History of Idaho Springs, Colorado
On January 5, 1859, during the Colorado gold rush, prospector George A. Jackson discovered placer gold at the present site of Idaho Springs, where Chicago Creek empties into Clear Creek. It was the first substantial gold discovery in Colorado. Jackson, a Missouri native with experience in the California gold fields, was drawn to the area by clouds of steam rising from some nearby hot springs. Jackson kept his find secret for several months, but after he paid for some supplies with gold dust, others rushed to Jackson's diggings. The settlement was first called Spanish Bar, later renamed Idaho Springs, after the hot springs.
The first placer discoveries were soon followed by discoveries of gold veins in the rocks of the canyon walls on both sides of Clear Creek. Hardrock mining became the mainstay of the town long after the gold-bearing gravels were exhausted.
A strike by Idaho Springs miners demanding the eight-hour day in May of 1903 erupted into violence, and was one local struggle in a much broader fight called the Colorado Labor Wars.
As you pass through Idaho Springs the entrance of the Argo tunnel is visible across the canyon. This long tunnel drained and gave access to many lodes between Idaho Springs and Central City. In the late 20th century the town evolved in a tourist center along U.S. Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 40, which ascend Clear Creek Canyon through the historical mining district.
The town today is squeezed along the north side of Interstate 70, with a historical downtown on its western end and a strip of tourist-related businesses on its eastern end. It also serves as a bedroom community for workers at the Loveland Ski Area farther up the canyon. The town today is the largest community in Clear Creek County, but for historical reasons the county seat has remained at Georgetown.
Beau Jo's, a well-known pizza restaurant in Colorado was founded in Idaho Springs in 1973 and still maintains its original location, though the company headquarters is now in Lakewood, Colorado.