Founded in 1877 by George S. Lee
Founded in 1877 by George S. Lee, Capitol City was originally named Galena City. Lee had a grand vision for the town, hoping to transform it into the capital of Colorado. He invested heavily in the community, building a luxurious home, a sawmill, and a smelter. Despite his efforts, the town’s fortunes were tied to the fluctuating silver market.
As the price of silver plummeted, Capitol City began to decline. Litigation and transportation issues further hindered its growth. By the early 20th century, the town had been abandoned. Today, only a few remnants of its past remain, including the old U.S. Post Office and Lee’s Smelter Stack.
