One of many Buildings in Cortez
More Cortez Buildings
Many buildings dot the area
Silver discoveries in mountain cliffs led to the formation of the Cortez company in 1863.
By late 1864, buildings, roads, and a mill had been built. In 1869, Cortez got its own post office. Mining continued until the 1930s when the Depression made operations unprofitable. In 1969, using new technology, gold mining began about two miles to the north. Mining is still active today in the Cortez area. Cortez itself is abandoned. The original mill foundations remain, along with newer mill foundations further up the mountain and several buildings.
Many Buildings are hidden by the Trees
A newer wooden Building
The interior of one of the Buildings
