Fascinating Facts of Silverton

In addition to the tremendous beauty and quantity of activities and adventure one will find in the San Juan Mountains, here are some "little-known" facts that make the area even that much more of a "gem."

• Silverton was founded in 1874
  
• Silverton's oldest standing structure was built in 1876.
  
• The elevation of Silverton is 9,318 feet above sea level.
  
• Silverton is the only incorporated town in San Juan County.
  
• People DO live here in the winter - Silverton has approximately 473 year-round residents.
  
• At one time, Blair Street had forty fully-functioning saloons.
  
• The average annual snowfall is 200 inches.
  
• In 1932 Silverton was snowed in for 32 days at one time.
  
• in 1977 Silverton was snowed in for only 3 days, total. Modern technology and excellent road crews mean that Silverton is rarely isolated for more than a day at a time.
  
• The growing season in Silverton lasts approximately 14 days.
  
• Rhubarb and horseradish are the main crops in many town gardens.
  If you're interested in rhubarb you can visit the Rhubarb Compendium.