Local History

A cozy reading area with red chairs, a small table, shelves of books, a plant, and a view of nature outside.
Local history sitting area
Display case featuring local history artifacts, books, photographs, and memorabilia, donated by Ralph and Ricky Lauren.
The local history items display
A cozy reading area with red chairs, a small table, shelves of books, a plant, and a view of nature outside.
Display case featuring local history artifacts, books, photographs, and memorabilia, donated by Ralph and Ricky Lauren.

In the cozy north east corner of the library is our collection of local history items. We have reference materials that are only accessible at the library, and regular check out materials, including information about the True Grit. There is also a display with historic photographs and items from the Ridgway area. 

Browse items in this collection here (link to Local History Collection in AspenCat catalog)

Some additional items we have available to view at the library include: 

  • The Ridgway Sun:
    • April 3rd - December 25th 1980
    • January - December 1981
    • January - December 1983
  • The Populist:
    • August 14th 1896 - August 5th 1898
    • August 12th 1898 - August 3rd 1900
  • Ridgway, Colorado Historic Centennial Souvenir Issue (1891-1991)
  • Local Obituaries
  • Scott (Marie Scott) Photo Album
  • Ridgway Rodeo info, including posters
  • Copies of newspaper articles regarding historic local events, such as Ridgway Railroad Museum opening, the State Centennial, the Ridgway Reservoir Dam/Dallas Creek Project, ranching, cowboys, films in the area.
  • Ridgway Register of Electors 1916
  • Family trees
  • Maps:
    • Map of Ridgway area with handwritten notes of homestead locations
    • Various maps of hiking trails, jeep trails, back roads
    • Sanborn maps of Ridgway area (1908, 1914)
    • Map of Ouray Gold District
  • True Grit Movie information 
  • Panoramic photo of Double RL Ranch location
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