Historic, Archaeological &
Paleontological Resources
Historic, archaeological and paleontological resources should be preserved to
provide links to the area’s past.
These resources foster an understanding of our past, and can serve as an inspiration for future generations. They can provide a
sense of roots and identity plus recognition and commemoration of past events and persons. Preservation and adaptive reuse of
historic resources can have positive economic impacts within a community, as well. The destruction of an important historic, archaeological or paleontological site is an irreversible loss. Known historic and archaeological sites within the Conifer/285 Corridor
Area include, but are not limited to:
• Homesteads and ranches
• Cemeteries
• Schools
• Churches
• Fire houses
• Hotels
• Post offices
• Mines
• Sawmills
• Railroad routes
• Stagecoach & wagon roads
• Reported artifact locations, campsites or trails
The Appendix contains historic sites that are listed in “The National Register of Historic Places” or “The State Register of H istoric
Properties,” as well as a list of sites considered by area citizens to have historic, archaeological or paleontological sig nificance.
The Jefferson County Historical Commission also maintains an inventory of sites having historic significance.
Policies
1. Consideration should be given to utilizing an open space area to establish a museum showcasing items of historical significance to the area’s railroad/stagecoach era. If in danger of destruction or deterioration, historic structures could be reloca ted to
this museum.
2. A working ranch, such as those listed in the Appendix, should be maintained.
3. Oral interviews with long-time residents of the Conifer/285 Corridor Area should be conducted to gather information in order to
identify and evaluate historic, archaeological and paleontological resources.
4. These oral histories should be collected and recorded in coordination with the Jefferson County Historical Society and the Jefferson County Historical Commission in order to preserve the historic knowledge of the area for interpretation to future generations.
5. Consider unique Geologic Resources, such as rock outcroppings and exposed cuts that are unique example of geologic history, when evaluating New Development. The County should evaluate existing maps and, if needed, create new maps, for the location of these resources.
References
Inventories of sites having historic significance are maintained by the Jefferson County Historical Society and Colorado Historical
Society.
A complete list of historic sites (Jefferson County Cultural Resource Survey Reconnaissance Survey Report, 2001 -2002) or curHistoric –Draft 1 - clean
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rent survey is available, for reference only, in the Jefferson County Planning & Zoning Department or Jefferson County Historical
Commission.
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