Our Colorful History On Display Victor's history is one of exploration, ranching, gold mining and railroading. In 1890 and 1891 prospectors discovered the rich gold ore that touched off the legendary Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Rush. The ranching country on Pikes Peak's western slopes was quickly transformed as prospectors flocked to the area to seek their fortunes in gold.
With the discovery of gold, it became a priority to link the Cripple Creek and Victor Mining District to Colorado Springs, Florence and beyond. Stage roads and railroads carried construction materials, food, clothing, coal, ore and people to and from the District towns and goldfields.
Some of those historic routes now comprise the segments of a grand loop of backcountry adventure called the Gold Belt National Scenic Byway. Other historic routes offer more opportunities to explore the 1890’s connections to Colorado Springs.
A multitude of pioneers rushed to this area to get rich quick, most of them ended up poor - either leaving in search of better fortune or staying to make Victor and the area home. Some though struck it rich and built a legacy of gold mining that begs to be told.
The Victor Lowell Thomas Museum features displays on the historic gold mining days as well the miners and pioneers, some of them millionaires, who made town famous.
Displays The Lowell Thomas Room dedicated to the famed world traveler who grew up in Victor. The Dr. A.C. Denman & Lillian Titmas - equipment of Victor's family doctor's office. Antique Doll Collection - hundreds of dolls of all kinds. Victorian Rooms filled with original furniture and household items from the turn-of-the-century. Outdoor Mining Display filled with relics of the 1890's mines - a tour guide book is available that describes the equipment. Mining Display in our main gallery includes drills, a real 1-ton ore car, mining lamps and a miner's cabin. Historic photos and the Cripple Creek/Victor Centennial Quilt are also on display.
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The Victor Museum was opened in its current location in June 1958 thanks to a group of local women who wanted to house and protect Victor's history. The building had been under disrepair since a fire in 1952 and the money to purchase the museum building was loaned to the museum association by Rudy Balke. 
Memories of Rudy Balke City of Victor’s Benefactor by Chuck Clark Dateline History of the VLT Museum Deed History |
