North London Mill Preservation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit, aims to preserve Colorado's mining heritage and develop an alternative model for outdoor recreation, minimizing impact on land and resources, while remaining responsive and responsible to surrounding communities.
The North London Mill site lies at the base of the historic high mountain pass connecting Park and Lake Counties, CR12, Mosquito Pass. From 1892 to 1942, the North London Mill processed one of Colorado's richest gold strikes. In November, 2017, NoLo was awarded a $15,000 grant from History Colorado to conduct an Historical Structure Assessment of the Mill. The HSA was completed during the summer of 2018, and provides us with a plan for preservation and identifies possibilities for repurposing for recreational and educational use. Among potential uses for the structure, we envision a museum interpreting the site and exhibiting artifacts found there, and educational programming in partnership with South Park National Heritage Area, Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative, and local and other Colorado schools. Programs could include outdoor education in a variety of subjects, including: avalanche awareness and safety, snow science, geology, wildlife biology, botany, archaeology, history, and environmental studies. We are working closely with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources/Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, in order to rehabilitate the historic structure, the cost of which is estimated at $1.5M.
In far better condition and smaller in scale, the North London Office is the first rehabilitation project at Mosquito Pass. This building served as the base of operations for the London Mines from 1883-1942. The Office had a kitchen, dining room, and 4 sleeping rooms for mine managers and important visitors.
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(Above and Below) The North London Office in 2017 |
The goal is to rehabilitate the Office as a backcountry hut, similar to the huts of the 10th Mountain Division and Summit Huts Associations. The Office will be available to the public for overnight use.
The North London Office Following Completion of the Exterior Rehabilitation, 2021
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The North London Mill (background) and Office (foreground), March 2017 |
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4WD vehicles make their way up Mosquito Pass |
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Wildflowers abound |
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March 2017 ski tour with Backcountry Magazine
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Author and guide Fritz Sperry skiing "The Wave" on London Mountain, March 2017 |