided Walking Tours -- check back for 2021 announcement.
  • Victor Gem & Mineral Show -- June 18-20, 2021,  free outdoor show, click link for details. 
  • Gold Rush Days --  check back for 2021 announcement.
  • Victor Historic Home & Building Tour -- check back for 2021 announcement.​​
  • Spectacular Aspen Leaf Viewing — late Sept / early Oct, along all roads leading to and from Victor.
  • Stories at the Strong Mine -- Oct 2, 2021, click link for details.
  • Gold Camp 2021 Christmas Headframe Lights — Dec 4 through Jan 1, 2021, click link for details.
  • Victor Christmas Parade & Events  —  Dec 11, 6 PM, click link for details to be announced. 

Click These Interesting Links
​for More Reasons to Visit Victor & the Mining District

  • ​Fantastic 1903 Victor Photo
  • Fantastic 1903 Goldfield Photo
  • ​Fantastic 1903 Battle Mtn Mines Photo--Ajax, Portlands
  • Fantastic Drone Video & Still Photos of Vindicator Valley, Victor, & Surrounding Area
  • Save the Miners' Union Hall Web Page
  • Save the Miners' Union Hall Video
  • Wikipedia Article on the Colorado Labor Wars
  • An Older Poetic Video of Victor
  • Pre-Visualization of Victor Trolley
  • Trailer for Lowell Thomas Documentary
  • Victor~Lowell Thomas Museum​
  • Victor's Ag & Mining Museum  -- Also on Facebook
  • Ute Pass Historical Society
  • Pikes Peak Historical Society
  • Cripple Creek District Museum
  • Victor City Government
  • Florence Pioneer Museum
  • Royal Gorge Regional Museum & History Center
  • All Things Victor -- Attractions, Events, Heritage Sites, Hiking Trails, History, Gold Panning, Mining Tours, Museums, Walking Tours, Visitor Information, City Government, Businesses, and More. 
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