to
Update
is a Home Rule Municipality that is the most populous town in Summit County, Colorado, United States. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 3,610.
Silverthorne Colorado is named after Judge Silverthorn, Summit County pioneer and judge from the late 1800s, known as "Hangin' Judge Silverthorn" for his strict demeanor. The town of Silverthorne was incorporated 1967-09-05.
Silverthorne began as a convenient place to move buildings from the site of old Dillon, a town which was relocated prior to being flooded with the waters behind the Dillon Dam. The first post office and general store were both buildings moved from old Dillon.
The Old Dillon Inn, famous for its neon "BA" sign, (The R never having been illuminated,) is another transplant from Old Dillon. Recently when the sign was refurbished, the "R", which was painted on behind the dead neon letter, was simply left out. For many years, unknown to the owners, original works of art by famous western artists Frederick Remington and Charles Russell adorned the walls of the Old Dillon Inn. In the early '70's, the Old DI, as it is known locally, was sold to a man who recognized the paintings, whereupon the paintings were promptly removed and the mortgage defaulted. The Old Dillon Inn closed down in 2007.
At least one building in Silverthorne was moved from the town of Kokomo, which was bought by the Climax mine in order to construct a slag pond for their molybdenum mining operation. That building, a former hotel, was placed on the site of the current Eddie Bears store at the approximate center of the town of Silverthorne. Frank and Nellie Flynt converted the old building into Silverthorne's general store, where they did a good amount of business until Frank died in the early '70's.
Silverthorne's identity was originally envisioned as a four season sports destination when the Dillon Dam, a key source of water for Denver, Colorado, began construction in 1960. Silverthorne later became a bedroom community for seasonal workers, who supported Summit County's ski industry after the Eisenhower Tunnel was finished in 1973. Silverthorne experienced a boom in recreational skiing during the late 60's.
Colorado's Eisenhower Tunnel goes through the Continental Divide near Loveland Pass. The new tunnel linked Silverthorne with Denver via Interstate 70 and served as the thoroughfare, to the west, for many major Colorado ski resorts. These ski areas include Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, Vail and Beaver Creek. The new interstate also literally paved the way for many commercial businesses in Silverthorne, including City Market, Silverthorne Factory Outlet Stores, Target and many others. Silverthorne enjoys a high quality of life due to its unique alpine environment, restricted growth, and ample outdoor activities.