The first miners to this area set up The Snow Blind Mining District, which later became the Montgomery District in 1861. This district proved rich first with gold discoveries then later discoveries abundant in silver, establishing the highest mines in North America. The 1930’s Magnolia Mill replaced the former one from the 1800’s that burnt down. It processed the gold and silver that was brought down by trams from surrounding mines located hundreds of feet above the mine.

The town of Montgomery was built in 1861 and housed over 1,000 mine workers, mill workers and their families. The town consisted of hotels,, mercantile and dry good stores, drug stores, sawmills and a variety f saloons, including the largest dance hall in the region!

Mt. Lincoln, the 14,000ft peak that towers over the reservoir, was named in honor of President Lincoln who was in office at that time. They even sent him a bar of gold from the Montgomery Mine!

The remains of the town of Montgomery are now under water. Colorado Springs bought the town in 1954 and flooded it to make the reservoir that provides drinking water for the city. Thankfully we still have the mill as a reminder of the bustling mining town of Montgomery that once nested itself between these gorgeous mountains.