Ouray

Founded in 1876, Ouray and its surrounding peaks have been christened "Switzerland of America." The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Districts. Most of its permanent buildings were built between 1880 and 1900. Located within the Uncompahgre National Forest and a few miles north the San Juan National Forest, both forests are significant features of the life of the community, especially where recreation and tourism are concerned.

As with other towns in the region, the first non-Indians, who were looking for gold and silver, settled when they found them. Within ten years, Ouray had more than 1,200 inhabitants. The town had a school, several churches, a hospital, a four-star hotel, several restaurants, dozens of saloons and brothels, and the usual array of hardware, clothing, and mining supply stores. Most of Ouray's more permanent buildings were built between 1880 and 1900, and virtually all of them are still standing. Today Ouray looks much like it did 100 years ago.