History

A Glimpse Into The PAST

The Chapters of FREIGHT's Story

Founded in 2017 by Nan & Dave Anderson, the idea for FREIGHT arose out of the incomparable potential of Leadville to serve as the backdrop for an authentic mountain-West experience. Soon after Nan & Dave discovered this vacant, classic freight depot they knew that the barn-like structure, once renovated, would be a space unlike any other for bridging Colorado’s old world with its new.

Women
Of The Cabins

FREIGHT's boutique on-site hotel S.L.umber Yard, hosts 13 modern cabins each named after an historic Leadville prostitute. The old saying goes: “First the miners came to work in the mine. Then came the ladies who worked on the line." Historical accounts of these women can be found in fragments of newspapers, obituaries, court cases, and in a handful of library books. We seek to keep their stories alive in the story of Leadville.

Women
Of The Cabin

The old saying goes: “First the miners came to work in the mine. Then came the ladies who worked on the line,” The women’s stories are every bit as dramatic. Historical accounts of these women can be found in fragments of newspapers, obituaries, court cases, and in a handful of library books.

Smith Lumber Legacy

Started in 1896 as Smith’s Camp, the business was incorporated as S.L. Smith Lumber in 1900 and spanned four generations of local ownership. It was Leadville’s oldest continually owned family business until 2021.

Smith Lumber
Legacy

Started in 1896 as Smith’s Camp, the business was incorporated as S.L. Smith Lumber in 1900 and spanned four generations of local ownership. It’s Leadville’s oldest continually owned family business.​

Freight's
Barn Renovation

A renovation of integrity, the Anderson's brought their historic preservation experience, their Leadville connections, and their dedication to re-enlivening old buildings to the 16 month labor of love. From adding 21st century building practices to a 19th century building, to preserving historic graffiti, discover the work that earned this site a state award for preservation.

Freight's
Barn Renovation

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A Brief Leadville History

In 1884, FREIGHT was a train freight depot & lumber warehouse. Abandoned in 2012, purchased in 2017, its subsequent restoration work reinvented it as a vibrant, award-winning event facility. From the ash ink graffiti on the walls to the historic lumber shed/now bandstand, FREIGHT operates as a building that straddles eras.

A Brief
History

In 1884, we began as a train freight depot & limber warehouse. Abandoned in 2015, purchased in 2017, its subsequent restoration work reinvented it as a vibrant, award-winning event facility. From the ash ink graffiti on the walls to the historic lumber shed/now bandstand, Freight operates as a building that straddles eras.

Stay With Us
& Discover Leadville

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