Caring For Our Past
Telluride is rich in valuable historic resources. Buildings, sheds, and site features all contribute to the distinct character of the community, serve as a connection with the past, and help inform development decisions for the future.

In 1961, the town was officially designated as a National Historic Landmark District because it possessed "outstanding significance in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States," and, in particular, the mining boom era from 1878 to 1913. In order to protect the integrity of this district, a variety of tools are used to help regulate development and conduct comprehensive design review. Follow the links below to learn more about this district, the regulations governing it, and the benefits of preservation.

In 2021, Telluride celebrated 60 years as a National Historic Landmark District. The Historic Preservation Department and Telluride Historical Museum have partnered together to prepare and issue, Telluride Then and Now, a special edition journal exploring the history of historic preservation in Telluride.