Summit County’s history is rich in mining and homesteading long before the allure of skiing, and the Summit Historical Society is on a mission aimed at preserving Summit County’s Heritage. The Society is currently working to secure a place on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties for two iconic structures: the 1883 Dillon Schoolhouse and the Rice Family Barn in Summit Cove.
Why the State Register Matters
The Colorado State Register of Historic Properties recognizes sites of significant cultural value. This formal recognition highlights their historical importance and provides access to grants from the State Historical Fund and state tax credits for restoration and preservation.
Summit County already boasts several properties on the register, such as the Breckenridge Historic District, the Frisco Schoolhouse, and the Montezuma Schoolhouse. Adding the Dillon Schoolhouse and Rice Family Barn will deepen the county’s historical portfolio.
A Community Effort
In collaboration with local government, including the Town of Dillon and the Summit County Board of Commissioners, the Historical Society has taken essential steps to secure the future of these landmarks. Both the Dillon Town Council and the Summit Board of County Commissioners have signed intergovernmental agreements recognizing the historical significance of these sites.
A Closer Look at the Historical Gems
1883 Dillon Schoolhouse
Constructed in 1883 in what was once the old town of Dillon, this historic schoolhouse is one of only three remaining from the county’s 12 original one-room schoolhouses. Today, it serves as the Summit Historical Society’s museum and interpretive site, in what is now Dillon, after it was moved for the reservoir.
Visitors can experience life as it was in the late 19th century, with historic desks and interactive classes that recreate the multi-age learning environment of the time.
Rice Family Barn
Built between 1917 and 1919 by Benjamin Franklin Rice and his sons, the Rice Family Barn stands as a testament to Summit County’s transition from a mining hub to a ranching community.
The barn housed draft horses, hay, and essential equipment. It remains the best-preserved example of a ranching homestead in the county and still evokes the atmosphere of its early days. Located in Summit Cove, the barn has watched the region transform from a homesteading community to a thriving ski and recreation destination. It stands as a symbol of the county’s resilience and adaptability through changing times.
Rice Barn
Preserving Summit County’s Heritage for the Future
The addition of the Dillon Schoolhouse and Rice Family Barn to the state register will cement their places as key pieces of Summit County’s history. These sites will continue to educate and inspire both residents and visitors, offering a tangible connection to the county’s pioneering spirit.
For those who love history and want to learn more, the Summit Historical Society offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the area’s rich past. From museum tours to hands-on classes, there’s always a chance to discover something new—or old—about Summit County.
In preserving these structures, the Summit Historical Society ensures that the county’s vibrant history remains accessible, celebrated, and protected for generations to come. To find out how to tour these properties and learn more about the Summit Historical Society and all it’s preservation in Summit County got to their website at https://summithistorical.org/
