On Tuesday, October 8, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners approved an executed contract to purchase real property at 14874 Highway 119, which is part of the original homestead of the Rudolph Ranch. The primary purpose for the pending acquisition is for the water rights vested with the property, along with associated ways to strengthen the County’s water rights position in the Ralston Creek Watershed. The County has a 90-day due diligence phase until it closes on the property.
Commissioner Mornis stated, “I am thrilled about this opportunity to purchase land which has much needed water rights in the Ralston Creek Watershed. This water will supplement the anticipated increase in future water use of the Sheriff Office and the Parks & Recreation services. Anyone who has lived in Colorado, even for a short while knows water is “King”! For Gilpin County to be able to purchase water in an ever-growing competitive environment is fortuitous!!”
Commissioner Hollingsworth agreed “this is an exciting acquisition for Gilpin County as besides adding to the county water rights, it has the historic Centennial barn and potential tourism and other county use opportunities. It's a beautiful generational property."
Commissioner Berumen added, “this is an amazing opportunity for the County to preserve part of Gilpin County’s heritage as well as strengthening the County’s infrastructure with the additional water rights and storage capacity. The acquisition of Rudolph Ranch and its reservoir will be beneficial in many ways to the County now and in the future. “
History of the property: The original 160 acres of the Rudolph Ranch in Black Hawk were purchased in 1878 by Frederick Rudolph. An additional 80 acres were patented in 1907. Mr. Rudolph operated a shoe shop in Black Hawk, leaving his wife and nine children to run the ranch. In addition to hay and cattle, they raised hogs, chickens, and a big vegetable garden. In 1950, it was discovered that the meadow was actually a peat moss bed and now a limited amount of peat moss is part of the ranch produce. Rudolph Ranch was made a Centennial Ranch in 1988.
Photo is of the Gilpin County Commissioners in front of the Centennial Farm sign.
