Aspen, city (1990 pop. 5,049), Pitkin co., central Colo., on the Roaring Fork R. at mouths of Hunter, Castle, and Maroon creeks; 39°11'N 106°49'W. Elev. 7,908 ft/2,410 m. Once a booming silver camp producing 1/3 of the nation’s silver (there is still some mining), it was transformed by the private capital of a Chicago industrialist into a modern, cosmopolitan ski resort, one of most popular in the world. Mfg. (publishing, protective clothing, stucco-plaster, jewelry, skiwear). Area surrounded on all but NW by White River Natl. Forest. Independence Pass (and ghost town) 12,095 ft/3,687 m to SE. Four major ski areas: Aspen Mt. and Aspen Highlands to S, Buttermilk and Snowmass to W. Aspen Center for Enviromental Studies and the Aspen Music Festival at Whitier Opera House (which holds an annual festival) are here. Founded c. 1879 by silver prospectors from Leadville, inc. 1881.
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Pitkin co., central Colo., on the Roaring Fork R. at mouths of Hunter, Castle, and Maroon creeks; 39°11'N 106°49'W. Elev. 7,908 ft/2,410 m. Once a booming silver camp producing 1/3 of the nation’s silver (there is still some mining), it was transformed by the private capital of a Chicago industrialist into a modern, cosmopolitan ski resort, one of most popular in the world. Mfg. (publishing, protective clothing, stucco-plaster, jewelry, skiwear). Area surrounded on all but NW by White River Natl. Forest. Independence Pass (and ghost town) 12,095 ft/3,687 m to SE. Four major ski areas: Aspen Mt. and Aspen Highlands to S, Buttermilk and Snowmass to W. Aspen Center for Enviromental Studies and the Aspen Music Festival at Whitier Opera House (which holds an annual festival) are here. Founded c. 1879 by silver prospectors from Leadville, inc. 1881.
