Call NumberX-2606CreatorFaul, HenryDate1860-1869SummaryThis is the earliest known photograph of Central City, Colorado, which was probably taken in the early 1860s. The image shows a dirt road flanked by log cabins. Mine tailings scar the hillside, and a few trees remain at the top of the hill. Pioneer log structures were built in the early days of settlement in Colorado. Often, they were built in or near mountainous regions and were constructed of round logs, hewn logs, or millwaste. Builders laid the logs on alternating tiers, which were notched at the ends to fit together. Spaces between the logs were filled with wood, stones, moss, wet clay, animal hair, or straw. Founded in 1859 by the Georgian, John Gregory, Central City remained a town with mostly wood structures until the fire of 1974.Physical Description1 copy photonegative : black and white ; 10 x 13 cm (4 x 5 in.); 1 photoprint : black and white ; 20 x 24 cm (8 x 9 3/4 in.)Born-Digital or AnalogAnalogSubjectCentral City (Colo.)--19th centuryGeographic AreaCentral City (Colo.)CollectionPhotographs - Western HistoryRelated MaterialImage File: ZZR710002606Type of MaterialFilm negativesPhotographic printsNotesEdges of print obscured by corrosion of emulsion on original glass negative, the location of which is unknown. Formerly F11568. Hand-written on back of photoprint: In Colorado on Glass, Mangan says photographer is Rufus E. Cable. Photoprint's top edge is torn in two places, and upper right corner torn off. Other corners slightly worn. Title supplied by cataloger. R7100026065
Faul, Henry, Central City, Colorado (1860-1869). Denver Public Library Digital Collections, accessed 21/01/2026, https://digital.denverlibrary.org/nodes/view/1015928
