A new book entitled “Breckenridge” written by Mary Ellen Gilliland asserts that gold prospectors arrived in Breckenridge CO real estate many months prior to August 1859, the date long considered to be the date of the town’s establishment. “This is history making research that shared the old story of 1859 and the start of the gold discoveries, but it’s not the complete story,” she said. “I find it fascinating that thousands of miners were finding their way to these locations as early as May 1859,” she said.
Gilliland’s research reflected an alternative view that she had known for a while, “However, I didn’t factor them in for years.” A small detail caught my eye. A few miners had left Leavenworth, Kansas for Breckenridge real estate in the beginning of April. With the study of manuscripts and other documents from the Denver Public Library, the author Mary Ellen Gilliland carried out further investigation.
“I started to uncover additional information, and it was surprising and interesting,” she said. However her book, which is being released to coincide with Breck 150 anniversary celebrations, delves into more than the birth of local gold mining, covering progress through the World Wars, skiing history, and events up to and including the present.
Gilliland shared, “There are many stories that have gone untold,” reminding us that the Great Depression and World War II was especially difficult for the town. The profiles of 10 pioneers are included too — prominent historical figures who have remained in the shadows throughout history.
In another of her books, “Colorado Rascals, Scoundrels and No Goods,” Gilliland profiled some less savory figures, but her most recent book concentrates on more reputable people like Christ Kaiser, a German grocer, and Robert Foote, the Denver Hotel proprietor. There are some photos, some never before published, inside the 144 page book.
Call Breckenridge real estate expert, Jonna Beardsley if you are considering purchasing a house in the Rockies. She has served her real estate community for about thirty years!
Email jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com or call her at (970) 390-2533.
