Wagon road over Taylor Pass is officially opened. A telegraph connecting Aspen, Ashcroft and Crested Butte is completed. Independence's population reaches 500 and it is served by four grocery stores, four boarding houses and three saloons. The Farwell mines close and Mill shuts down. Through various investments Mr. Wheeler injects much needed cash into the community.
Hotel burns down.
Hydro electric power is used in the mines. Electric Company turns on power to 40 stores. Soon Aspen will have public electricity throughout the community. Aspen Water Company is organized. Aspen's first telephone system is installed in the Spar Consolidated Mine.