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38 "GEORGETOWN.

 

South Clear creek, mingle their translucent waters with
those of that stream within the town limits, and Virginia
Canon, a deep gorge, through which the road from
Central winds its circuitous way, terminates at the
northern boundary of the town. The mountains on
either side rise to an elevation of at least 1,000 feet,
their slopes covered with grass and timber, interspersed
with bare rocks and rugged crags. Good liveries are
established here, and teams, saddle-horses or outfits
may be had for trips to Bear creek (8 miles), or Chicago
Lakes (15 miles), for trout fishing, or to Berthoud’s
Pass (16 miles), and the Hot Sulphur Springs of
Middle Park, 60 miles.

On the following day I resumed my outside seat on
the coach bound for Georgetown, 13 miles distant.
This is a most important town, and is described by
Mr. Blake, in his excellently written “*Hand-Book to
Colorado,” as follows:

“ Georgetown, the capital of Clear Creek County, and
center of the chief silver region of Colorado, is a live,
prosperous city, “beautiful for situation,’ and of wonder-
ful resources. The place has grown rapidly during the
past year, and though still without railroads, her enter-
prising citizens have recognized no drawbacks, and
have made her, if not in population, at least in wealth
and stability, the second city in the Territory. The
location of the city is romantic, in a valley on South
Clear creek, at an altitude of 8,452 feet. On three
sides, east, south and west, the mountains rise abruptly
1,500 feet. The west mountain is gray, bare rock; the

 

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