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Marble

Current Weather: Fair, 18 F

Location: 197 miles southwest of Denver off Colorado 133

Region: Southwest

Elevation: 7950

Population: 104

The town's claim to fame is the largest single piece of marble ever quarried. Marble's economy was entirely dependent on the marble found here in the late 1800s. A 100-ton block, squared to 56 tons, created the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, and marble from local quarries were also used in the construction of the Lincoln Memorial. After a tragic flood and mudslide in 1941 that leveled Marble, the quarry has today reopened and continues to ship its famous stone internationally.

Convenient Beaver Lake is good for rainbow and brook trout fishing, while Yule Creek, flowing through town and over glistening white marble, supports plenty of cutthroats. Following the creek south will also lead you to the Yule Marble Quarry. Four-wheel driving is excellent in the area; one route to try is Schofield Pass, which heads east from Marble to the ghost town of Crystal, eventually entering Crested Butte through the backdoor.

The Marble Historical Society Museum, housed in the community's 1910 schoolhouse, preserves the unique silver, gold, and, of course, marble history of the town. While there, pick up a self-guided tour map of historic downtown; marked sites include the former mill location, where you can hike around the oddly fascinating marble rejects and Marble's old church and bank. A dozen other day hikes are also available from town.

Several bed and breakfasts are close to town.

Community Resources:
Marble Tourism Association MTA
2880 County Road 3
Marble, CO 81623
970-963-7088

 

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