Launched in Lake Gulch south of Central City
By David Forsyth
On July 4, 1872, William B. Walling launched a steamboat on the lake at the head of Lake Gulch, south of Central City (about where the Gold Mountain Village apartments are now). It was the first steamboat launched in Colorado. John Bennett claimed 155 acres of land around the lake in 1862 for ranching, but by 1864 he had branched out into the resort business. He built a dance hall at the lake that was known as the Lake House or the Lake View House, and it was a popular Fourth of July destination for Gilpinites. The first Fourth of July celebration at the lake was in 1864, and included dancing and boating on the lake. By 1866 the festivities had grown to include swings, shooting matches, balloon ascensions, and food stands, including one where Mr. Storer, the Central City auctioneer, sold peanuts and lemonade. Events in 1869 included a wrestling match and horse rides.
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