Gold, silver and lead were discovered here from 1880 to the 1890's. It was also noted in 1873 that Whitehouse Mountain had some big marble deposits in it. As the mining for precious metal went on, the marble was ignored. Attempts to mine the marble were made in the 1890's, but they failed to be profitable. In 1906, a railroad was completed to marble, making shipping in and out of Marble much easier and more profitable. The marble mines opened again, and the orders started coming in. The best years were between 1912 to 1917. Orders came in for major projects including the washington Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. By 1941, the mines had closed and most people moved away.
Today, the ruins of the marble finishing mill are an outstanding sight. Many other interesting buildings still stand in Marble.
In 1880, silver was found in the mountians west of Aspen. Soon there were 7 silver mines operating. The town of Crystal had popped up. By 1883, a road had been built to Crested Butte and Gothic to help supply the town. By 1886, Crystal had a population of 400 and was a profitable little mining town. In 1893, there was a crash in the price of silver and the mines closed. By 1915, only 8 people remained. In 1916, another mine was reopened and Crystal boasted a population of 75. Shortly after, the mine failed. By 1917 the town was deserted.
Today, Crystal is most famous for its mill on the river. The picturesque, rickety, old, wooden building sitting next to the little waterfall in the river is a beautiful sight. Besides the Crystal Mill, there are still several cabins and the Crystal Club remaining.
To get to Marble, take I-70 exit 116 (Glenwood Springs exit). Take Highway 82 south 12 miles, then Highway 133 south for about 22 miles. When you get to FR 314 take a right (east). Go 6 miles to Marble. To get to Crystal continue on for 6 miles. You will need a high clearance and probably 4 wheel drive vehicle to get to Crystal, but not Marble.
