National Trust Names GEORGETOWN, COLO., One of
America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Annual List Promotes Heritage Tourism
Washington, D.C. (April 29, 2003) – Under a night sky
sequined with stars, Georgetown, Colo. (population 1,088) is pure
enchantment. Nestled among the West’s
most majestic peaks, Georgetown sprang into existence in the summer of 1864,
when the discovery of the Belmont Lode started a stampede of prospectors and
ultimately gave the town its nickname, “Silver Queen of the Rockies.” Many vestiges of the town’s heyday remain,
including the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a marvel of engineering, hailed as the
most complex railroad loop in the world at the turn of the century. Today, the historic railroad is still
thrilling passengers as it traverses the Devil’s Gate High Bridge, soaring 95
feet above Clear Creek. A year-round
vacation wonderland, Georgetown’s spectacular setting provides unlimited
opportunities for fun. Summer months
offer trout fishing, back-country hiking, biking, rafting and more – while
during ski season, Georgetown is a convenient base for hitting the nearby
slopes.
For these reasons, the National Trust for Historic Preservation,
the country's largest private, nonprofit preservation organization, today named
Georgetown to its 2003 list of America’s
Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly
preserved communities in the United States.
In
recognizing Georgetown, the National Trust singled out two museums: the Hotel
de Paris, established in 1875 and long famed as one of the West’s most elegant
inns; and the Hamill House, completed in 1879 as the home of silver baron
William A. Hamill and filled with furnishings from the owner’s birthplace in
England. Also of note: the town’s holiday celebrations, which
include a Christmas Market, Santa Lucia Processional, and horse-drawn wagon
rides.
"It is encouraging to see communities so committed
to the preservation of their historic landmarks, the revitalization of their
downtown areas, and the protection of their unique heritage," said
National Trust President Richard Moe. "Georgetown represents a truly
distinctive slice of America. That makes it an exciting alternative to the
homogenization of many other vacation spots. It is my hope that more American
cities and towns will follow Georgetown’s lead in preserving their own spirit
of place."
The
cities and towns on the 2003 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations
are:
Burlington,
Vt. (pop. 38,889): On the
shores of beautiful Lake Champlain, Burlington boasts an active arts scene, a
rich architectural legacy and a number of internationally-known museums, making
this both a convenient gateway to Northern New England and the perfect getaway.
Coronado,
Calif. (pop. 24,100): For more
than a century, this charming seaside village and its opulent fantasy hotel,
“The Del,” have lured both jet-setters (including the Duke and Duchess of
Windsor) and everyday visitors with an irresistible combination of natural
beauty, history and over-the-top elegance.
Edenton,
N.C. (pop. 5,394): Steeped
in history, Edenton inspired some of
the country’s earliest female political action. Today it showcases three
centuries of architecture, a number of prominent African-American historic
sites, waterfront parks, a canoe and kayak trail and a National Fish Hatchery.
Galveston,
Tex. (pop. 57,247): This
city that rose from ruin after a devastating hurricane is still charming visitors,
who find Galveston’s cache of historic buildings, restaurants, shops, art
galleries and kid-friendly adventures – including an offshore oil rig and a
historic sailing ship.
Georgetown,
Colo. (pop. 1,088): Nestled
among some of the West’s most majestic peaks, Georgetown still beguiles those
who come to ski, fish, hike, bike, raft or soak in the ambience of an
authentic, yet largely undiscovered silver mining town.
Jekyll
Island, Ga. (pop. 1,000): Six miles off Georgia’s coast, the island
that was purchased by America’s wealthiest industrialists in 1886 still
glitters today with unspoiled beaches, the ruins of a former cotton plantation
and traces of early Native-American inhabitants who called this place “golden.”
Keene,
N.H. (pop. 22,563): Chartered
in 1753, tiny Keene is a Currier & Ives landscape come to life, where
pristine local landmarks, Revolutionary War reenactments and bucolic rolling
hills provide a perfect spot for family fun.
Mackinac
Island, Mich. (pop. 500 year-round): Reachable
only by ferry, 8-mile-long Mackinac Island’s breathtaking scenery, richly
detailed architecture, well-preserved historic sites and striking natural
wonders have been captivating visitors for centuries.
Natchez,
Miss (pop. 18,464): A
richly preserved antebellum town, Natchez is a feast for the eyes with a
treasure trove of distinctive architectural styles, year-round festivals and
diverse historic sites that celebrate the community’s African-American and
Native-American heritage.
New
Harmony, Ind. (pop. 916): A
Southern Indiana jewel, New Harmony was founded by German religious refugees in
1814 and is today a living museum, where perfectly preserved historic
structures and year-round festivals are reminders of the 19th
century dream of creating a perfect society.
Portland,
Maine (pop. 64,249): On a
rocky coastline decorated with fine sand beaches, Portland is a destination
rich in historical significance and inherent beauty, with a bustling
waterfront, vibrant arts district and a collection of remarkable buildings.
Vancouver,
Wash. (pop. 143,560): Located just across the Columbia River from
Portland, Ore., with carefully preserved historic sites and spectacular nearby
natural wonders such as Columbia Gorge and Mount St. Helens, Vancouver is an
ideal family destination.
This is the fourth time the National Trust for Historic
Preservation has compiled a list of A
Dozen Distinctive Destinations. More than 50 destinations in 27 states were
nominated by preservation organizations and local communities.
The 12 winning communities met these criteria:
well-managed growth, a commitment to historic preservation with a protected
historic core and meaningful context, interesting and attractive architecture,
cultural diversity, activities for families with children, an economic base of
locally-owned small businesses, and walkability for residents and visitors.
In each community, residents have taken forceful action
to protect their town’s character and sense of place. Whether by enacting a
local preservation law to protect historic buildings against demolition,
rewriting zoning codes to prevent commercial sprawl, removing regulatory
barriers to downtown housing, making downtown areas more walkable, enacting
design standards, or taking some other major step that demonstrates a strong
commitment to their town, residents have worked hard to preserve the historic
and scenic assets of their communities, with rewards that transcend town
limits.
The
National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization
dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable.
Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the Trust provides
leadership, education and advocacy to save America’s diverse historic places
and revitalize communities. Its
Washington, DC headquarters staff, six regional offices and 21 historic sites
work with the Trust’s quarter-million members and thousands of local community
groups in all 50 states. For more
information, visit the National Trust’s web site at www.nationaltrust.org.
Protecting the Irreplaceable
1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036