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The Town of Encampment has a rich history dating
back to the mining boom days of the 1880's, when the famous
Ferris-Haggerty copper load was discovered by an English
sheepherder. Ed Haggerty's claim contained enough raw copper to
become the economic base of the Grand Encampment boom. With
that huge discovery came the miners and promoters who laid out
the mile square town complete with four parks.
At its peak, Encampment had five big stores, a transportation
company, a public school, two church societies, a literary club,
a literary club, a band, a newspaper, 31 mining companies, 13
saloons and a number of dance halls.
Today, Encampment has a year round population of about 500
residents. The town is the gateway to the Sierra Madre
Mountains and the Medicine Bow National Forest. It is a popular
destination for snowmobilers, nature enthusiasts and people
looking for a quiet get-a-way.
The Grand
Encampment Museum is one that you will not want to
miss...especially in July when they have their
Living History Days. The museum has a large collection from
the good old mining days as well as the history leading up to
the present day.
Encampment hosts several events throughout the year including
the
Sierra Madre Winter Carnival, held the first full weekend in
February, Woodchoppers Jamboree held the the third full weekend
in June, the
Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering and Grand Encampment held
the 3rd full weekend in July and of course
Copper Days Festival the 2nd full weekend in September.
The Grand Encampment Opera Hall is over 100 years old and is
still used by the town as the town hall, a gathering place and
is still used for Melodramas performed by local residents four
times a year.
Be sure to check our
calendar so that you don't miss one minute of excitement in
Encampment.
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