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Frisco's history began with the Ute Indians who first traveled the region now known as Summit County. The first white men to come through this area were known as "mountain men" who trapped in the high mountain lakes for the thick coat of the beaver. The mountain men trapped in this territory from 1810 to around the 1840s. The 1870s ushered in mining to the area. Founded in 1873 by Henry Recen, the Town of Frisco quickly developed thanks in part to the locale's many mines. By 1882, the permanent population reached 250 with two railroads, many businesses, hotels, saloons and the many mines. The mining boomed lasted until 1918.
Along with the rest of the country, Frisco was hit by the Depression. By 1930, Frisco's permanent population had dropped to only 18 people. Frisco was one of the few old mining towns to keep going. Many of the smaller, less accessible mining towns were deserted. Frisco persevered and by 1946 the population had increased to 50. Frisco, with a current population just under 2,800 full-time residents, remained a sleepy town with a sprinkling of summer tourists until the ski industry - which now attracts some 3 million people a year to the area -- brought a new boom era to Summit County. Frisco is the centrally located town in the very middle of Summit County. It straddles Interstate 70, with 2 exits on this busy highway. The county's only Wal-Mart is located here, along with a shared shoreline of Lake Dillon. In addition to a marina, other points of interest include the Frisco Historic Park, which offers visitors a chance to experience life in Frisco in the 1880's. The Park contains eight historic buildings including Frisco's original 1881 Jail, Log Chapel, a recreated Trapper's Cabin, Schoolhouse Museum, and four homes circa 1880's. Three of these buildings are home to some of Frisco's finest crafters. Heading south on Highway 9 toward Breckenridge, you'll find the
Peninsula Recreation Area. The Peninsula contains a multi-purpose
field, a disc golf course, several campgrounds, picnic facilities
and an extensive trails system. In the summer and fall, the Recreation
Area hosts mountain bikers and hikers who enjoy trails winding through
the forest and along the shores of Lake Dillon. A ballfield with
a view of surrounding mountains and picnic areas attracts families
and groups. In the winter, the Peninsula is home to the Frisco Nordic
Center and a playground for cross-country skiers, snowshoers and
biathletes. |
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