Healy House Museum and Dexter Cabin - Leadville, CO
Posted by: 
94RedRover
N 39° 15.121 W 106° 17.650
13S E 388332 N 4345541
The Healy House and Dexter Cabin on Harrison Avenue have been restored and furnished in period style showing a glimpse of the life in a booming mining town of the late 19th century.
Waymark Code: WM7V47
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 12/05/2009
Views: 6
Gold was discovered just outside of Leadville, Colorado in 1860...starting the Gold Rush. But, by the mid 1860s, the gold reserves had been depleted, but didn't destroy "Oro City" as it was called. A second boom came in 1874, when it was discovered that the "waste" from the gold mining operations of the area contained valueable silver. The silver boom created many wealthy investors.
On the corner of Harrison Avenue and 10th, the Healy House Museum and Dexter Cabin stand to reflect the wealth of the era.
In 1879, James V. Dexter's, a successful mining investor, lived on this property in a log cabin. This little cabin was actually lavish, filled with collectibles and reflecting the riches of the mining industry. Dexter's Cabin still stands here, restored for visitors.
The Greek revival house, now called Healy House, was built in 1878 by August Meyer for his bride, Emma. In 1893, the repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act ended the booming economy, and many of Leadville's wealthiest became destitute. Meyers house then became a boarding house, home to some 21 people by the year 1900. Dan Healy was a boarder at the house with his cousin, Nellie, who taught school.
The Colorado Historical Society has restored the house and the adjacent Dexter's Cabin, to reflect the lifestyle in the booming silver-mining town. The Healy House is furnished in period and includes many items once owned by Horace and "Baby" Doe Tabor, local silver-boom royalty turned rags.
In 1970, the Healy House and Dexter Cabin were added to the National Register of Historic Places for their architectural significance. The Society has also restored the gardens in honor of Emma Meyer, complete with native plants, idetified for educational purposes. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and visit the House and Cabin during its operating season.
Season is May through October. Individual, group and school tours available. Admission is:
Adults: $6.00
Seniors (65+): $5.50
Children (6 -16): $4.50
Children (under 6): Free
Colorado Historical Society members: Free
Theme:
Cultural History
Street Address:
912 Harrison Ave
Leadville, CO 80461
Food Court: no
Gift Shop: yes
Hours of Operation:
Encourage tours to be resrved by calling.
Season is May through October
Cost: 6.00 (listed in local currency)
Museum Size: Small
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
In order to log this waymark in this category, you must be able to provide proof of your visit. Please post a picture of yourself or your GPSr in front some identifiable feature or point of interest either in the museum, or on the museum grounds.