Matchless Mine: A Glimpse into Leadville's Silver Boom

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Explore a legendary silver mine and the poignant story of Baby Doe Tabor in Leadville, Colorado's historic mining district.

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Matchless Mine

The Matchless Mine in Leadville, Colorado, offers a fascinating look into the state's silver mining history. Once owned by Horace Tabor, the mine produced millions in silver and became the home of his second wife, Baby Doe Tabor, who lived there for decades after his death. Today, visitors can take surface tours of the mine and explore Baby Doe's cabin.

A brief summary to Matchless Mine

120 W 9th St, Leadville, Colorado, 80461, US
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Local tips

The Matchless Mine is open seasonally, typically from Memorial Day through late September. Check the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum website for current hours.
Purchase a ticket that includes entry to both the Matchless Mine and the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum to experience more of Leadville's mining history.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the mine site.
Be cautious when using GPS to guide you to the mine, as it can sometimes be misleading.

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Getting There

Walking

From the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum at 120 W 9th St, head east on 9th Street. Turn left onto Harrison Ave, then turn right onto E 7th St. Continue east on 7th Street for approximately 1.25 miles. The Matchless Mine will be on your left, marked by a purple ore bucket. The walk is approximately 2 miles and should take about 40 minutes.
Public Transport

Lake County Transit offers free transportation within Leadville. Check the Lake County Transit website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From a transit stop in Leadville, you may need to walk the final distance to the mine on E 7th St.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Leadville. Request a ride to 120 W 9th St, Leadville, CO 80461. The fare for a short trip within Leadville is typically around $10-$15.
Driving

From downtown Leadville, take 7th Street east from Harrison Avenue. Follow 7th for approximately 1.25 miles and watch for a purple ore bucket on the left. There is parking available on-site. Parking is free.

Discover more about Matchless Mine

Step back in time at the Matchless Mine, one of Colorado's most famous silver mines, located in the historic town of Leadville. Purchased in 1879 by Horace A.W. Tabor, the Matchless Mine quickly became one of the richest silver mines of the era, producing an estimated $7.5 million in silver. Tabor's success with the Matchless Mine made him one of the wealthiest men in Colorado, allowing him to establish businesses and construct the Tabor Opera House. The Matchless Mine is equally known for the poignant story of Elizabeth “Baby Doe” Tabor, Horace's second wife. After Tabor's death in 1899, Baby Doe lived in a small cabin on the property, clinging to the hope that the mine would once again become profitable. She lived in poverty, and after a snowstorm in 1935, she was found frozen in the cabin. Visitors to the Matchless Mine can take a self-guided surface tour of the property, exploring the headframe, hoist house, and blacksmith shop. A highlight is Baby Doe's cabin, preserved with many of its original furnishings, offering a glimpse into her life at the mine. Though tours do not go underground due to safety concerns, the site provides a rich historical experience. Informative kiosks around the property tell the story of the mine and its significance.