Columbine Hotel in Gunnison

Nestled in the historic Gunnison Valley, where the allure of gold first beckoned prospectors in 1861 and the echoes of a thriving past still resonate, stands the Columbine Hotel—a living testament to the town's rich history. While the discovery of silver in the Elk Mountains in 1872 fueled the mining boom that defined Gunnison's early years, it was the resilience of its settlers that eventually transformed this community into a bustling town.

Amidst the scenic landscape, the Columbine Hotel, erected in 1880 and originally named City Lodging, serves as a venerable relic from Gunnison's formative era. In a unique twist of history, this enduring structure has witnessed the evolution of the town, transitioning from a mining hub to a prosperous ranching community by the turn of the 20th century.

Beyond its architectural significance, the Columbine Hotel holds intriguing tales within its walls, tales that intertwine with the more spectral aspects of Gunnison's past. Room 009, a seemingly ordinary space within the hotel, has earned a reputation as the focal point of ghostly encounters. Legend has it that a tragic suicide unfolded within these confines, leaving an indelible mark on the room's history and contributing to the hotel's rumored haunted status.

As whispers of the paranormal circulate through the corridors, another chilling narrative emerges—the Columbine Hotel's past as an establishment that once operated as a brothel. Guests of yesteryear reported sightings of a ghostly apparition believed to be that of a murdered prostitute, her presence lingering as a spectral reminder of the hotel's shadowed past.

Adding to the intrigue, local lore weaves tales of an underground tunnel beneath Boulevard Street, connecting the Columbine Hotel with the La Veta Hotel and the Edgerton House. These subterranean passages, shrouded in mystery, evoke visions of a bygone era when secret networks facilitated clandestine activities.

Today, as the Columbine Hotel stands as a solitary sentinel of Gunnison's early days, its weathered facade conceals not only the architectural echoes of the past but also the ethereal whispers of a history rich in both triumphs and tragedies. A visit to this venerable establishment is an immersive journey into the heart of Gunnison's heritage, where the line between history and the supernatural becomes delightfully blurred.