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Victor's Colorful History On Display
Victor's history is one of exploration, ranching, gold mining and
railroading.
In 1890 and 1891 prospectors discovered the rich gold ore that
touched off the legendary Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Rush. The
ranching country on Pikes Peak's western slopes was quickly
transformed as prospectors flocked to the area to seek their
fortunes in gold.
With the discovery of gold, it became a priority to link the Cripple
Creek and Victor Mining District to Colorado Springs, Florence and
beyond. Stage roads and railroads carried construction materials,
food, clothing, coal, ore and people to and from the District towns
and goldfields.
Some of those historic routes now comprise the segments of a grand
loop of backcountry adventure called the Gold Belt National Scenic
Byway. Other historic routes offer more opportunities to explore the
1890’s connections to Colorado Springs.
A multitude of pioneers rushed to this area to get rich quick, most
of them ended up poor - either leaving in search of better fortune
or staying to make Victor and the area home. Some though struck it
rich and built a legacy of gold mining that begs to be told.
 The Victor Lowell Thomas Museum has a 60-plus-year history in
Victor and features displays on the historic
gold mining days as well the miners and pioneers, some of them
millionaires, who made town famous.
Originally the Tomkins Hardware and later the Victor Dry Goods and
Hackley Hotel, the museum building has a long history. The first
building on the site in 1894 housed the post office, a bank and
hardware store. It was the only building in town built fully of
brick and so it survived the 1899 fire that destroyed the downtown.
It was badly damaged however so the owner Arthur Reynolds had it
demolished and rebuilt.
Who is Lowell Thomas? Read About Victor's Famed World Traveler,
author, and journalist.
Displays include:
*Hunter Mining History Library open to members.
*The Lowell Thomas Room dedicated to the famed world traveler who grew
up in Victor. See personal memorabilia, photos, furniture and more.
Videos of Lowell Thomas interviews.
*The Dr. A.C. Denman & Lillian Titmas - equipment of Victor's family
doctor's office on display.
*Antique Doll Collection - hundreds of dolls of all kinds, toys and
photos.
*Victorian Rooms filled with original furniture and household items
from the turn-of-the-century.
*Outdoor Mining Display filled with relics of the 1890's mines - a
tour guide book is available that describes the equipment.
*Mining Display in our main gallery includes drills, a real 1-ton ore
car, mining lamps and a miner's cabin.
*Historic photos and the Cripple Creek/Victor Centennial Quilt are
also on display.
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