Crystal Mill
by Ellen Heaverlo
Title
Crystal Mill
Artist
Ellen Heaverlo
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photography
Description
The picturesque Crystal Mill is one of the most photographed sites in Colorado. Its precarious perch on an outcropping of rock just above the Crystal River, framed by beautiful aspens and a backdrop of stunning mountains, gives it an undeniable visual appeal.
Though some misinformed people have dubbed it the Dead Horse Mill, that name is erroneous and was never historically used. Historically speaking, the Mill was known as the Sheep Mountain Power House, and was located on the Lost Horse Millsite. Today it is known as The Crystal Mill.
The mill, constructed in 1893, harnessed the river adjacent to the mill to power the air compressor housed inside. Early engineers had built a dam across the river, which funneled water down the vertical penstock (the ladder-like structure) onto a horizontal wheel, which drove an axle in the penstock. The penstock powered the air compressor. In turn, the enormous compressor ran drills in the nearby Sheep Mountain and Bear Mountain mines. The drills were used to bore holes in the mine walls for the placement of dynamite. Once the dynamite was detonated, the miners removed the ore.
The mill closed its operations in 1917. Continuing efforts to preserve it have been aided by Gunnison and Aspen Historical Societies, residents of Crystal and Marble, and interested individuals caught by the spectacle of the old Mill.
Uploaded
September 8th, 2013
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Viewed 3,734 Times - Last Visitor from Cambridge, MA on 04/19/2024 at 3:15 AM
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Comments (7)
Ellen Heaverlo
A huge thank you to the buyer from McLean, VA. I hope this photograph will bring you much joy :)
Tim Reaves
Nice one Ellen, I'm looking to get there this fall.
Ellen Heaverlo replied:
Thanks Tim! It's an interesting one lane rocky 4 wheel trail going there from Marble. The other choice is walking the 5.6 miles...
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