The town of Telluride was originally founded as Columbia back in the late 1800s. The name was soon changed when the mail, the sustenance of lonely mining life in the high country, was misdirected to Columbia, California. Some say the name Telluride was derived from ‘tellurium’, a semi-metallic element found in the vicinity of gold-bearing ore. Other say it was named after ‘To Hell You Ride’, a castaway 
call from loved ones bidding farewell to those crazy enough to search for their fortune in the 14,000-foot peaks of the San Juans.
This thriving mining camp had a population of 5,000 by the turn of the century, but the prosperity and fortune soon busted. Mining became obsolete with the devaluation of gold and silver, and Telluride’s community was whittled down to 500 souls by 1930. Fortunately, this ‘town without a bellyache’ came full circle in only two-score years, experiencing a second boom 
with the development of the ski area.
Rich in history and designated a National Historic District in 1964, Telluride is known as the place where L.L. Nunn developed the world’s first alternating current power plant; the home of Bridal Veil, Colorado’s longest free falling waterfall; and the infamous location of Butch Cassidy’s first daring bank robbery. Telluride is living reminder of the romantic and rugged Old West.
Today, the hotel Columbia pays tribute to Telluride’s colorful history while providing guests the opportunity to experience modern-day Telluride. We wish you a stay as memorable as our colorful history.
The staff of the Hotel Columbia
