Thus, the mining camp that had been known as Baker's Park was renamed Silverton in 1874 to honor her rich mineral reserves. The town population peaked 1900-1912, with the railroad tapping the fabulously rich San Juan Mountain District. Most of Silverton's fine governmental and business buildings were constructed in this prosperous period. Today, this National Historic Landmark has an active historical Society which has preserved the past 100 plus years of Silverton and San Juan County history. Silverton offers a style of living, where there is more time for family and community.
Children enjoy growing up in a clean, safe community where they can walk or bike around town.
The k-12 school has a low teacher pupil ratio, which is an important factor in education. The school has one of the highest percentages of teachers with masters' degrees in the state. Silverton High School graduates are prepared for the future with real world experiences and many go on to college and vocational schools. Families benefit from the strong sense of community found here. From the Fourth of July Parade and the summer music festivals to the Snowscape Winter Carnival - life is good in Silverton.