Colorado in the 1950s: Photos of Central City, Estes Park, and Grand Lake

We're traveling back in time to the 1950s thanks to a Persicope Film that shows some pretty cool photos of Colorado's popular Front Range destinations back in the day.

Scroll on to see what the historic Central City Opera House looked like then, and how it looks now. We'll also stop at Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Grand Lake, Colorado.

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Where is Central City, Colorado?

The historic grounds of Central City, Colorado were once known as the "richest square mile on earth." It was founded in 1859 during the Pikes Peak boom of the Gold Rush era. Located 35 miles west of Denver, Central City is part of Gilpin and Clear Creek counties. The photos below show off many of the historic buildings in Central City during the mid-50s.

When Did Rocky Mountain National Park Open?

The 358 square-mile National Park was established following the Rocky Mountain National Park Act signed by Woodrow Wilson on January 26th, 1915. By the early 1900s, Americans like Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot, and John Muir had already hoped the area could be protected as a National Park. The photos below show off the Fall River entrance in the 1950s.

Is Grand Lake Colorado's Largest Lake?

Grand Lake is Colorado's largest natural body of water with over 500 surface acres. Grand Lake is also the deepest lake at nearly 400 feet. Our tour through the 50s will include a stop at Grand Lake during regatta week.