Webster

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Container Type: Lock & Lock
Code Location: Inside container
Access Info: This cache is located on USFS property.
Winter Access: Same, but special equipment may be required.

The community of Webster was created in the late 1870s when it was briefly the terminus of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad, receiving its post office in 1877. Construction on the railroad continued in 1878, but by that time the area had attracted other business investors such as the Lamping family, who constructed charcoal-producing kilns in Webster. The charcoal was sent to the smelters in Leadville, and the Lampings saw success in the business until they ceased operations in 1893.The kilns, mining interests, local ranching, and the timber industry kept the town afloat for many years, but the post office closed in 1909 and little historical evidence of the town remains today. This cache will take you along an old mining road just west of Webster that offers scenic views of the valley below.

Charcoal kilns at Webster in 1898, courtesy of the Park County Local History Archives

Take County Road 60 northwest from Highway 285 from approximately one mile until you reach Forest Service land. An unmarked road on your right will lead to a gate with a Road Closed sign. Park here and hike up the road to the cache.