Long before the elegance found throughout Steamboat Springs today - before the existence of the Steamboat Grand Hotel, Sheraton or One Steamboat Place - lodging was a rugged endeavor reserved for the most avid outdoorsmen. Access was difficult when visiting the Yampa Valley and accommodations were simple cabins at first.
When Steamboat was nothing more than a handful of cabins, a few wealthy Boulder businessmen shared founder James H. Crawford's dream of developing the springs into a world class health resort. They enjoyed spending long summer months with family and friends as they 'rusticated' in the area. According to Perry's Steamboat diaries, hunting, fishing and long baths in the springs were favorite group activate. His diaries were some of the earliest and most complete record's of daily pioneer life in Steamboat Springs.
"Little Cabin" Early Resident of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. First store and hotel in Steamboat Springs.
One of the first two cabins built in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Loaned to Perry A. Burgess and family in 1881.
Operated by Francis E. Milner, business partner of Perry Burgess.
Milner was a nephew of Steamboat Springs Town Co.shareholder Lewis Cheney.
DPL Western History & Genealogy Photo Collection.
Following the turn of the century, passenger train service finally reached Steamboat Springs. Thru the efforts of several enterprising citizens, in 1909 the famous Cabin Hotel was constructed beside the Yampa River in expectations of a new wave of tourists. Francis E. Milner, best known as "F.E. Milner" boosted of spending over $100,000 on the Cabin Hotel and it's 100 rooms. Nightly room rates ranged from $1.00 - $2.50, however there was only a single bathroom. In 1939 the establishment was destroyed by fire- a well known event in Steamboat history. And thus the end of an era had come. The old Cabin Hotel was located on the current site of the Bud Werner Memorial Library in downtown Steamboat Springs.
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F.E. Milner's Cabin Hotel. |
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Steamboat Cabin Hotel Dinning Room |
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F.E. Milner's Steamboat Cabin Lobby |
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Fish Creek Falls |
- Travis Thompson
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